THE VARSITARIAN P.Y. 2022-2023 ISSUE 05

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI: 1927-2022

‘Lord, I love you!’ you!’

Enhance NSTP instead of pushing for NCST — CSC president

THE GOVERNMENT should work on enhancing the National Service Training Program (NSTP) instead of creating a new program for citizen service, the UST Central Student Council (CSC) president said on Dec. 6.

In a public hearing at the House of Representatives, CSC President Nathan Agustin urged lawmakers not to push through with the National Citizens Service Training (NCST) program, which seeks to enlist more reservists for disaster response and instill nationalism among young Filipinos.

“Why not augment the current NSTP program [and] retain that current freedom of choice that we have as students as to how we would like to serve our country? We understand that there is a need to have disaster preparedness, but I believe that the

Teachers group to CHEd: Cancel mandatory F2F order

A GROUP of teachers has urged the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) to revoke Memorandum Order No. 16, which required higher education institutions (HEIs) to conduct at least 50 percent of classes on-site starting the second term of Academic Year 2022-2023.

The Council of Teachers and Staff of Colleges and Universities of the Philippines (CoTeSCUP) said the CHEd memo, released a month before the new term, would create serious challenges for HEIs.

The council added that the CHEd did not consult with teachers and other stakeholders prior to releasing the order.

“We were unaware of any public consultation made by CHEd before the memorandum order was

released,” the CoTeSCUP said in a statement on Dec. 8.

“Worse, we were told that such Memorandum Order was released by CHED because of the pressure [from] a lady senator [who] threatened to hostage CHEd’s budget if full face-to-face classes will not resume this semester,” the council added.

Assoc. Prof. Rene Tadle, former vice president of the UST Faculty Union, is the lead convenor of the CoTeSCUP.

During the budget hearing on Sept. 27, Sen. Pia Cayetano threatened UP President Danilo Concepcion that she would not approve their budget unless they held faceto-face (F2F) classes. “My challenge remains. You

want budget? Show me that you’re making an effort to do the most basic: Allow the students to have face-to-face classes. Show me that you’re making that effort. Otherwise, I’ll focus my efforts where they’re more appreciated,” Cayetano said.

The CHEd memorandum took effect on Nov. 11, the same day it was signed and two weeks after the budget hearing.

The CoTeSCUP said the CHEd order violates the academic freedom of HEIs guaranteed by Article XIV, Section 5 of the 1987 Constitution.

According to a Supreme Court ruling, academic freedom is “the

New Artlets dean, HR director named

UST Rector Fr. Richard Ang, O.P., has appointed the director of the UST Human Resources Department (HRD) as the new dean of the Faculty of Arts and Letters (Artlets), the oldest liberal arts college in the Philippines.

Former HRD Director Jacqueline Kaw, a lawyer and faculty member at the Faculty of Civil Law, replaced Prof. Marilu Madrunio, who served a threeyear term as Artlets dean.

Kaw’s term as Artlets dean took effect at the start of the second term of Academic Year 2022-2023.

Kaw graduated magna cum laude from Artlets with a bachelor’s degree in legal management in 2002.

She earned her law degree at the University in 2006 and passed the bar examinations in the same year.

Kaw obtained her master’s and doctorate degrees in civil law from UST in 2016 and 2019, respectively.

From 2007 to 2008, Kaw worked as

a court attorney at the Supreme Court of the Philippines.

Kaw spent nearly all of her teaching years at the Faculty of Civil Law. She served as law faculty secretary from 2008 to 2010, before becoming the UST HRD director.

Replacing her as HRD director is Asst. Prof. Maureen Gelle-Jimenez of

the College of Commerce and Business Administration.

Gelle-Jimenez served as an assistant director under Kaw, who headed the department from 2010 to 2022. Assoc. Prof. Melanie Turingan, the University’s assistant registrar since 2018, replaced Assoc. Prof. Alejandro Bernardo as the new Artlets assistant

Enhance NSTP

FROM PAGE 1 ►

dean.

Asst. Prof. Kashmer Cruz was appointed as the new University assistant registrar to replace Turingan.

Louie Dasas, a senior teacher, is the new education assistant dean, while former Filipino department chair Asst. Prof. Alvin Ringgo Reyes is the new college secretary of the College of Education.

Asst. Prof. Dennis Sy is the new faculty secretary of the Institute of Religion, replacing Assoc. Prof. Allan Basas, who was appointed assistant director of the institute.

The Faculty of Engineering will have Asst. Prof. Cristina Tiangco as its new assistant dean. Tiangco replaced Asst. Prof. Anthony Bautista, who had been the faculty’s acting assistant dean since 2021.

Meanwhile, Neriza Adorna, a faculty member of the College of Science, was named school secretary of the UST Senior High School. JACQUELINE B. MARTINEZ

UST SHS to hold art apprenticeships, workshops with CCP starting 2nd term

THE UST Senior High School (SHS) will be partnering with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) to hold art apprenticeships and workshops for Music, Arts, and Design (MAD) students starting the second term of Academic Year 2022-2023.

MAD Strand Chair Juan Carlos Santos said the partnership between the SHS and CCP would train students in various art forms through on-site workshops.

“Since noong pumasok tayo sa pandemic, ‘yung aming apprenticeship [program] and exploration of the different art forms medyo na-relegate sa virtual seminars and webinars,” Santos told the Varsitarian “By partnering with CCP, we can have more specialized seminars and on-site workshops that will really train our students sa different art forms, hindi lang naka-focus sa isang art form.”

UST-SHS signed an agreement with CCP on Oct. 28 to implement CCP’s “Sining sa Eskwela Arts Training

Program.”

UST-SHS MAD students will be able to attend performances and activities held at the CCP and join curriculum-based apprenticeships and online talks with artists and experts through the program. MAD track teachers will also be exposed and trained to other art

forms besides the ones they practice.

“It will definitely enhance what we can give to our students and stakeholders. When you say teacher training, the teachers will be better equipped,” said Santos.

The program is scheduled to start by the second term of the Academic

► SHS Regent Fr. Ermito de Sagon, SHS Principal Erika Bolaños and UST Rector Fr. Richard Ang, O.P. (first three from left) pose for a picture with CCP President Margie Moran-Floirendo during the signing of the memorandum of agreement on Oct. 28 for the apprenticeship and training programs of SHS Music, Arts, and Design students and teachers.

Year 2022 to 2023, he said.

