Velada Tomasina: A journey to the past

by Marian P.

The University of Santo Tomas admin staff in their Period Costumes (c) OSA

PRIOR TO THE GRAND Neocentennial celebration of the University of Santo Tomas, Thomasians relived the old UST in Intramuros as they wore their 19^th century-inspired Period Costumes in a living tableau dubbed as “Velada Tomasina” last January 25. Administrators, faculties and students flocked at the Plaza Mayor and in front of Miguel de Benavides statue as the historical marker proclaiming UST as the “National Historical Landmark” was laid down.
Life-size standies of renowned Thomasian alumni and Philippine heroes such as Jose Rizal and Apolinario Mabini were also found at the Plaza Mayor where students, alumni and guests can took pictures. Completing the Hispanic setting were the kalesas which allowed students to have a quick tour around the Quadricentennial Park.

My friends and I wearing our Period Costumes

The re-enactment of the La Naval Procession, which was held during the UST’s tricentennial celebration in 1911 in the old Intramuros campus, highlighted the event. It was then followed by a Eucharistic Celebration led by Caceres Archbishop Leonardo Legaspi, O.P., the first Filipino rector of UST.

The UST Office for Student Affairs Staff

***

 To think that our national hero Jose Rizal once walked in the old UST campus as a student makes me a proud Thomasian. I am grateful to be part of its 401 years of rich history and academic legacy. In 1611, the dream of Miguel de Benavides to establish a school for priests was turn into reality. In 2011, UST reached its glorious 400th year. In 3011, each of us who witnessed its quadricentennial are already buried in tombs of anonymity. But what is left with us is the imprint of Thomasian values and education beyond its four hundred years of existence.