The Varsitarian

The Varsitarian The official page of The Varsitarian, the 96-year-old official student publication of UST. The infant was so poor it almost died at birth. Fr. Prof. Rev.
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IT TOOK more than three centuries since its foundation before the University of Santo Tomas could come up with a school paper of its own. It required the resourcefulness and courage of Jose Villa Panganiban (who later became the prestigious head of the National Language Institute) and the other founding fathers before the wish of having "something to write on" could be realized. For indeed, puttin

g up a school paper then was next to the impossible---financially and administratively. But for Panganiban, the idea of having an official student organ, one that would serve not only as a chronicler of campus events but also as a repository of student talents, was more than a passing fancy. It was a question rooted in raw optimism and constantly kindled by the burning passion to write. In January 1928, a group of student-writers of the original UST Literary Club eventually secured the sanction of the University authorities for the publication of an official college paper. They practically begged for funds, subscriptions and contributions to finance the paper. Indeed at the start, it would seem as if the Varsitarian could not go on. But it did not. For although the Varsitarian was poor in the coffers, it was never impoverished in spirit. Through the years, the Varsitarian has grown. One day in September 1927, a group of young Thomasians under the leadership of a journalism student---Jose Villa Panganiban, gathered at the University restaurant. The group drafted a petition addressed to then Rector Rev. Serapio Tamayo, O.P. calling for the establishment of an official student organ in UST. The idea, however, became an unhappy victim of the Filipino ningas kugon. Instead, the UST Literary Club was organized which received an official sanction from the Father Rector in December of the same year. Despite the pessimism of everyone, of even some of the initiators themselves, about the possible success of the student paper in the University, the club, under the presidency of Pablo Anido (a junior medical student), revived the original plan of putting up a college paper. At the same time, Panganiban, who was then working as a hot cake cook in the University restaurant, wrote a letter to the Father Rector and presented his views about the matter: "There are 2,000 students in Santo Tomas. Let us admit that 1,000 of these are slackers but we still have 1,000 students to help us in the undertaking. At [a] 50-centavo subscription from each of the latter, we can publish a college paper that will live until March 1928 at least. Besides, there is income from the advertisements and this will help a great deal." John Jefferson Siler of the English department and one of the moderators of the Literary Club admitted that the suppositions of the hot cake man were really convincing. So after a series of correspondence and conferences with the Father Rector and University authorities, and with the support of Prof. Siler, the Father Rector gave his approval. Consequently, on the morning of January 16, 1928, the maiden issue of the Varsitarian came off the press. Anido became the first editor in chief of the Varsitarian, with Panganiban, the hot cake man and fondly dubbed the "Father of the Varsitarian" as the associate editor, business manager and editor of the Alumni and Humor sections. Juan Labrador, O.P. (then dean of the College of Liberal Arts ) and Prof. Siler became the first moderators. Through the years, the pages of the Varsitarian would be graced by some of the most sterling names in Philippine journalism: Teodoro Valencia, Joe Guevarra, Felix Bautista, Jose Bautista, Joe Burgos, Antonio Siddayao, Jess Sison, Jullie Yap-Daza, Antonio Lopez, Rina Jimenez-David, Neal Cruz, A. O. Flores, Jake Macasaet, Fred Marquez, Mario Hernando, Alfredo Saulo, Alice Colet Villadolid, and Eugenia Duran-Apostol. The titans of Philippine literature learned writing in the Varsitarian: Bienvenido Lumbera, F. Sionil José, Celso Al Carunungan, Ophelia Alcantara-Dimalanta, Paz Latorena, Cirilo Bautista, Federico Licsi Espino, Wilfrido Nolledo, Rogelio Sicat, Cristina Pantoja-Hidalgo, Norma Miraflor, Eric Gamalinda and Vim Nadera. Varsitarian alumni also distinguished themselves in public service and in other fields. There are the late Manila Mayor Arsenio H. Lacson, the late Manila Archbishop Artemio Casas, former Vice-president Emmanuel Pelaez, the late Sorsogon Gov. Juan Frivaldo, Sen. Francisco Tatad, former Philippine Medical Association president Dr. Vicente Rosales, Sr., and National Artist for the Visual Arts J. Elizalde Navarro.