UST Rector Fr. Richard Ang, O.P., SHS Principal Mary Erika Bolaños, and SHS Regent Fr. Ermito de Sagon, O.P. attended the signing ceremony with CCP President Margie Moran-Floirendo. The partnership agreement has a term of three years.

N.B. BAUTISTA

Advertising seniors’ travel campaign wins 1st place in nat’l advertising tilt

A GROUP of advertising arts seniors bagged the “Best Brand Communications Campaign” award in the Philippine Association of National Advertisers Foundation (PANAF) Brand Communications Students’ Competition held virtually on Nov. 26.

► Advertising arts seniors Isabelle Barrozo, Mary Inocando, Mary Luklukan, Julienne Mancenon, Carlos Ocampo, Mia Ramos, Pfione Ramos, Eleanor Reyes, and Christine Orines win first place in the PANAF Brand Communications Students’ Competition.

College of Fine Arts and Design (CFAD) students Isabelle Barrozo, Mary Inocando, Mary Luklukan, Julienne Mancenon, Carlos Ocampo, Mia Ramos, Pfione Ramos, Eleanor Reyes, and Varsitarian art editor Christine Orines won first place for their “I can’t wait; Let’s make it happen” advertising campaign.

The proposed year-long campaign was made for the travel accessories company, The Travel Club. It featured digital and physical posters, guerrilla

advertisements, mall events, loyalty programs, and an awards night for travel influencers.

Barrozo said their group went “above and beyond“ to craft the big idea of their brand communications plan.

“Our team poured so much of our time and effort into this competition and even sacrificed time working on our theses. Hearing our team name being called the champions made everything feel genuinely ecstatic for the entire team and our mentors,” Barrozo told the Varsitarian

The team was mentored by advertising arts program chair Asst. Prof. Gigi Ocampo and faculty members

ADVERTISING SENIORS PAGE 6 ►

NSTP would be able to cover that as long as it is expanded,” Agustin said.

“We don’t need to create a new program that will leave room for different interpretations, which may be dangerous to our situation.”

The NCST Bill, or House Bill (HB) No. 6687, was approved on second and third readings after 276 lawmakers voted in favor of it on Dec. 15, the same day that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. certified it as urgent.

Four lawmakers voted against it, while only one legislator abstained.

If passed into law, the bill will dissolve the NSTP, which was established in response to the murder of UST Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) cadet Mark Welson Chua in 2001 after he exposed corruption within the UST ROTC unit to the Varsitarian

Under Republic Act No. 9163, or the NSTP Act of 2001, the ROTC program was made no longer mandatory for Filipino students as they were allowed to choose from Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS), Literary Service Training (LTS), and the ROTC to fulfill their service.

The choices for the NCST program were not specified in the bill, but it includes a provision that would institutionalize the optional four-year ROTC Program.

The NCST program will be administered to the undergraduate and technical-vocational programs for four terms or two years, unlike the NSTP, which runs for only two terms or one year.

Agustin said the NCST would add educational and financial burdens to the students who would be required to take it due to the duration of the program.

“NCST is quite difficult to grasp because it will definitely affect how we did things for NSTP, [especially] the freedom of choice given to the students,” Agustin said. M.S. OROZCO

Mandatory F2F

FROM PAGE 1 ►

freedom to determine for itself on academic grounds: (1) Who may teach, (2) What may be taught, (3) How it shall be taught, and (4) Who may be admitted to study.”

The teachers’ group asked the commission to repeal, modify, or postpone the order as their request for a meeting to clarify the order with CHEd had yet to be accommodated.

According to the CoTeSCUP, they sent their request letter to the CHEd on Nov. 21, which the commission received.

“We desire nothing less but the best and safest environment for our teachers and professors to teach and for students to learn. However, the HEIs and the teachers themselves, with proper consultation with all stakeholders involved, can best determine the teaching parameters and learning modalities.”

M.S. OROZCO

► Kaw (left), Jimenez (right)

PHOTO FROM THE UST WEBSITE

Former Science dean Emerita Carmen Kanapi; 97

By Nillicent Bautista

FORMER UST College of Science

Dean Emerita Carmen Kanapi, the first known Filipina doctorate holder with a specialization in genetics, passed away on Dec. 14. She was 97.

Prof. John Donnie Ramos, a former dean, described Kanapi as a "no-nonsense critic but the best mentor, adviser, and faithful friend."

"She is a woman of science who devoted a significant portion of her career to the study of life," Ramos told the Varsitarian Kanapi graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor's degree in zoology from the University in 1950.

Kanapi later obtained her master's degree from the University of Chicago and her doctorate in genetics from the University of Texas.

After college, Kanapi immedi-

Licensure Examinations

11 Thomasians in top 10 of December 2022

PT, OT boards

THREE Thomasians were among the 10 highest scorers in the December 2022 licensure examinations for physical therapists (PT), while eight others entered the top 10 in the exams for occupational therapists (OT).

Thomasians Terence Buico and John Ramos scored 88.05 percent in the PT exams to tie for sixth and lead the new batch of Thomasian PTs.

Therese Manaloto ranked 10th after scoring 87.45 percent.

UST was named the second top-performing school in the PT exams after posting a 95.16-percent passing rate, or 118 out of 124 examinees.

The Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila was the top-performing school in the PT board with a passing rate of 95.88 percent or 93 out of 97 examinees.

The national passing rate for PTs improved to 59.87 percent (1,186 out of 1,981 examinees) from 54.65 percent (564 out of 1,032 examinees) in June.

Meanwhile, Thomasian Allyssa Ang ranked second nationwide in the OT board with a score of 83 percent.

Seven other Thomasians joined Medina in the top 10: Reyna Medina (No. 3, 82.80

percent), Lareine Nava (No. 5, 82.40 percent), Erick Pelagio (No. 6, 82.20 percent), Jillian Eborde (No. 8, 81.80 percent), and Hannah Aldio, Kristine Alunan, and Gian Arellano (tied at No. 9, 81.60 percent).

UST’s passing rate in the OT exam rose to 73.61 percent, or 53 out of 72 examinees, from 61.54 percent or eight out of 13 examinees in June.

The University of Philippines Manila was named the top-performing school in the OT board after recording a perfect passing rate, or 30 out of 30 examinees.

The national passing rate for OT increased to 49.79 percent (241 out of 484 examinees) from 35.63 percent last June.

The examinations were held from Dec 1 to 2. ALEXANDRA L. MANGASAR

ately worked at UST as an instructor and served as the zoology department chair from 1968 to 1983.

She was appointed dean of the UST Graduate School in 1976.

Kanapi served as the assistant dean of Science before starting her 14-year term as science dean in 1982.

