The Varsitarian

The Varsitarian The official page of The Varsitarian, the 97-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.

UST looks to make a bold statement in the return of UAAP volleyball tomorrow.
14/02/2025

UST looks to make a bold statement in the return of UAAP volleyball tomorrow.

The ‘Tagpuan’ Valentine’s celebration concludes with a concert on Friday, Feb. 14, at the UST Plaza Mayor.The event feat...
14/02/2025

The ‘Tagpuan’ Valentine’s celebration concludes with a concert on Friday, Feb. 14, at the UST Plaza Mayor.

The event featured performances by various Thomasian artists, student organizations, and ‘90s love team Marvin Agustin and Jolina Magdangal.

(Photos by James Michael M. Magboo and Djenhard Yreneo Raphael Y. Sapanhila/ The Varsitarian)

Season 85 rookies — now reigning MVP Josh Ybañez, outside hitter Gboy de Vega, former Best Opposite Spiker Jayrack de la...
14/02/2025

Season 85 rookies — now reigning MVP Josh Ybañez, outside hitter Gboy de Vega, former Best Opposite Spiker Jayrack de la Noche, and setter Dux Yambao — will enter their third year in Season 87, which UST head coach Odjie Mamon described as the “peak” of their collegiate careers.

THE UST Golden Spikers turned things around in UAAP Season 85 when they snapped their 11-year silver-medal drought with a team stacked with promising rookies.These rookies — now reigning MVP Jos

14/02/2025

MARVIN & JOLINA SERENADE THOMASIANS ON VALENTINE’S DAY 💗

WATCH: ‘90s love team Jolina Magdangal and Marvin Agustin serenade Thomasians with “Tameme” during the UST Valentine’s Concert at the Plaza Mayor on Friday, Feb. 14.

THE FLORAL scent of the romantic taper candles did nothing to lessen the knot in Freya’s stomach. This was not the Valen...
14/02/2025

THE FLORAL scent of the romantic taper candles did nothing to lessen the knot in Freya’s stomach. This was not the Valentine’s date that she had in mind.

THE FLORAL scent of the romantic taper candles did nothing to lessen the knot in Freya’s stomach. This was not the Valentine’s date that she had in mind.At first glance, everything seemed to b

Homegrown talent Sandrine Escober and Davaoeña recruit Wynona Ajero are the leading candidates to inherit Detdet Pepito’...
14/02/2025

Homegrown talent Sandrine Escober and Davaoeña recruit Wynona Ajero are the leading candidates to inherit Detdet Pepito’s mantle as UST’s floor-defense specialist.

Who’s next after Detdet?Graduating Golden Tigresses star libero Detdet Pepito may be on her last ride with UST in UAAP Season 87, as she has the option to play or forgo her final year of eligibi

BREAKING: The election season for the UST Central Student Council (CSC) elections will begin on Feb. 17 with the registr...
14/02/2025

BREAKING: The election season for the UST Central Student Council (CSC) elections will begin on Feb. 17 with the registration and accreditation of central political parties, the Central Commission on Elections (Comelec) announces on Friday.

This is a departure from the practice in previous years, when election-related activities began with the filing of certificate of candidacies.

CSC aspirants may file their candidacies on Feb. 24, 26, and 27.

The onsite and online campaign period will run from March 18 to April 5. Tagisan, the mandatory debate for CSC bets, will be held on April 5.

Thomasians may cast their votes for the CSC elections on April 7, 8, 10, 11, and 12. The new set of student leaders will be proclaimed on April 12.

(Source: UST Central Commission on Elections)

Former Supreme Court associate justice Antonio Carpio speaks at the ‘Paglawig Tungo sa Kalayaan: A Lecture on the West P...
14/02/2025

Former Supreme Court associate justice Antonio Carpio speaks at the ‘Paglawig Tungo sa Kalayaan: A Lecture on the West Philippine Sea’ forum of the UST History Society on Friday, Feb. 14, at the San Martin de Porres Building.

The forum also featured Prof. Renato de Castro of De La Salle University and Asst. Prof. Tyrone Nepomuceno and Marlon Villarin of UST.

(Photos by Djenhard Yreneo Raphael Y. Sapanhila/ The Varsitarian)

NO CLASSES AT UST ON EDSA ANNIVERSARY : Classes at UST will be suspended on Tuesday, Feb. 25, the 39th anniversary of th...
14/02/2025

NO CLASSES AT UST ON EDSA ANNIVERSARY

: Classes at UST will be suspended on Tuesday, Feb. 25, the 39th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution.