UAAP SEASON 86 men’s beach volleyball MVP Alche Gupiteo is transitioning back to indoor volleyball as he prepares to joi...
06/01/2025

UAAP SEASON 86 men’s beach volleyball MVP Alche Gupiteo is transitioning back to indoor volleyball as he prepares to join the UST Golden Spikers for the Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament.

ALCHE GUPITEO RETURNS TO INDOOR VOLLEYBALL ➡️➡️🏐BREAKING: UAAP Season 86 men’s beach volleyball MVP Alche Gupiteo is mak...
05/01/2025

ALCHE GUPITEO RETURNS TO INDOOR VOLLEYBALL ➡️➡️🏐

BREAKING: UAAP Season 86 men’s beach volleyball MVP Alche Gupiteo is making his return to indoor volleyball as he joins the UST Golden Spikers for the Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament, the Varsitarian has learned.

Gupiteo, who represented the Tiger Sands in Season 87, originally entered UST as an indoor volleyball recruit, alongside fellow Mindanao standout Josh Ybañez.

GRADES ARE OUT 🤞🏻 BREAKING: Term 1 grades are now available for viewing at the MyUSTe student portal. Registration for T...
04/01/2025

GRADES ARE OUT 🤞🏻

BREAKING: Term 1 grades are now available for viewing at the MyUSTe student portal.

Registration for Term 2 begins on Jan. 7 while regular classes resume on Jan. 13.

Southeast Asian Games medalists Janna Catantan (women’s foil), Noelito Jose (men’s epee), Alexa Larrazabal (women’s epee...
03/01/2025

Southeast Asian Games medalists Janna Catantan (women’s foil), Noelito Jose (men’s epee), Alexa Larrazabal (women’s epee), and Hanniel Abella (women’s epee), along with UAAP gold medalist Eunice Villanueva (men’s sabre), secured spots on the national roster by finishing in the top four of their respective categories.

FIVE UST fencers will join the national fencing team in 2025 after advancing through the Philippine Fencing Association’s (PFA) seven-leg selection process, which spanned 10 months and concluded in

BREAKING: Malacañang declares the Feast of Jesus Nazareno on Thursday, Jan. 9, a special non-working day in the City of ...
03/01/2025

BREAKING: Malacañang declares the Feast of Jesus Nazareno on Thursday, Jan. 9, a special non-working day in the City of Manila to “ensure orderly procession of devotees and to facilitate the flow of traffic.”

The image of the Black Nazarene will traverse through more than 20 streets from Quirino Grandstand back to Quiapo Church on the day of the Traslación. Over 6.5 million people participated in last year’s procession.

While Israel Cantos’s UST career ended on a low note, he said he concluded his collegiate taekwondo career fulfilled.
03/01/2025

While Israel Cantos’s UST career ended on a low note, he said he concluded his collegiate taekwondo career fulfilled.

FOR THE past five seasons, UAAP gold has eluded the UST Tiger Jins. That trend continued in Season 87, where they settled for bronze, a step down from their silver finish in previous years. Throu

UST MIGHT be one of the Philippines’ most established institutions, but its General Santos (GenSan) campus is still in i...
03/01/2025

UST MIGHT be one of the Philippines’ most established institutions, but its General Santos (GenSan) campus is still in its infancy.

To aid in launching UST GenSan, the university has named 29-year-old Silver Hiponia as the first director of the Communications Bureau for its Mindanao campus.

UST MIGHT be one of the Philippines' most established institutions, but its General Santos (GenSan) campus is still in its infancy.To aid in launching UST GenSan, the university has named 29-year-

LAST DAY TO JOIN ‘V’!The Varsitarian, the official student publication of the University of Santo Tomas, is looking for ...
03/01/2025

LAST DAY TO JOIN ‘V’!

The Varsitarian, the official student publication of the University of Santo Tomas, is looking for writers, artists, photographers, and videographers for Publication Year 2024-2025.