She was a founding member of the Biology Teachers Association of the Philippines and a founding incorporator of the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (Pacucoa).

She spearheaded the Pacucoa accreditation of the UST College of Science and, later, other programs at UST.

Upon her retirement, Kanapi was given the title of "Dean Emerita."

"She was fiercely loyal to the University and really strived hard to work for the betterment of the

College of Science. Our senior colleagues and alumni remember her as a strict yet very caring mother figure in the college," Science Dean Rey Donne Papa told the Varsitarian.

Kanapi was instrumental in developing the three-semester biology seminar (research) courses, which were eventually adopted by other science programs at UST.

She was behind the placement of scientific names on the trees in UST, the closure of the incinerator, the no-smoking policy, and the transformation of UST into a botanical garden.

According to Papa, Kanapi also influenced the publication of the two-volume compendium of trees and shrubs in UST in 1997.

Science Regent Fr. Louie Coronel, O.P. presided over the requiem Mass for Kanapi held at the UST Santisimo Rosario Parish Church on Dec. 17.

research to preserve PH communication – Crispin Maslog

By Logan Kal-El M. Zapanta JOURNALISM and communication

scholar Crispin Maslog encouraged Filipino academics to preserve and rediscover Filipino culture by “rethinking and reinventing” their research interests.

In his lecture during the Faculty of Arts and Letters' (AB) thesis colloquia on Dec. 10, Maslog said Filipinos must incorporate more concepts and theories from Asia.

"Most Philippine scholarship in the early years of mass communication have been inspired by white American scholars. And in the process, Filipinos have lost their ties to the past," Maslog said.

"My challenge is to rediscover our culture in our historical past and our traditional cultural values."

Maslog, a journalism alumnus and former Varsitarian news editor, said Western ideas had heavily influenced science and communication research in the Philippines since the colonial era.

But it is time to reinvent the country’s communication studies programs as there are more Eastern communication theories and models being forwarded now, unlike in the 1950s when they had to learn and study communication from the Western point of view, he said.

"Kasi ang inis ko noon, when I was teaching graduate school, I always hear our fellow teachers say, 'Okay, think about the research that you can do…Number one, you should have a model, a Western model,'" he added.

The communication scholar clarified that introducing non-Western ideas to research could complement Western concepts.

"When you develop a theory or a concept, it does not mean that you are attacking a particular Western concept… That's the way communication should be," Maslog said.

Maslog's lecture closed the weeklong thesis colloquia of AB students from Dec. 3 to 10, in which 495 research papers from 13 programs of the faculty were presented.

► Communications scholar Crispin Maslog (third from left) poses for a photo with Department of Communication and Media Studies faculty members after his lecture.

PHOTO BY MATTHEW VINCENT V. VITAL

‘Decolonize’

► Communication scholar Crispin Maslog delivers the “Decolonizing Philippine Communication Scholarship” lecture on Saturday, Dec. 10, at the St. Raymund’s Building.

PHOTO BY MATTHEW VINCENT V. VITAL/ THE VARSITARIAN

► Former College of Science dean Emerita Carmen Canapi

SCI-TECH

Congress commends UST Medicine on its 150th anniversary

THE PHILIPPINE Congress has commended the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery (FMS) on its 150th anniversary for its “considerable contribution” to developing the healthcare field in the country.

The Senate presented Resolution

No. 336 to UST Secretary General Fr. Louie Coronel, O.P., Medicine Dean Assoc. Prof. Ma. Lourdes Maglinao, Assistant Dean Prof. Remedios Chan, and Regent Fr. Angel Aparicio on Dec. 5 at the Senate Complex in Pasay City. The resolution acknowledged the faculty for being one of the top medical schools in the Philippines based on its consistent performance in board examinations and production of more than 400 new doctors yearly.

UST produced the most number of doctors in the October 2022 physician licensure examination, as 416 Thomasians, including three topnotchers, passed the examination.

“[UST has] produced a number of fine doctors, very, very good doctors, and also nurses, who have gone all over the world to help suffering humanity,” Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said.

UST alumnus and former Growling Tiger Sen. Joel Villanueva, who co-sponsored the resolution with Zubiri, lauded the FMS as a “hero-maker, change-maker, and epoch-maker.”

“Prior to the establishment of UST’s Faculty of Medicine, Filipinos had to go to Mexico to study medicine. Sa layo po ng Mexico at layo ng biyahe sa dagat noon, literally, suntok sa buwan para sa mga Pilipino ang

pag-aaral ng medicine. Subalit sa pagbubukas ng medisina sa UST, naging abot kamay ito para sa mga Pilipino,” Villanueva said.

“As a Thomasian, I am confident that FMS will continue its tradition of excellence in medical education, health science research, and community services guided by Christian ethics and values,” Villanueva added.

The House of Representatives adopted House Bill Resolution No. 270, similar to its Senate counterpart, for the sesquicentennial of the UST FMS.

To mark its 150th anniversary, FMS launched “Honora Medicum” (Honor the Physician), a 380-page coffee table book containing the history of the FMS, experiences of FMS alumni, medical missions, and breakthroughs in research, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The book title took its name from the Latin inscription at the facade

Post-Taal eruption: UST researchers detect deteriorating ecosystem

of the St. Martin de Porres Building, where FMS is housed: “Honora medicum. Opera eius sunt necessaria. Deus autem est qui vitae et mortis. Habet potestatem.”

(Honor the physician. His works

are necessary. But God is the one of life and death. He has power.)

Medicine Regent Fr. Angel Aparicio, O.P., who served as the book’s chief editor, said the book is a “witness” to the legacy of over 40,000 doctor-teachers.

“This is our history. It’s very important. We are part of it, an army of about 40,000 doctors, which gives us a feeling of collective accomplishment, a reason to believe that we have not been wasting our lives,” Aparicio said during the book launch on Nov. 29.

“This book is a tribute to our alma mater, [and] indirectly, a personal testimony of the nobility of the medical profession that I have come to learn better and appreciate more.”

Aparicio added that publishing a book was the most natural and appropriate thing to do for the sesquicentennial celebration because books are “sustenance to the soul.”

Formally opened on May 28, 1871, the UST FMS is the first medical school in the Philippines.

It is recognized by the Commission on Higher Education as one of the 13 Centers of Excellence in UST. Congress has passed Senate Resolution No. 336 and House Bill Resolution 270 to recognize UST’s “considerable contribution to the development of medical and health care educational institutions in the Philippines” for the past 150 years.