In a memorandum, the Office of the Secretary General encouraged Thomasians to participate in activities commemorating the spirit of the revolt, which toppled the two-decade Marcos Sr. dictatorship.

“As we commemorate the EDSA People Power Revolution, we are reminded of the power of unity, courage, and peaceful action. Let us stand united and never forget that true power lies in the collective will of the people, and it is our responsibility to uphold the values of integrity, justice, and freedom for generations to come,” it said.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. had declared Feb. 25 a special working holiday.

: “This Elemental”By Jonnie T. LeeFrom “Daloy”The motion of your fingers on my skinlike the flight of firebirdstaking w...
14/02/2025

: “This Elemental”
By Jonnie T. Lee
From “Daloy”

The motion of your
fingers on my skin
like the flight of firebirds
taking wing to the
cool skin of sky

Between pauses
you sear me
feather-light
as you circle and
circle, searching

Somehow,
I am more than sky now,
I become
the outstretched
arms of trees,
mountains and
valleys sheltering you

I too aflame in your presence,
burning my silence
like a hundred suns

Let me be your earth then,
much as I am also
water rippling as you
near me, your wings
beating wildly

Yet you remain fire and
part of me must be
this water

Firebird,
set your random sparks
merely to rub on my skin

For we can only be so near
as to touch
briefly -
part water, earth
Singed sky.

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

UST holds the second day of this year’s installment of the Aquinas Conference, themed ‘St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of Hum...
14/02/2025

UST holds the second day of this year’s installment of the Aquinas Conference, themed ‘St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of Humanity: Dialogues on Religion, Society, and Becoming Human,’ on Friday, Feb. 14, at the Buenaventura Garcia Paredes, O.P. Building.

(Photos by Djenhard Yreneo Raphael Y. Sapanhila/ The Varsitarian)

Despite facing setbacks in the offseason, the Tigresses are determined to complete their redemption arc in Season 87. Th...
14/02/2025

Despite facing setbacks in the offseason, the Tigresses are determined to complete their redemption arc in Season 87. This time, however, the expectations are not just higher — they are real.

THE UST Golden Tigresses entered last season with few expectations. Still, they defied the odds and reached their first UAAP Finals in five years — a fairytale run spoiled by the dominant NU Lady Bu

The UST Central Commission on Elections holds a consultation with the Central Board and student political parties for th...
14/02/2025

The UST Central Commission on Elections holds a consultation with the Central Board and student political parties for the proposed revisions to the UST Student Elections Code (USEC) on Friday, Feb. 14, at the Audio Visual Room of the Tan Yan Kee Student Center.

(Photos by Jeremy R. Edera/ The Varsitarian)

UST head coach Odjie Mamon said past heartbreaks have made the Golden Spikers feel invincible heading into this season: ...
14/02/2025

UST head coach Odjie Mamon said past heartbreaks have made the Golden Spikers feel invincible heading into this season: "I think they have this aura of confidence na bordering on arrogance na nga…You project this image na you own the world, parang gano’n. I see that in my players this year. Confident sila."

Set aside the fact that the UST Golden Spikers have finished as runners-up in the past two seasons against the same foes — the NU Bulldogs. Or that, for the first time since 2016, UST crashed out of

Tingadngád man itong naidikit ni Rafael, masaya pa rin si Gela sa pagsisikap ng kaniyang manliligaw.(Dibuho ni Regina Lo...
14/02/2025

Tingadngád man itong naidikit ni Rafael, masaya pa rin si Gela sa pagsisikap ng kaniyang manliligaw.

(Dibuho ni Regina Louise DLC. Sanota/ The Varsitarian)

TIGRESSES READY TO STRIKE ⚡️🐯Presenting the roster of the UST Golden Tigresses for , as they aim to build on last year’...
14/02/2025

TIGRESSES READY TO STRIKE ⚡️🐯

Presenting the roster of the UST Golden Tigresses for , as they aim to build on last year’s fairytale run and strive for a golden finish this time.

Can they rise above offseason setbacks and claim the throne?

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY 💐💞 : Thomasians celebrate Valentine’s Day at UST and along its neighboring streets on Friday. (Pho...
14/02/2025

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY 💐💞

: Thomasians celebrate Valentine’s Day at UST and along its neighboring streets on Friday.