WRITERS AND REPORTERS: Applicants for writing positions will undergo a specialized exam (date to be announced after the deadline). Applicants may choose from the following sections: Sports, Special Reports, and Filipino.

Optional: Applicants may attach up to three sample works published in print or online.

ARTISTS: Art section applicants must attach a portfolio consisting of four (4) illustrations drawn using traditional media, three (3) digital artworks, and one (1) layout sample (poster, magazine, newspaper spread, etc.).

PHOTOGRAPHERS: Photography applicants must attach an album consisting of three (3) landscape photographs, two (2) portrait photographs, and five (5) photos of events coverage, whether in or out of UST.

VIDEOGRAPHERS: Applicants must attach three (3) short videos of 2 minutes each.

Applicants must be bona fide college-level students of the University. Fill out the online application form to apply: bit.ly/Varsitarian2024Midyear

Deadline of submissions will be on Jan. 3, 2025. Attach a copy of your latest grades from your MyUste account and resume on the online application form.

For inquiries, contact [email protected] or [email protected].

1 DAY LEFT TO JOIN ‘V’!The Varsitarian, the official student publication of the University of Santo Tomas, is looking fo...
02/01/2025

1 DAY LEFT TO JOIN ‘V’!

The Varsitarian, the official student publication of the University of Santo Tomas, is looking for writers, artists, photographers, and videographers for Publication Year 2024-2025.

WRITERS AND REPORTERS: Applicants for writing positions will undergo a specialized exam (date to be announced after the deadline). Applicants may choose from the following sections: Sports, Special Reports, and Filipino.

Optional: Applicants may attach up to three sample works published in print or online.

ARTISTS: Art section applicants must attach a portfolio consisting of four (4) illustrations drawn using traditional media, three (3) digital artworks, and one (1) layout sample (poster, magazine, newspaper spread, etc.).

PHOTOGRAPHERS: Photography applicants must attach an album consisting of three (3) landscape photographs, two (2) portrait photographs, and five (5) photos of events coverage, whether in or out of UST.

VIDEOGRAPHERS: Applicants must attach three (3) short videos of 2 minutes each.

Applicants must be bona fide college-level students of the University. Fill out the online application form to apply: bit.ly/Varsitarian2024Midyear

Deadline of submissions will be on Jan. 3, 2025. Attach a copy of your latest grades from your MyUste account and resume on the online application form.

For inquiries, contact [email protected] or [email protected].

Today, Jan. 1, we celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.(Art by Aisha Sofia M. Fortes/ The Varsitarian)
01/01/2025

Today, Jan. 1, we celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.

(Art by Aisha Sofia M. Fortes/ The Varsitarian)

2 DAYS LEFT TO JOIN ‘V’!The Varsitarian, the official student publication of the University of Santo Tomas, is looking f...
01/01/2025

2 DAYS LEFT TO JOIN ‘V’!

The Varsitarian, the official student publication of the University of Santo Tomas, is looking for writers, artists, photographers, and videographers for Publication Year 2024-2025.

WRITERS AND REPORTERS: Applicants for writing positions will undergo a specialized exam (date to be announced after the deadline). Applicants may choose from the following sections: Sports, Special Reports, and Filipino.

Optional: Applicants may attach up to three sample works published in print or online.

ARTISTS: Art section applicants must attach a portfolio consisting of four (4) illustrations drawn using traditional media, three (3) digital artworks, and one (1) layout sample (poster, magazine, newspaper spread, etc.).

PHOTOGRAPHERS: Photography applicants must attach an album consisting of three (3) landscape photographs, two (2) portrait photographs, and five (5) photos of events coverage, whether in or out of UST.

VIDEOGRAPHERS: Applicants must attach three (3) short videos of 2 minutes each.

Applicants must be bona fide college-level students of the University. Fill out the online application form to apply: bit.ly/Varsitarian2024Midyear

Deadline of submissions will be on Jan. 3, 2025. Attach a copy of your latest grades from your MyUste account and resume on the online application form.