The UST FMS, founded on May 28, 1871, is recognized as the oldest and leading medical school in the Philippines. Its sesquicentennial celebration, which opened on May 28, 2021, closed on Dec. 17.

The Commission on Higher Education recognizes the University’s medicine program as a Center of Excellence.

UST researcher eyes cheaper, faster bone regeneration method

SCAFFOLDS made out of a combi nation of various polymers can re generate an artificial bone within 12 weeks after the operation, a UST researcher found.

Hidenori Tomimatsu, a re searcher at the UST Research Cen ter for Natural and Applied Sciences (RCNAS), studied the regenerative properties of polymers to propose a cheaper and safer alternative for present bone repair methods.

THE TAAL Lake’s ecosystem is exhibiting signs of rapid decline following the Taal Volcano’s eruption in January 2020, a team of Thomasian researchers found.

In the study titled “Macroinvertebrate assemblages and functional traits in ashfall-impacted littoral zones of Lake Taal after the Taal Volcano eruption in January 2020,” a team led by Asst. Prof. Jonathan Briones found that there were fewer macroinvertebrates (large organisms that lack a spine) in areas of the Taal Lake that received more ash fall during the eruption.

John Claude Salluta, a research team member of the study, explained that the problem with the fewer macroinvertebrates coupled with longstanding human activities and pollution could result in the Taal Lake suffering the same fate as the Laguna de Bay, which faces contamination and degradation issues.

“Lake Taal is experiencing rapid declines in its biotic and abiotic components. Maybe due to human activities wherein the actual watershed of the Taal lake is currently being altered by

agricultural expansion, urban sprawls, and then industries that put their wastes that are not treated and regulated directly into the lake,” Salluta told the Varsitarian

“If human activities on the entire watershed of Taal will continue to proliferate [and] remain unregulated, chances are Taal will be similar to Laguna de Bay, which is like really unfortunately degraded by unregulated fish cage operations.”

The researchers hoped that through their study, the local government of Taal would prioritize the watersheds’ rehabilitation and the lake’s protection.

“That’s why we hope our studies could be used for the outputs of our findings and will be used for future conservation efforts of the national government,” Salluta added.

Salluta won the Best Oral Presentation Award for the study during the 3rd Philippine Symposium on Freshwater Biodiversity and Ecosystem last November 2022.

“What I aim to do is to use a tissue-engineering process to be able to have cost-effective and fast alternatives… to the very few exist ing standards for bone regenera tion,” he told the Varsitarian

In his research poster, Tomimatsu claimed that “existing bone repair gold standards pose fatal post-operation risks.”

Tomimatsu used polypyrrole (conducting polymers), polycaprolactone (synthetic polymers), and chitosan (biopolymers) for his study to test its effectiveness in regenerating artificial bones. He performed trials on mice’s femoral (thigh) bones.

His research found that the polymer materials were suitable for implants since their thermograms showed that it degrades at 290 degrees to 500 degrees Celsius or above the normal body temperature.

The study also found that polymers can absorb water, have high swelling characteristics, and increase weight, which indicates a porous structure or proliferation of

cells and nutrients.

Although cost analysis was not done in the study, Tomimatsu said these polymers would cost less since they only used “very small amounts to create the scaffolds.”

“This is directed to the consumers, or to the customers, or to anyone who is undergoing bone treatments. Sadly, this takes time to process or to become a product. Siguro 20 to 50 years from now,” said Tomimatsu.

Tomimatsu said completing the study was difficult because of the lack of proper materials in the Philippines.

“Honestly, mahirap mag-undertake ng ganitong kind of study

here in the Philippines due to lack of materials needed and medyo mahal siya. It is quite difficult [for] all those who want to try bone regeneration or similar studies, but it is very promising, and it is very fulfilling from start to finish,” he said.

Tomimatsu won the third prize for his research poster in the Rapid Fire Poster Session during the 42nd Annual Philippine-American Academy of Science and Engineering Meeting and Symposium (APAMS) hosted by UST from Oct. 11 to 14. APAMS is an annual multidisciplinary conference for the research endeavors of Filipino and Filipino-American scientists and engineers. N.G. DE LEON

ACTING EDITOR: ADRIAN L. PARUNGAO

NYAH GENELLE DE LEON AND NILLICENT BAUTISTA

► The “Honora Medicum” (Honor the Physician) coffee table book

Advincula reminds devotees:

Traslación calls for conversion

DESPITE the absence of the grand procession of the image of the Black Nazarene, the Traslación is a daily call for conversion, Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula told devotees during the Misa Mayor on Jan. 9.

In his homily at the Quirino Grandstand, Advincula said the Black Nazarene was always there to keep the faithful on the right path despite life’s challenges.

“Kaisa natin siya upang makapag-Traslación patungo sa tagumpay ng kaganapan ng buhay,” Advincula said.

“Siya ang tumutukod upang hindi tayo mahulog sa kamalian at kapamahakan. Siya ang tumitimon upang magabayan tayo sa tamang landas,” he added.

Advincula urged devotees to turn against sin and empathize with one another.

“Katulad ng ginagawa natin tuwing Traslación, pag-ibayuhin natin ang pananalig natin sa kanya at magtulungan tayo upang lahat tayo ay makaranas sa pagmamahal niya,” the cardinal said.

More than 100,000 devotees flocked to the Quirino Grandstand this weekend, according to the Quiapo Church Command Post.

Prior to the mass, a “Walk of Faith” was held in lieu of the traditional Traslación, which was called off for the third straight year because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Traslación of the Black Nazarene is held every Jan. 9 to commemorate the image’s transfer from San Nicolas de Tolentino Church inside Intramuros to Quiapo Church in 1787. AMMIEL B.

ALBUM Feast of the Black Nazarene 2023

Around 80,000 Black Nazarene devotees join the ‘Walk of Faith’ from Quirino Grandstand to the Quiapo Church on Jan. 8. The “Walk of Faith” replaced the traditional Traslacion, which was called off for the third year in a row due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

MAESTRADO

► A Black Nazarene devotee joins the ‘Walk of Faith’ from Quirino Grandstand to the Quiapo Church on Jan. 8.

MARVIN JOHN F. UY/ THE VARSITARIAN

PHOTOS BY JOSELLE MARIE B. REYES, MARVIN JOHN F. UY, AND JOSH NIKKOLAI S. BRAVO

PASKUHAN 2022

51,000 Thomasians flock to UST for Paskuhan 2022

MORE THAN 51,000 Thomasians attended the University’s Paskuhan 2022 concert on Dec. 19, which closed the University’s nearly month-long Christmas celebration.

