Page 49 - The Flame

40,000 voices for UST’s Neo-centennial

Thomasian community sang in unison as University breaks into a new era

A NEW era has begun. singing harmoniously with their fellow Thomasians.
A sea of blue, pink, orange, and yellow-clad members of the “I was excited and we unexpectedly found ourselves al-
Thomasian community sang in unison together with the UST ready singing, I felt goose bumps and [we all felt] the Thoma-
singers and other university chorales as they joyfully welcomed sian pride,” Political Science junior John Carlo Pacala said.
the beginning of a new era in the event 40K Voices for UST’s 400 Journalism senior Alexandra Marie Saclao shared the same
held at the UST Grandstand last January 27. sentiment and said, “The feeling was just overwhelming be-
The event featured 40,000 individuals comprised of Thoma- cause we were next to some alumni and we were all singing
sian students, faculty members, administrators, and alumni together.”
who showcased their collective festive spirits in this once-in-a- “It was overwhelming and I felt proud to witness a grand
lifetime celebration. chorus in one university, more so to be part of this 400-year-old
The song “Holy Art Thou” commenced the crowd’s joyous institution,” Behavioral Science senior Patrick Remo said.
singing followed by a medley of Philippine folk songs and hits
from the Swedish pop group ABBA. “Joyful Joyful We Adore Fireworks spectacle
Thee”, the University’s Quadricentennial Hymn “Ako’y Isang To- The Thomasian community was struck in awe as the pyro-
masino”, and the “UST Hymn” completed the entire set. musical display succeeded. Fireworks were set up at the Arch
Herminigildo Ranera of the Conservatory of Music conduct- of the Centuries, Main Building, Santisimo Rosario Parish, and
ed the UST Symphony Orchestra in playing the songs. UST Grandstand, and was lighted in sync with songs like Adele’s
“Rolling in the Deep” and Coldplay’s “Yellow”, to name a few.
Artlets in unison The Neo-centennial Grand Fiesta then followed wherein lo-
With the continuous music playing and singing, the energy cal delicacies were distributed to Thomasians.
and the tone of the Thomasians’ voices grew stronger as some A Grand Variety Show culminated the night’s festivities as
students locked arms together, while a number of Arts and Let- different bands and artists like Sarah Geronimo, Gloc9, Jaya,
ters (Artlets) faculty members expressed pride and enjoyment Rico Blanco, Ciara Sotto, and Arnel Pineda, among others per-
in their singing. formed. KATHLEEN T. DE VILLA and RANDOLPH B. LEONGSON
Although scattered on the field, Artlets students were found with LORENZ CHRISTOFFER S. MARASIGAN

ARDIGAIL C. SARANGELO