For inquiries, contact [email protected] or [email protected].

SEVEN UST alumni have been appointed to key positions in the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and Department of Justi...
01/01/2025

SEVEN UST alumni have been appointed to key positions in the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and Department of Justice (DOJ), the Presidential Communications Office announced on Tuesday, Dec. 31.

FOUR UST alumni have been appointed to key positions in the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and Department of Justice (DOJ), the Presidential Communications Office announced on Tuesday, Dec. 31.

Nawa’y patuloy na magningas ang alab ng hiraya at likha sa pagsalubong sa bagong taon.Tumatanggap pa rin ng mga kalahok ...
01/01/2025

Nawa’y patuloy na magningas ang alab ng hiraya at likha sa pagsalubong sa bagong taon.

Tumatanggap pa rin ng mga kalahok na akda ang ika-40 na Gawad Ustetika para sa mga sumusunod na kategoriya: Tula, Poetry, Katha, Fiction, Sanaysay, Essay, at Dulang May Isang Yugto/One-Act Play.

Bukás ang timpalak sa lahat ng mga mag-aaral sa kolehiyo at mga antas graduwado at posgrado sa UST sa Taong Akademiko 2024-2025.

Sagutan ang Google Form (http://bit.ly/40thGawadUstetika) at ilakip ang mga sumusunod: kopya ng akda (MS Word format), kopya ng registration form ng kalahok, at Certification of Originality na nilagdaan ng isang propesor sa Ingles o Filipino.

Tatanggap ang Varsitarian ng mga lahok na akda hanggang ika-18 ng Enero 2025, Sabado.

Para sa mga katanungan at iba pang detalye, tawagan sina Karis Tsang (0927 858 1633) at Diana Cabalo (0969 627 3910), o magpadala ng email sa [email protected].

THE UNIVERSITY has appointed Asst. Prof. Jaezamie Ong as the new director of the Office for Student Affairs, one of the ...
01/01/2025

THE UNIVERSITY has appointed Asst. Prof. Jaezamie Ong as the new director of the Office for Student Affairs, one of the 13 offices and academic units that saw leadership changes at the start of the year.

THE UNIVERSITY has appointed Asst. Prof. Jaezamie Ong as the new director of the Office for Student Affairs, one of the 13 offices and academic units that saw leadership changes at the start of the ye

ONG IS NEW OSA DIRECTORBREAKING: Asst. Prof. Jaezamie Ong has been appointed director of the UST Office for Student Affa...
31/12/2024

ONG IS NEW OSA DIRECTOR

BREAKING: Asst. Prof. Jaezamie Ong has been appointed director of the UST Office for Student Affairs (OSA), officially succeeding Asst. Prof. Maria Cecilia Tio Cuison.

Ong had been serving as interim director since March after Tio Cuison went on medical leave following the controversy over the office's censorship of student media organization TomasinoWeb.

The Office of the Secretary General announced Ong’s appointment, along with those of several other University officials, on Wednesday.

Fr. Maximo Gatela, O.P. was named acting regent of the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, while Fr. Roman Santos, O.P. will assume the same post for the College of Education.

Newly appointed secretaries of their respective academic units are Asst. Prof. Arne Barcelo of the College of Information and Computing Sciences, Asst. Prof Citadel de Castro of the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, and Hazel Misola of the UST Senior High School.

Asst. Prof. Christopher Ladao was appointed dean of the College of Information and Computing Sciences after previously serving in an acting capacity.

Asst. Prof. Gilda Kamus was named assistant director of the Institute of Physical Education and Athletics. Replacing her as institute secretary is Prof. Jerome Porto.

Taking over as editor of publications Boletín Ecclesiástico and Philippiniana Sacra is Fr. Clarence Marquez, O.P., who concurrently serves as acting rector of the UST Central Seminary. He will be assisted by Fr. Norberto Castillo, O.P. for Philippiniana Sacra and Fr. Efren Rivera, O.P. for Boletín Ecclesiástico.