The UST Safety and Security Office said the final crowd estimate was 51,845, almost half the 2019 Paskuhan’s 105,000 attendees.

This year’s Paskuhan concert was limited to Thomasians.

“It’s been a long time since this happened. To be able to experience this is really heartwarming. I have heard a lot of stories about Paskuhan that a lot of moments were made here, and a lot of great performances were made here. To be able to finally experience this is such a treat,” political science freshman Luis Maynigo told the Varsitarian

The Paskuhan program on Dec. 19 started at 10 a.m. with the Paskuhan raffle draw.

The Paskuhan concert at the Grandstand and Open Field on Monday started at 2 p.m. and featured artists Kenaniah, Dotty’s World, Soapdish, Earl Generao, Adie, Lola Amour, and Mayonnaise, as well as Thomasian bands Ilumina, Sean Archer, and Lucy.

It also showcased performances from the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe, UST Sinag Ballroom, UST Yellow Jackets, UST Prime, 1SHADE, BA Dauncén, College of Science Dance Troupe, Engineering Dance Troupe, Intenzyc-CTHM, the Nursing Dance Troupe, Paci Rhutmos, and the Pharmacy Dance Troupe.

A six-minute Filipino superhero-themed pyromusical show and the singing of the UST Hymn closed the Paskuhan celebration.

Stricter gate rules

The University allowed Thomasians to enter the campus as early as 9 a.m., but some were still queuing outside the gates as the headline performances were underway, prompting complaints from attendees.

“Masaya ako kasi ngayon na lang ulit [itong Paskuhan] after the pandemic… pero natagalan kami sa pagpasok kasi isa or dalawa lang ang naka-assign sa pag-check ng mga belongings mo,” freshman Samantha Lee told the Varsitarian

Upon entering the University, attendees were required to tap their IDs or scan their QR codes and have their belongings checked by security guards.

However, unlike the entry protocols during the Agape last Dec. 2, Thomasians were allowed to tap their IDs only once and were prohibited from reentering the University if they had exited. Their pinky fingers were marked with indelible ink.

“Ang purpose namin, [pero] hindi naman ganun ang ugali ng Thomasians, para hindi magpahiram ng ID or QR code, so malalaman natin [kapag] binigay niya sa ibang tao, made-detect na agad ‘yun,” UST Campus Security Supervisor Lords Hernandez explained to the Varsitarian

Some guards also asked Thomasians to open gifts brought inside the campus and throw away bottled drinks. Some belongings were also confiscated, such as vapes.

Lines outside University gates were cleared at about 8:30 p.m., 15 minutes before the pyromusical show that closed the concert.

Hernandez said the long queues were due to stricter gate measures after they identified security lapses during Agape.

Hernandez said there were no serious security incidents during the grand Paskuhan concert.

“‘Di bale nang matagalan ‘yung mga estudyante pero sure naman tayo na walang makakapasok na outsiders. Kung hindi man outsider, [possibly] criminals. ’Yun ang mahirap e.” WITH REPORTS FROM HANNAH ANDAYA AND MIKHAIL OROZCO

Advertising seniors

FROM PAGE 2 ►

Neal Tieng and Raphael Kalaw.

Thirteen other CFAD students contributed to the winning group: Edward Pecson, Audrey Calamba, Faye Umali, Jello San Diego, Pam Dauba, Erika Alarcon, Roy Zueta, Kim Tividad, Sheena Uy, Angelli Perez, Iya Veloria, Julia Mascareñas, and Calista Dumayas.

The PANAF Brand Communications Students’ Competition is an annual contest for Filipino marketing students to present their brand communications plans. NILLICENT BAUTISTA

P SKUHAN 2022

Over 51,000 Thomasians attend the first in-person grand Paskuhan concert amid the Covid-19 pandemic on Dec. 19.

PHOTOS BY JOSELLE MARIE B. REYES, JOSH NIKKOLAI S. BRAVO, MATTHEW VINCENT V. VITAL, MARVIN JOHN F. UY, PATRICE JERICA A. BELTRAN, JANA FRANCESCA D. YAO/ THE VARSITARIAN

Reviving mandatory ROTC is reviving mandatory abuse

MORE THAN two decades after the brutal murder of Mark Welson Chua, which prompted the abolition of the mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) in the Philippines, legislators are again attempting to revive the defunct program–this time with a more promising return, as lawmakers rush to kiss the feet of the two highest executive officials who prioritized the revival.

In the 19th Congress, which opened only in July, 21 bills were already filed seeking to reinstitute the mandatory ROTC program for college or senior high school students. Four of these were filed in the Senate, while the remaining 17 were filed in the House of Representatives. As these bills are essentially the same (including their titles and contents), the House resolved to approve a consolidated version of it through House Bill No. 6687, or the National Citizens Service Training (NCST) Bill, on second and third readings after 276 lawmakers voted in favor of it on Dec. 15, the same day that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. certified it as urgent.

Lawmakers filed the bills claiming there

is a need to instill a sense of nationalism, patriotism, and discipline among Filipino youth. They say the country needs more reservists for disaster response. But, contrary to the claims of those who fantasize and romanticize it, military training neither guarantees any of

To recount the story of Chua for the sake of those who do not know or choose to feign ignorance, Chua was the ROTC cadet that exposed to the Varsitarian the widespread corruption, extortion, and other irregularities in the UST ROTC unit in 2001. His revelation,

Chua’s death led to the passage of Republic Act No. 9163, or the National Service Training Program (NSTP) Act of 2001, which allowed college students to choose between ROTC, Literacy Training Service, or Civic Welfare Training Service.

Even with such a choice, those who willingly opted for the ROTC program reported have continued reporting cases of hazing and physical and verbal abuse.

those ideologies nor is it the only way to motivate the youth to help in times of disaster.

Regardless of its name–ROTC, NCST, and whatnot—the revival of mandatory military training for youth would only legalize the culture of abuse that remained alive even after Chua’s death.

published in the February 2001 issue of the Varsitarian, led to Maj. Demy Tejares’ relief from duty as commandant of the unit, as well as other Department of Military Science and Tactics officials. Chua’s dead and decomposing body was fished out of the Pasig River on Mar. 18, 2001.

Repealing the NSTP Act, if any of the ROTC bills being diligently pushed in Congress lapse into law, will be a dangerous turn of events for Filipino youth who might fall prey to power trippers who justify their abuses under the pretense of due respect. The culture of abuse that thrived during the time of Chua is still alive, although well hidden in the closed doors of ROTC headquarters in the country. Reports of such cases only come to light when a cadet dies or is gravely abused. We need not wait for another.

