Tag: No. 7

MARAMING obispo ng iba’t ibang diocese at archdiocese ng Pilipinas ang nagmula sa UST. Sa kasalukuyan, 52 na aktibong miyembro ng CBCP ay pawang mga Tomasino. At bilang pagkilala sa kanila, matatagpuan ang kanilang mga larawan sa Bishop’s Gallery ng UST Central Seminary.

INSTEAD of conferring honorary degrees on its alumni who were part of the Malolos Congress, as suggested by the Commission on Higher Education in a 1998 memorandum, the University inaugurated last Jan. 25 a historical marker in the newly renovated Plaza de Sto. Tomas in Intramuros to honor the 54 Thomasian framers of the Malolos Constitiution.

WHEN St. Thomas Aquinas was sent to study under Albertus Magnus, regarded as one the most learned men of his time, his fellow novices called him Dumb Ox because he was stocky and reserved. But the great German philosopher said, “This ox will one day fill the world with his bellowing.”

True enough, Aquinas grew into one of the most influential theologians and philosophers in the world with about 80 works ascribed to him. He is without doubt the most influential Catholic philosopher.

PREVENTION pays well than luck. That’s why vigilance is an effective security measure against crime inside and outside the campus.

The lopsided 50:1 student to security guard ratio in UST should encourage Thomasians to start their own safety precautions. The Varsitarian gathers some simple and useful tips to enhance personal security.

1. Be on the lookout for suspicious-looking individuals inside and outside of UST.

2. Always look snappy and assertive to frighten any potential malefactors.

THE WHOLE nation was on red alert after an attempt to bomb key places in Makati City was spoiled just before the New Year. Most people feared that the threats would mean the repeat of the 2000 Rizal Day bombings that killed 18 persons and injured more than a hundred. But, fortunately, Filipinos celebrated New Year without terror.

As terrorism threatened the world, security measures in the country were tightened, especially in vital installations like airports and railway stations, public places and private institutions.

A YEAR after People Power II, the country is still confronted by severe divisions.

The divide between the rich and the poor, which became evident after the arrest of deposed President Joseph Estrada, has become even wider; the rift needs to be bridged by President Macapagal-Arroyo. But faced with a host of other problems, the government can hardly uplift the lives of the masses.

SINCE UST is the only university in the Philippines with a travel bureau in campus, Thomasian Tourism students will have an edge in the job market.

According to Ferdinand Ocampo, Allpoints Travel Services president, his agency will help tourism students to be more knowledgeable about the travel industry. “I have always believed in youth power,” Ocampo said.

Allpoints formally took over the travel bureau last Jan.11 at the St. Albertus Magnus Bldg. The UST Tourism Department and the Tourism Society sponsored the event.

FORMER Secretary-General Fr. Rodel Aligan, O.P. was elected prior of the St. Thomas Aquinas Convent last Dec. 8.

Fr. Aligan succeeded former Rector Fr. Rolando dela Rosa, O.P., who served as prior for three years.

“It’s a great responsibility to lead the spiritual life of the Dominican community and the University. You need to be a leader and a servant,” said Fr. Aligan.

Before he was elected prior, Fr. Aligan had been appointed as vice-rector for religious affairs of the University last Oct. 16.

A SUMMA cum laude graduate landed fourth in the Chemical Engineering licensure examinations last October to lead 35 other Thomasians who passed the test.

Valarie Ku, one of the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines last year and recipient of the Rector’s Academic Award last March, got a rating of 85.20 percent to place fourth.

However, the total number of Thomasians who took the board exams are not yet available as of this writing.

Last year, CE submitted a passing rate of 52.94 percent where 36 out of 68 passed.

TWENTY-nine Thomasians represented both the University and the country in the Third Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Universities Arts Festival at the University Cultural Center of the National University of Singapore last Dec. 19 to 21.

The students were selected from the Salinggawi Dance Troupe, Teatro Tomasino, Artistang Artlets, Conservatory of Music Rondalla, and the College of Fine Arts and Design (CFAD).