Asst. Prof. Warren Bacorro was named chief program officer of the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery’s Research Center for Health Science, while Neriza Adorna will serve as the assistant principal for student formation of the UST Senior High School.

Fr. Christopher Garinganao, O.P. will serve as the library coordinator of the Ecclesiastical Faculties, while Asst. Prof. Maria Maranion will assume the post of chief program officer for clinical programs at the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery.

Katherine Sibug will assume the role of assistant director of the Office of Public Affairs, while Assoc. Prof. Kim Medallon will be the assistant to the director of the Center for Innovative Teaching and Educational Delivery.

Story to follow.

31/12/2024

The Varsitarian wishes everyone a wonderful 2025.

Happy New Year, Thomasians!

: “Fireworks”Ni Joshua John De La PeñaMula sa “Montage,” The Varsitarian Literary Magazine (Vol. 13, August 2019) Wawas...
31/12/2024

: “Fireworks”
Ni Joshua John De La Peña
Mula sa “Montage,” The Varsitarian Literary Magazine (Vol. 13, August 2019)

Wawasakan natin ang maligayang araw
samantalang naririto sa patio
ang mga parokyano, nagkakagulo
sa pipintuhong santo.
tahimik nating ilalatag sa mga espasyong nakatago ang mga paputok; papagsiklabin
ang itinanim na mga pasabog.
Pagniningasin natin ang langit:
pipintahan ng p**a at lila ang buong parokya.
Habang umaalingawngaw ang mga sigaw,
Pupugnawin natin ang mga ulap hanggang
sa mahalinhan ang aliwalas ng himpapawid:
itim.
Anumang silaw ng mga pailaw,
lalamunin lang din naman ito ng dilim
sa wakas–
tapos na ang palabas
at ngayong gabi’y
nakangiti silang mahihimbing.

(Dibuho ni Mhyzell Dayne J. Oblepias/ The Varsitarian)

THE YEAR 2024 was pivotal for UST, as it was marked by both remarkable achievements and significant controversies.UST re...
31/12/2024

THE YEAR 2024 was pivotal for UST, as it was marked by both remarkable achievements and significant controversies.

UST reached a historic milestone in its 413-year history with the opening of its first and largest branch campus, UST General Santos (GenSan). The University also unveiled new edifices at UST Manila and UST Santa Rosa, signaling an ambitious threefold expansion.

However, 2024 was also marred by two major PR crises, arguably the most significant for UST in recent history. The Office for Student Affairs (OSA) faced national scrutiny for its censorship of the student organization TomasinoWeb, while the University’s implementation of the Manila health permit requirement drew backlash from unions and labor groups.

Join us as we revisit the top stories of 2024.

THE YEAR 2024 was pivotal for UST, as it was marked by both remarkable achievements and significant controversies.UST reached a historic milestone in its 413-year history with the opening of its f

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Welcome, 2025!
Welcome, 2025!

The Varsitarian wishes everyone a wonderful 2025. Happy New Year, Thomasians!

Merry Christmas, everyone!

PAG-ALABIN ANG HIRAYA AT LIKHA NG PANITIKANG TOMASINO! Ang ika-40 Gawad Ustetika ay tumatanggap na ng mga kalahok na akda para sa mga sumusunod na kategoriya: Tula, Poetry, Katha, Fiction, Sanaysay, Essay, at Dulang May Isang Yugto/One-Act Play. Bukás ang timpalak sa lahat ng mga mag-aaral sa kolehiyo at mga antas graduwado at posgrado sa UST sa Taong Akademiko 2024-2025. Sagutan ang Google Form (http://bit.ly/40thGawadUstetika) at ilakip ang mga sumusunod: kopya ng akda (MS Word format), kopya ng registration form ng kalahok, at Certification of Originality na nilagdaan ng isang propesor sa Ingles o Filipino. Tatanggap ang Varsitarian ng mga lahok na akda hanggang ika-18 ng Enero 2025, Sabado. Para sa mga katanungan at iba pang detalye, tawagan sina Karis Tsang (0927 858 1633) at Diana Cabalo (0969 627 3910), o magpadala ng email sa [email protected].