Congress must retract its decisions and reconsider its proposals to revive the mandatory ROTC program. Otherwise, it will create a law that goes against its principles of serving and protecting its people.

Congress must retract its decisions and reconsider its proposals to revive the mandatory ROTC program. Otherwise, it will create a law that goes against its principles of serving and protecting its people.

Dominicans: Benedict XVI a ‘humble figure who resigned in dignity’

THE LEGACY of the late Pope Benedict XVI will be defined by the humility and dignity he showed amid the highs and lows of his eight-year papacy, several Dominicans from the Priory of St. Thomas Aquinas said.

Central Seminary Rector Fr. Quirico Pedregosa Jr., O.P. remembered Benedict as a “humble figure who recognized his weaknesses” following his shocking resignation in 2013.

“I would cherish his virtue of humility. Recognizing his increasing physical weakness, he voluntarily resigned from the papacy, paving the way for an early election of a successor,” Pedregosa told the Varsitarian

Vice Rector for Religious Affairs Fr. Pablo Tiong, O.P. described Benedict’s resignation as a “bold and realistic” move, which was something the world had not seen in six centuries since Pope Gregory XII’s resignation in 1415.

“The papacy entails responsibility and tasks that should be performed by somebody who is still physically able. [H]e was realistic and bold enough to relinquish his papacy,” he told the Varsitarian

Despite the unprecedented move overshadowing his legacy, Dominicans regarded Benedict as a moral theologian who charted a conservative course for the Church during his term from 2005 to 2013.

“He wanted to keep things right. Sabi nga niya ‘I don’t care if there are only a few people to remain Catholics, as long as they are quality and faithful Catholics,’” Fr. Edgardo Alaurin, O.P., regent of the College of Fine Arts and Design, told the Varsitarian Tiong also regarded Benedict’s dignified stance in the face of the sex abuse scandal involving clerics.

“[Benedict] tried his best to really cope with all the allegations about sexual abuse and all that,”

he said.

Benedict passed away on Saturday, Dec. 31, at the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican. He was 95.

In a statement, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines president Bishop Pablo David said the Pope Emeritus would be remembered as a “Pope of Charity,” a great theologian, a catechist, and a musician.

“He spent the last years of his life as an emeritus pope in solitude and contemplation, supporting the universal Church and Pope Francis spiritually with his prayers. Let us commend him to the Lord and pray for his eternal response,” the Caloocan bishop said.

Joseph Alois Ratzinger was elected the 265th pope on April 19, 2005 to succeed Pope John Paul II, who died after a 26-year reign, and was the first German to hold the title in a half millennium. The former archbishop of Munich and Freising was the oldest pope to lead the Church since 1730, at the age of 78.

Benedict was lauded for defending Catholic doctrine and values amid the wave of secularism and moral relativism sweeping the West.

He issued three encyclicals during his nearly eight-year tenure, tackling Christian love, hope and the state of the global economy amid the financial crisis: Deus Caritas Est (2006), Spe Salvi (2007) and Caritas in Veritate (2009).

Benedict was the first Pontiff to meet with the families of clergy sex abuse victims in 2008 in the United States. In March 2010, he offered an eight-page apology to Irish Catholics, saying Church leaders there had committed “grave errors of judgment and failures of leadership.”

Despite Benedict’s condemnation of what he had called the “filth” in the Church, critics assailed his response, noting that he didn’t take stronger action against clerics who were involved as prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith from 1982 to 2005.

Benedict declared a Jubilee

Benedict’s spiritual testament

EDITOR’S NOTE: Below is the spiritual testament of Benedict XVI, written on Aug. 29, 2006, and released by the Vatican on Dec. 31, 2022. Spiritual testaments of popes are only released after their passing.

When, at this late hour of my life, I look back on the decades I have wandered through, I see first of all how much reason I have to give thanks. Above all, I thank God Himself, the giver of all good gifts, who has given me life and guided me through all kinds of confusion; who has always picked me up when I began to slip, who has always given me anew the light of his countenance. In retrospect, I see and understand that even the dark and arduous stretches of this path were for my salvation and that He guided me well in those very stretches.

Year from January 2011 to January 2012 to mark UST’s Quadricentennial, describing it as “a significant event in the life of the Church.”

“I am confident that keeping in mind the faith and the reason, which are always part of a truly integrated approach to education, the University will continue to contribute to the intellectual, spiritual, and cultural enrichment of the Philippines and beyond,” the Supreme Pontiff said in a recorded message on April 28, 2011.

More than a year later, on October 21, 2012, he canonized the Visayan catechist Pedro Calungsod at the Vatican, giving the Philippines its second saint.

Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, an Argentine Jesuit, was selected by the papal conclave to succeed Benedict, and took the name Francis.

The Pope Emeritus spent his retirement years at the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery inside the Vatican. JUSTIN BENEDICT T. LIM WITH REPORTS FROM ALLYSSA MAE C. CRUZ AND AMMIEL B. MAESTRADO

Benedict’s rigorism united the church

Benedict’s untimely passing sent shockwaves across the globe, yet his fray against schism remains one humane and unacknowledged act buried by conservative criticism. Pope Emeritus stood, unharmed, as a defender of the church doctrine and Catholic values.

I thank my parents, who gave me life in difficult times and prepared a wonderful home for me with their love, which shines through all my days as a bright light until today. My father's clear-sighted faith taught us, brothers and sisters, to believe and stood firm as a guide in the midst of all my scientific knowledge; my mother's heartfelt piety and great kindness remain a legacy for which I cannot thank her enough. My sister has served me selflessly and full of kind concern for decades; my brother has always paved the way for me with the clear-sightedness of his judgments, with his powerful determination, and with the cheerfulness of his heart; without this ever-new going ahead and going along, I would not have been able to find the right path.

I thank God from the bottom of my heart for the many friends, men and women, whom He has always placed at my side; for the co-workers at all stages of my path; for the teachers and students He has given me. I gratefully entrust them all to His goodness. And I would like to thank the Lord for my beautiful home in the Bavarian foothills of the Alps, in which I was able to see the splendor of the Creator Himself shining through time and again. I thank the people of my homeland for allowing me to experience the beauty of faith time and again. I pray that our country will remain a country of faith and I ask you, dear compatriots, not to let your faith be distracted. Finally, I thank God for all the beauty I was able to experience during the various stages of my journey, but especially in Rome and in Italy, which has become my second home.

