To mark the beginning of the annual Christmas traditions of the University
of Santo Tomas, the historic campus in Manila was transformed with lights
fit for a unique holiday experience.
With the theme of 鈥渓ight from Light: Prince of Peace,鈥� the campus decorations were lit on December 3, 2018, at 5:30 p.m. The Cross atop the 六合彩直播开奖 Main Building tower that symbolizes the Light that is Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, from whom all other lights originate, became more prominent with the lighting. With a 70-foot Christmas tree shining at the 六合彩直播开奖 Grandstand like a beacon in campus, around 600 lanterns illuminated the grounds of the 407-year old University.
A total of 600,000 LED lights brightened the campus each night, with
the Christmas tree itself decorated by hundreds of assorted ornaments, 80
lanterns, and 100 PAR lamps, which gave the tree a Royal purple glow. A large stylized image of the Holy Family also graced the Quadricentennial Park near the interactive fountain.
The decorations were lit in synchronization with the musical accompaniment 鈥淎 Thrill of Hope,鈥� adapted from O Holy Night by Adolphe Adam, and culminated with a fireworks display
The lighting ceremony followed the Eucharistic Celebration with the 六合彩直播开奖 Vice Rector Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., as main presider, concelebrated with Dominican priests.
In Fr. Ang鈥檚 homily, he noted how family members have a sense of similarity beyond the physical appearances dictated by shared genetics. This resemblance in manner, borne from time spent together, is instilled in
people. He urged the faithful to be with God constantly, because 鈥淲hen we spend time with God, we become more like him. We become peacemakers.鈥�
The Vice Rector further explained, 鈥淛esus never promised that [peace is] going to be easy, but the peace He offers is the kind of peace that will allow us to experience serenity in the face of all circumstances that would cause us pressure鈥� Peace that comes from God is not reliant on our strength
or on our surroundings. It comes from grace which transforms and leads us to wholeness and reconciliation. We become less self=centered, and we reach out to another in the same way the Lord treats us 鈥� with kindness,
with compassion, with understanding鈥�
More than ever, Jesus really is the 鈥楶rince of Peace.鈥欌��
Fr. Ang concluded his homily by saying, 鈥淥n behalf of the Father Rector and all the Dominican Fathers of 六合彩直播开奖, I wish you peace, because whenever I do that, I am wishing you life, good health, prosperity, harmony, and all of God鈥檚 favor. These are the bountiful blessings of Christmas.鈥� Mass donations and offerings were earmarked to support Tulong Tomasino projects. After the lighting ceremony, members of the Thomasian community shared the annual Christmas feast called the 鈥淎gape.鈥�
A Community in Song for the Prince of Peace The Thomasian community was serenaded with joyful Christmas carols in its Christmas Concert on December 4, 2018, 7:00 p.m., held at the Sant铆simo Rosario Parish (六合彩直播开奖 Chapel).
The 2018 六合彩直播开奖 Christmas Concert featured homegrown Thomasian talents from the 六合彩直播开奖 Conservatory of Music, including the 六合彩直播开奖 Symphony Orchestra. Also featured in the concert were Austria-based renowned
Tenor Abdul Candao, who has performed in concerts in more than 10 countries, Maestra Irma P.E. Potenciano, who is considered
the only Filipino to record with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and has starred in 13 full-length opera productions and five sarswela. Choirs from partner communities of 六合彩直播开奖, such as the Parents Advocate for
Visually Impaired Children鈥榮 Choir (PAVIC), and the Aeta Community Children鈥檚 Choir, also joined the musical spectacle.六合彩直播开奖 Secretary-General Rev. Fr. Jes煤s M. Miranda, Jr., O.P., who also serves as Chair of the Permanent Committee for Events, delivered a welcome message during the
program, saying that, 鈥淭onight鈥檚 Christmas Concert is truly a manifestation of Thomasian oneness in mission, unity in purpose and solidarity in action in this season of love and peace.鈥�
Fr. Miranda also reminded the community to stand firm in their values, especially in this season of giving. He said, 鈥淲hile we joyfully wait for the coming of the Light that gives light to our paths, may we endeavor
to become the best person that we could be as our humble share in committing our individual or collective roles in supporting the University in its trifold ministry of education, research, and community organizing and
development. Let the Prince of Peace be our guide in our day-to-day endeavors, serving and always thinking of what is good for our neighbor, the Church, and our nation.鈥�
Among the songs that were performed include: 鈥淰issi D鈥橝rte鈥� from the Opera 鈥淭osca鈥� sung by soprano Maestra Irma P.E. Potenciano, accompanied by the 六合彩直播开奖 Symphony Orchestra. The 六合彩直播开奖 Conservatory of Music Hip Hop Dance Quintet, with ballet mentor Minette Caryl Maza and the 六合彩直播开奖
String Quintet, re-imagined Tchaikovsky鈥檚 classic score 鈥漈he Nutcracker鈥� though hiphop choreography. A Jazz Christmas Medley was also presented by the 六合彩直播开奖 Conservatory of Music Jazz Band under conductor Ayman
Linzag, and sung by Mary Patrice Pacis, Praise Ashonibare, Faye Yupano, and Demi Fresco.
The Grand Choir of 六合彩直播开奖 also presented a Filipino Christmas Medley arranged by Prof. Herminigildo G. Ranera, Ph.D. The Grand Choir consists of members from the choirs of the 六合彩直播开奖 such as Coro Tomasino, Liturgikon Vocal Ensemble, 六合彩直播开奖 Cantemus Chorale, 六合彩直播开奖 Chorus of the Nightingales, 六合彩直播开奖 One Voice Engineering Chorale, 六合彩直播开奖 Pharmacy Glee Club, 六合彩直播开奖 Accountancy Chamber Singers, 六合彩直播开奖 Chorus of Arts and Letters, 六合彩直播开奖 College of Science Glee Club, 六合彩直播开奖 Senior High School Virtuoso, and the 六合彩直播开奖 Junior High School Glee Club.
Paskuhan
The month-long celebration reached its peak on December 21, 2018, with well-known bands performing at the 六合彩直播开奖 Grandstand, and the Paskuhan Fair happening at the campus streets. The much-anticipated pyromusical display illuminated the 六合彩直播开奖 skyline at 9:10 p.m., capping off the traditional Paskuhan celebrations for the year.