(Photos by Mikyla Rosette C. Bernabe, Jeremy R. Edera, Chloe Elysse B. Ibañez, and Djenhard Yreneo Raphael Y. Sapanhila/ The Varsitarian)

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Videos

Marvin & Jolina at UST Valentine’s Concert
Marvin & Jolina at UST Valentine’s Concert

MARVIN & JOLINA SERENADE THOMASIANS ON VALENTINE’S DAY 💗 WATCH: ‘90s love team Jolina Magdangal and Marvin Agustin serenade Thomasians with “Tameme” during the UST Valentine’s Concert at the Plaza Mayor on Friday, Feb. 14.

IPAGBUNYI NATIN ANG 40 NA TAON NG GAWAD USTETIKA! 🔥📜 Tara’t balikan natin ang makulay na kasaysayan ng patimpalak na nagpapamalas ng alab ng hiraya at likha ng panitikang Tomasino! Tatanggap pa ang Varsitarian ng mga lahok na akda para sa ika-40 na Gawad Ustetika hanggang ngayong araw na lamang. Ang kompetisyon ay bukás 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. 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].

PACQUIAO ATTENDS WMPBL OPENING LOOK: Manny Pacquiao, the boxing legend who founded the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), is here at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion for the opening of the league’s female counterpart, the Women’s MPBL (WMPBL). The WMPBL is led by UST head coach Haydee Ong as commissioner, with assistant coach Arsenio Dysangco serving as deputy commissioner.

THE ‘V’ TURNS 97
THE ‘V’ TURNS 97

THE ‘V’ TURNS 97 TODAY! On this day in 1928, the maiden issue of the Varsitarian came off the press. What began as a platform for UST students to have “something to write on,” according to the paper’s first editorial on Jan. 16, 1928, has since become the oldest Catholic campus paper and the most influential student publication in the Philippines. (Art by Aidan Raphael F. Caluyo and Jinmarson Chester V. Pua/ The Varsitarian)

END THE YEAR STRONG, TIGERS! 🐯 The final half of Academic Year 2024 to 2025 officially begins today. Make the second semester count, Thomasians! (Art by Louelle Marie P. Bumalay and Regina Louise DLC. Sanota/ The Varsitarian)

WHAT DOES EX-MAYOR ISKO THINK ABOUT THE HEALTH PERMIT ISSUE? Former Manila mayor Isko Moreno shares his perspective with the Varsitarian on the health permit controversy linked to City Ordinance 8793, the local sanitation code enacted during his first mayoral term amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Producer: Logan Kal-El M. Zapanta Assistant Producer: Bjorn Del B. Deade Video Editor: Jeremy R. Edera Videographers: Karis M. Tsang and Marco Luis D. Beech Graphics: Regina Louise DLC. Sanota Production Assistants: Mabel Anne B. Cardinez and Janica Kate J. Buan

WATCH: The andas carrying the image of Jesus Nazareno is now approaching Plaza del Carmen for the centuries-old “dungaw” tradition, where the “King of Quiapo” meets Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the “Queen of Quiapo.”
WATCH: The andas carrying the image of Jesus Nazareno is now approaching Plaza del Carmen for the centuries-old “dungaw” tradition, where the “King of Quiapo” meets Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the “Queen of Quiapo.”

WATCH: The andas carrying the image of Jesus Nazareno is now approaching Plaza del Carmen for the centuries-old “dungaw” tradition, where the “King of Quiapo” meets Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the “Queen of Quiapo.”

Traslacion 2025
Traslacion 2025

#LIVE: The image of the Black Nazarene is now on its way to San Sebastian Church for the historic Dungaw, where the image of the Virgin del Carmen will briefly be unveiled to meet the Nazarene. Watch this special coverage of this year's Traslacion brought to you by CBCP News, PressOne.PH, and The Varsitarian. #Traslacion2025

Welcome, 2025!
Welcome, 2025!

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

'Champion of the World': UST Paskuhan 2024 -
'Champion of the World': UST Paskuhan 2024 -

YOU’RE A CHAMPION, TIGER 🐯🫵🏻 Through every hurdle and challenge in 2024, you shone bright like Olympic gold. Join us in looking back at the magic of this year's Paskuhan as we gear up for even greater victories ahead. — Directors: Chalssea Kate C. Echegoyen and John Ezekiel J. Hirro Video editor: Paul Elmer R. Pinili Videographers: Alexis Paul P. Alibogha, Patrice Jerica A. Beltran, Mikyla Rosette C. Bernabe, Jeremy R. Edera, Chloe Elysse B. Ibañez, James Michael M. Magboo, Karla Louise B. Maningas, Venerando P. Pagaduan VII, Paul Elmer R. Pinili, and Djenhard Yreneo Raphael Y. Sapanhila Production and audio mixing: John Ezekiel J. Hirro Song used: "Champion of the World" by Coldplay

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].

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