UST Quadri Week

Nothing can stop me from partying and enjoying the Quadri week, even flu. I've been suffering from sore throat, colds, muscle pains and headache for more than a week now. But I couldn't just stay at home and rest, because I want to attend the activities and enjoy the one-week celebration of UST's 400th birthday.

Wednesday. January 26, 2011. The Q Parade.

Our classes were suspended so we could join the parade or watch the Cheermania. More than half of the class chose to join the parade, including me. There were colorful floats and students in costumes. It was actually more than just a parade, I call it parade-procession-rally-marathon. We walked from UST to Mendiola and back to UST. There are times that we have to run, then stop, then walk again. We were waving and shouting "EN-GI-NEE-RING." It was so much fun.

We passed by other schools like FEU and UE. The Tamaraws and the Red Warriors were watching us, some were even waving and shouting with us. The parade lasted for more than an hour. I was very tired and my feet were hurt. But still we all enjoyed it and we all thought it was a great experience.

Thursday. January 27, 2011. The Q Grand Party.

Now I know why Paskuhan 2010 wasn't very bongga. They saved the best for this grand party. It was the most fun, star-studded, and probably expensive UST event ever. There were a lot of celebrity guests, most of them were alumni, such as Albert Martinez, Archie Alemania, Mr. Fu, John Lapus, Jamie Rivera, RJ Jimenez and Sarah Geronimo. Gary Valenciano, though he's not Thomasian, was also present to show his pure energy. Itchyworms also performed in front of the large crowd.

Aside from the celebrities, the whole UST community also enjoyed the performances from their fellow Thomasians. And of course, the most awaited part is the fireworks display. It was the best I've seen so far, though it lasted for only 4 minutes. Medyo bitin talaga.




Friday. January 28, 2011. Mass and Quadri Fiesta.

Happy 400th birthday, UST! Technically, this day isn't really the foundation day of UST. Insert History lesson here: The University of Santo Tomas was founded by Bishop Miguel de Benavides on April 28, 1611. But since April 28 falls on summer vacation, UST traditionally celebrates it's anniversary during January 28, also to commemorate St. Thomas Aquinas' feast day.

We attended the mass at the grandstand. It was very inspiring and it made me more proud to be a Thomasian. The mass were attended by the Papal legate (representative of the Pope, since Pope Benedict couldn't come) and several bishops. After the Holy Eucharist we lighted our candles. It was an epic scene.

After the mass, the alumni went to Plaza Mayor for the Grand Alumni Homecoming. They were serenaded by the UST Singers and entertained by some local celebrities like John Lapus (again), Beverly Salviejo, Arnold Clavio and Jed Madela. The first three celebs are UST graduates. Their buffet looks really good and they were also given souvenirs. They paid P1,590 for that.

For those who cannot afford the Alumni Homecoming, the Quadri Fiesta is the 'knight in shining armor'. Free food for everyone: students, faculty, staffs, alumni, parishioners and even passers-by. It is literally a fiesta. We had Max's chicken, roasted calves and lechon baboy for dinner. Eat all you can. YUM. There was another fireworks display after the homecoming, but I was not able to watch it in UST. Good thing I live nearby.

The best part of the night was when we saw Polo Ravales walking. I stalked followed him and said, "Excuse me po, pwede po magpa-picture?" This is his answer:

Overall, I really super-duper very much enjoyed the Quadri week. It is indeed the best week of my college life. I am so much proud to be a Thomasian. Others call it existence, but we call it 400 years of unending grace! HAPPY 400th BIRTHDAY, UST!!!

photos taken from Tumblr