I ask for forgiveness from the bottom of my heart from all those whom I have wronged in some way.

Nearly eighteen years ago, the late Joseph Alois Ratzinger denounced moral relativism, or judgements defined as true or false only to an affixed standpoint, as a malevolent force facing God’s kingdom, a view that he would later contrast by countering the increased secularization in Western countries.

Four years later, the Pope Emeritus reinstated four excommunicated bishops, one of which was a Holocaust denier, a move that sparked outrage among Jewish groups. This in return, normalized relations in the church, despite being accused of heresy. Pope Benedict XVI sought this as a gesture of Christian love, fray-

ing against schism and adhering to his role to sustain Christian love through a moral that transcends beyond the conservative views of man.

Schism is defined as the division between people in a religious denomination over Catholic teaching. This strays the faithful from God’s love, a gesture that was halted by Benedict himself and his predecessor, Jorge Mario Bergoglio or Pope Francis. In 2019, the latter made a statement after returning from Africa, claiming that the church remains fearless in facing conservative Catholics, as servants of God should be; courageous yet relentless to pursue a goal to

spread Christian love.

Moral relativism in religion has remained one of, if not, the most persistent debates in the church due to its diversification, and perhaps the rendering of faith as obsolete and pointless from a religious and subjective standpoint. Contrary to Benedict XVI’s encyclical of Deus caritas est (God is love) that signifies Christian love, the late supreme pontiff armored the church and the faithful from the snares of conservative relativism. By the power of love, the concept of agape (ascending), eros (descending), and philia (mutuality) was born in his encyclical. However, combatting schism

in the church was an arduous road for Benedict XVI, mishandling four clergy sex abuse scandal cases that resulted in favoring the accused priests. The late supreme pontiff then asked for forgiveness, despite being unable to rectify the traumatic scars of thousands. Staining his legacy, he was no stranger to controversies, yet he willingly humbled himself, as the leader of a church should be.

Schism lurked behind Benedict, as in 2010, the Pope Emeritus justified his thoughts on the use of condoms as a halter of acquired immunodeficiency

What I said earlier of my compatriots, I now say to all who were entrusted to my service in the Church: Stand firm in the faith! Do not be confused! Often it seems as if scienceon the one hand, the natural sciences; on the other, historical research (especially the exegesis of the Holy Scriptures) - has irrefutable insights to offer that are contrary to the Catholic faith. I have witnessed from times long past the changes in natural science and have seen how apparent certainties against the faith vanished, proving themselves not to be science but philosophical interpretations only apparently belonging to science - just as, moreover, it is in dialogue with the natural sciences that faith has learned to understand the limits of the scope of its affirmations and thus its own specificity. For 60 years now, I have accompanied the path of theology, especially biblical studies, and have seen seemingly unshakeable theses collapse with the changing generations, which turned out to be mere hypotheses: the liberal generation (Harnack, Jülicher, etc.), the existentialist generation (Bultmann, etc.), the Marxist generation. I have seen, and see, how, out of the tangle of hypotheses, the reasonableness of faith has emerged and is emerging anew. Jesus Christ is truly the Way, the Truth, and the Life - and the Church, in all her shortcomings, is truly His Body.

Finally, I humbly ask: pray for me, so that the Lord may admit me to the eternal dwellings, despite all my sins and shortcomings. For all those entrusted to me, my heartfelt prayer goes out day after day.

► Cardinal Mauro Gambetti sprinkles water on the dead body of Benedict XVI during the funeral Rite of Reception for the late pope on Jan. 2, 2023. SCREENSHOT FROM VATICAN LIVESTREAM

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JUSTIN BENEDICT T. LIM

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FROM PAGE 9 ►

syndrome (AIDS) and broke the Vatican’s sustained policy of contraceptive banning. Aside from sparking outrage and mixed reactions, a 2010 report by the New York Times stated that a certain number of Catholics and Christians lost faith due to the contrasting viewpoints of the pope against non-celibate individuals.

Clerical celibacy is practiced upon entering priesthood, and this speaks volumes as to why Benedict’s perception differed. He aligned himself with an exhaustive viewpoint to stress the common good, regardless of its critical consequences in the media. Benedict was lauded by African bishops due to the outbreak of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the continent from the cultural practice of polygamy and promiscuity, or the practice of transient yet multiple sexual relationships.

It is subjectively agreeable that the pope’s latter remark will not be a primary cause to cease sexual moralities, but it can tweak an individual moral perception aligned with the church’s goal to attain the common good. Condom use cannot repress the sexual urges of man, as it is a natural desire to bond or to sin, but it cannot be a sole basis to fray against religion and as a threshold to eradicate moral relativism.

Quoting Benedict, “Love is divine because it comes from God and unites us to God.” It is compassionate and patient, for as long as it is instilled within man, it can transcend divisions, including schism. Benedict’s untimely passing sent shockwaves across the globe, yet his fray against schism remains one humane and unacknowledged act buried by conservative criticism. Pope Emeritus stood, unharmed, as a defender of the church doctrine and Catholic values. Hence the title of being a Doctor of the church is yet to be engraved in his controversial legacy.

FAITH can be blinding if not empowered by love, Novaliches Bishop Emeritus Teodoro Bacani Jr. said at the University Fiesta Mass in honor of St. Thomas Aquinas at the Santisimo Rosario Parish Church on Friday, Jan. 27.

In his homily, Bacani warned that faith per se is not enough to see God: “You need that power of faith to be energized by love. Unless it is energized and empowered by love, faith can be blind faith. Faith can remain unseen.”

The Novaliches bishop emeritus described St. Thomas as someone who saw people “in the eyes of faith.”

“He saw in fellow human beings Christ the Lord, whom he loved with all his heart. And because he had faith, that faith sought answers. Because he had the love, he sought endlessly for those answers and lovingly presented them to fellow human beings,” Bacani said.

He added: “St. Thomas received light. Having received the light in love, he passed them to others with great love, preaching, and teaching.”

“He has contemplated so much beauty yet sought to share. And yet having shared it, he saw that all he did was nothing compared to what had been given to him,” Bacani said.

Coinciding with the Mass and the launching was the arrival of the relic of St. Titus Brandsma, a journalist-martyr canonized by Pope Francis in May 2022, personally received by UST Parish Priest Fr. Paul Talavera, O.P. It was on display at the parish until Sunday, Jan. 29.