‘NOTHING TO BE ASHAMED OF’ UST head coach Haydee Ong says the Growling Tigresses still had a stellar Season 87 despite falling short of defending their crown against the NU Lady Bulldogs on Sunday. According to Ong, the team will stick to its program and focus on player development to reclaim the title in Season 88.

‘WALANG IIYAK’ WATCH: The Growling Tigresses struggle to hold back emotions during a huddle after their 78-73 loss to the UAAP Season 87 champions NU Lady Bulldogs.

Agape 2024 Drone Show
Agape 2024 Drone Show

DRONE SHOW LIGHTS UP UST SKIES 🌟 WATCH: A 12-minute Christmas-themed drone show illuminates the sky at UST during Friday’s Agape, featuring festive figures like Santa Claus and lanterns and concluding with the “Go USTe" chant.

40th Gawad Ustetika Promo
40th Gawad Ustetika Promo

Aling kategoriya ang nagpapaalab ng iyong damdamin? 🤔  Tumatanggap pa rin ang ika-40 Gawad Ustetika ng mga kalahok na akda. Sagutan ang Google Form: http://bit.ly/40thGawadUstetika. Bukás ang timpalak sa lahat ng mga mag-aaral sa kolehiyo at mga antas graduwado at posgrado sa UST sa Taong Akademiko 2024-2025. Para sa mga katanungan at iba pang detalye, tawagan sina Karis Tsang (0927 858 1633) at Diana Cabalo (0969 627 3910), o magpadala ng email sa [email protected].

Minimizing errors will be a priority for the Growling Tigresses as they prepare for Game 2 of the UAAP Season 87 finals against NU, according to UST head coach Haydee Ong. Although UST forced 31 turnovers from NU, the Growling Tigresses also committed 23 errors, including 10 in the third quarter, when the Lady Bulldogs began to chip away at their deficit and mount a comeback. READ: https://varsitarian.net/sports/basketball/20241208/tigresses-falter-late-as-lady-bulldogs-claim-game-1-thriller

INKBLOTS PROMO VID
INKBLOTS PROMO VID

3 DAYS LEFT BEFORE REGISTRATION ENDS The Varsitarian invites you to the 26th edition of Inkblots, the annual national campus journalism fellowship, which will be held on Jan. 11 and 12, 2025 at the University of Santo Tomas, España, Manila. Inkblots is the annual gathering of campus journalists, journalism and communication enthusiasts, and media practitioners that aims to discuss trends and issues in the campus journalism and news media landscape. On its 26th year, Inkblots will have the theme “Campus Press as a Catalyst for Truth in the 2025 elections.” The two-day event will feature the country’s most esteemed journalists discussing various topics, including running a digital newsroom, reporting on the elections, feature writing, sports writing, and photojournalism, among others. All students, school paper advisers, and journalism teachers are welcome to attend. The subsidized registration fee is ₱1,000.00 per head. Inkblots will cover lunch and snacks for two days, as well as a fellowship kit. Limited slots are available. You may now register online at https://www.ust.edu.ph/inkblots/. For more inquiries, contact Ralent Penilla (0966 203 1314) or Janica Kate Buan (0995 449 3563) or the Varsitarian office at 3406-1611 loc. 8235. You may also contact us via email at [email protected].

🎄 WATCH: Thomasians roar as UST lights up the Christmas tree at the Open Field on Friday.

WATCH: UST illuminates the Christmas lights and decorations around the campus on Friday, marking the start of this year’s Olympics-inspired Paskuhan. According to UST Facilities Management Office Director Fr. Dexter Austria, O.P., the Olympics was chosen as the theme for the decorations because, like the birth of Jesus, it is a “global symbol of hope.”

UST’S OLYMPICS-INSPIRED PASKUHAN BEGINS 🏆🎄 WATCH: Carrying the torch, two-time Olympian and former UST Trackster EJ Obiena walks down the Benavides Lane to the Main Building, marking the grand lighting ceremony of UST’s Christmas lights and displays.

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