MONTHS before the campus decor and Christmas tree illuminated the UST grounds, officials were envisioning a Paskuhan anchored on one central theme: Christ’s light transforming into colors of hope.
By August, the Facilities Management Office (FMO) had begun preparations. Guided by UST’s theme “Light Among Us, Hope Through Us,” FMO Director Fr. Dexter Austria, O.P., and his team turned to faith, student life, and modern media influences to shape this year’s Christmas display.
The concept is built around a prism, through which a singular divine light refracts into multiple colors, offering hope to Thomasians amid protests against corruption and calls for accountability in government.
For Austria, the lights stand as a constant emblem of hope, showing the community how one white light can break into many hues.
“We need to see through, meaning Christ is the light shining through us with all the colors that we see around the campus,” Austria told the Varsitarian.
The “Wondrous Garden” theme, seen across the campus and showcased by the 70-foot Christmas tree on the open field, is rooted in the idea of Christ as “the light of all nations” and “the hope of today’s generation.”
This concept was executed by an in-house architectural group working alongside the FMO. Since August, the FMO has handled concept and design development and the installation of Christmas lights and decors.
“As one whole team, we are one in conceptualizing. From conceptualization to execution. We are participating and spreading this light toward other people, so that these colors would symbolize that we have this hope in Christ,” Austria said.
The concept also speaks to the realities Thomasians experience.
The FMO considered the country’s political climate and youth-driven trends that allow students, alumni, and families to connect with the visuals, Austria said.
Some visual components took cues from shows like “KPop Demon Hunters” and “Encantadia” and the Netflix streaming service, but Austria said the “wondrous” quality of this year’s decorations grew out of the themes of resilience and imagination found in these shows.
“Well, as a Catholic University, we always take into consideration our Catholic identity,” he said. “But we need to be sensitive to the struggles of the Thomasian community and the whole nation.”
“With the challenges and the protests, we took into consideration being the light and hope of the nation, especially for Thomasians, as we voice our concerns in society,” Austria said.
Budget limitations also shaped this year’s preparations. After the grand UAAP opening in August, the FMO had to maximize existing resources and materials to deliver something “unique, relevant, and better” than in past years, Austria said.
The Paskuhan festivities began with the lighting ceremony on Nov. 28, marking the start of the month-long celebration just before the first Sunday of Advent.
The kickoff included the Main Building light show, the lighting of the Christmas tree, and performances by the University’s various performing groups.
Tiger Media Network unveiled the Christmas station ID. TOMCAT mounted Tunog Tomasino, the annual battle of the bands.
Austria said the theme ties together the entire Paskuhan season — from the lighting and Advent observance to the Agape and the Grand Paskuhan Concert — into a cohesive celebration centered on hope.
“Paskuhan is always geared up towards that unity for us Thomasians, [it] is one of those activities that unites the Tomasian community. I think it’s the Paskuhan that not only excites people but unites all the Thomasian family,” Austria said.
The Paskuhan 2025 festivities will continue with the Agape on Dec. 18 and culminates with the Grand Paskuhan Concert on Dec. 19.