The University launched Friday the triennium of St. Thomas as part of the Church commemoration of the 700th anniversary of his canon-

ization in 2023, 750th death anniversary in 2024, and 800th birth anniversary in 2025.

Presiders of the three-day Triduum masses reminded Catholics of the values exemplified by St. Thomas in the context of the family, the academe, and the Eucharist.

Former UST Legazpi rector Fr. Ramon Claro Mendez, O.P. said God-centered families are not demonstrative of affection, but of fidelity and simplicity.

“The family is a community of life and love, that’s from [the Vatican 2 document] Gaudium et spes (joy and hope). It is through the Cross that the family can attain the fullness of its being and the perfection of its love,” he said in his homily on the first day, Jan. 24, which had the

told

theme “Contemplating the beauty of God in the family.”

Fr. Nicanor Austriaco, O.P., a professor at the UST Department of Biological Sciences, likened the formation of human knowledge to a jigsaw puzzle that reflects God’s plan.

“You need to study because your life is like many little pieces. You must ask the Lord to put those pieces together so that you can see His fingerprints in your life. You will see the mystery of His providence,” he said in his Jan. 25 homily.

The second day had the theme “Contemplating the beauty of God in study.”

UST Parish Priest Fr. Paul Talavera, O.P. said in his homily on Jan. 26 that the Eucharist is a form of thanksgiving for God's salvation of mankind.

“If we try to understand the Eucharist not merely as a fulfillment of a Sunday obligation or wasting an hour of our precious time in order to attend Mass, but as it truly is, a thanksgiving to God for saving us from our sins and sustaining us in our daily life, then it would not be difficult to contemplate the beauty of God in the Eucharist,” he said on the third and final day.

Elaborating on the theme “Contemplating the beauty of God in the Eucharist,” Talavera said the Eucharist could only be felt when there is a willingness to listen and convert.

“[T]ruly, the beauty of the Eucharist [is] its capacity to transform our lives, not simply asking for petitions, but seeking the wisdom to understand the reasons behind the things happening in our lives,” the parish priest said.

TOMAS U. SANTOS CHRISTINE ANGELIE P. ORINES

BACK TO SCHOOL ATHEA MONIQUE Z. GALA

MY BB LOVE ALIAS JIREH C. MONTENEGRO

‘Empower your faith with love,’ Thomasians

on feast of St. Thomas

► Novaliches Bishop Emeritus Teodoro Bacani leads the University Fiesta Mass and the Launching of the Triennium of St. Thomas Aquinas at the Santisimo Rosario Parish Church on Friday, Jan. 27.

PHOTO BY JOSH NIKKOLAI S. BRAVO/ THE VARSITARIAN ► The relic and image of St. Titus Brandsma is displayed at the Santisimo Rosario Parish Church on Sunday, Jan.

PHOTO BY MARVIN JOHN F. UY/ THE VARSITARIAN

Salinggawi places 3rd to snap 5-year podium drought

The UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe broke out of its five-year slump after clinching third place in the UAAP Season 85 Cheerdance Competition at the Mall of Asia Arena on Dec. 10.

Performing a Lady Gaga-inspired routine, Salinggawi accumulated a total of 640 points to secure the finish.

“That run that they had earlier was really their best run. With no sugarcoating, it’s really their best run throughout the entire journey. It wasn’t a technically perfect run but it was their closest-to-perfect run,” UST head coach Mark Chaiwalla told the Varsitarian

Salinggawi remained the thirdbest team in the dance category after garnering 348 points. It also placed third in the tosses, tumbling and stunts categories with 64.5 points, 82.5 points and 75 points, respectively.

The UST dance troupe ranked fifth in the pyramid category with 74 points.

The National University Pep Squad reclaimed the cheerdance title after overtaking the Far Eastern

UST leads Season 85 UAAP general championship race

UST kept its grip on the spot in the UAAP Season 85 general championship title race after concluding the first semester with a total of 210 points.

After the conclusion of the first half of Season 85, the first pandemic-era season to be implemented with a full calendar, UST finished with seven golds, three silvers, and one bronze.

UST won gold medals in men’s table tennis, men’s and women’s beach volleyball, men’s chess, women’s athletics, and men’s judo.

UST bagged the silver medals in women’s table tennis, men’s taekwondo, and women’s judo.

UST reaped the bronze medal in the women’s basketball.

The UAAP point system gives 15 points to an event’s champion team, 12 points to the second placer, and 10 points to the third placer.

The Tiger Paddlers gave UST its first gold medal after bagging their thirdstraight title on Nov. 26.

The UST beach volleyball teams finished with a golden double after the Tiger Sands bagged their fourth straight

title and the Lady Spikers claimed their fifth straight title on Nov. 29.

The UST Lady Tracksters reclaimed their athletics crown on Dec. 8.

The UST Lady Jins dethroned the defending champions, National University Lady Bulldogs, and won the women’s taekwondo championship on Dec. 15.

The UST Male woodpushers successfully defended their title on Dec. 17.

UST’s final gold in the first semester sports was from the men’s judo team on Dec. 18.

The UST Lady Paddlers failed to take home back-to-back titles after surrendering the championship to the DLSU Lady Paddlers on Nov. 26.

UST’s men’s table tennis, poomsae, and women’s judo teams also settled for silver medals.

The Growling Tigresses settled for third place after bowing down to the De La Salle Lady Archers in their do-or-die match on Dec. 4.

Trailing UST in the general championship race are De La Salle University in second place with 174 points and University of the Philippines in third place with 173 points.

NICOLE ANNE D.G. BUGAUISAN

University Cheering Squad.

NU’s Cheerobics-themed routine amassed 723 points, despite a competition-high 14 deductions.

FEU accumulated 719 points with its Francis Magalona-themed performance.

The UE Pep Squad improved to fourth place with a Pinoy-Popthemed routine, while last year’s second-placer Adamson University Pep Squad fell to fifth place with a Jennifer Lopez-themed routine. UE and Adamson scored 606.5 points and 595 points, respectively.

The Black Eyed Peas-inspired UP Pep Squad (575.5 points), the Janet Jackson-themed DLSU Animo Squad (528.5 points), and the Black Panther-themed Ateneo Blue Babble Battalion (502.5 points) placed sixth, seventh and eighth, respectively.

The concluded Season 85 cheerdance competition featured a pre-pandemic format with 15 to 25 cheerdancers doing a six-minute routine as well as allowing two snares and two bass drums per school.

► The UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe performs a Lady Gaga-themed routine in the UAAP Season 85 cheerdance competition at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sat-

urday, Dec. 10.

BY JOSELLE