University of Santo Tomas started its jubilant celebration last January 27, 2011 . This school marked its 400-year anniversary and taking another milestone in Philippine history.
Arch of the Centuries – The arch is presently locate some 15 meters from the main building and serves as one of the landmarks of the university .
it serves as the link of the campus with its Intramuros roots and its Spanish heritage. It has become a symbol of learning—the portal to greatness under which students and alumni (such as Rizal, Mabini, Manuel Quezon and Sergio Osmeña) have passed.
The Arch of the Centuries was originally erected in 1611 at Intramuros , where UST was originally found. After the war , the historical arch was transferred to its present location at Sampaloc , the Arch was also carried piece-by-piece and was re-erected at the front of the main vehicular entrance of the University.
The original Arch ( which was originally faces the main building was built from Philippine adobe or volcanic tuff quarried from Makati and Bulacan ). The arch served as a main passageway to the university building before it was destroyed during the closing days of the Second World War , when it was still at Intramuros. A newer arch facing España Boulevard, which is a reconstruction of the original arch.
The Arch contains Doric columns but is Baroque in its details. The inscription on the arch says “Gateway to the History of the finest breed of Filipinos,” a reference to the numerous alumni who have made an impact in Philippine history. On the left pillar of the facade facing España Boulevard is commemorative plaque honoring National Hero Dr. Jose Protacio Mercado Rizal y Realonda , and on the right pillar is another plaque honoring President Manuel Luis Quezon , both being UST alumni. The arch was recently been declared in 2010 as National Treasures by the National Museum of the Philippines.
On the sides at the top of the Arch are panels depicting the life of Saint Thomas of Aquinas , the patron saint of the University and of all Catholic schools.
All incoming students (freshmen and transferees), as parts of their initiation rites into the University, known as the Thomasian Welcome Walk are required to pass through under the Arch. Candidates for graduation, on the other hand, also pass through under the Arch during a parade after their Baccalaureate Mass.
This tradition started on June 2002. Fireworks display ends the passage and signals the party afterward. The parade, either of freshmen or graduating seniors, is done per college/faculty in random order. There is an old superstition that while studying at the University, one should not pass under the arch until he graduates. If done so, an event will happen that will bar his graduation from the University.
National Artist for Literature 2001 – Mr. Francisco Sionil Jose and wife were among the VIPs , He is also an outstanding UST alumna
Part of the celebration is the unveiling of a 10-meter sculpture commissioned by the UST management by a well-known UST graduate Architect Ramon Orlina to create the “ Quattro Mondial which consists of four human figures each representing four centuries of excellence. Upon the four figures rest like GLOBE, it tilts 23.5 in constant motion and at the same time perpetually facing the North Star, which is the brightest star in the constellation.
The globe represents the event of globalization of the university in which produced several Philippine Presidents, alumni from all over the world, foreign students from different parts of the world.
UST quadricentennial flag
One of the male sculpture which symbolizes “ EXCELLENCE” was modeled after Mr. Piolo Pascual a famous actor and a commercial endorser, While another female sculpture which symbolizes “ ERUDITION” was modeled after Mrs. Charlene Gonzales- Muhlach a B.S. Psychology graduate and a top 6 finalist in the Miss Universe beauty pageant held in Manila on May 21, 1994. After all, this prestigious university had produced some of the country’s top beauty pageant winners to name a few.
Mr. Orestes Ojeda, whose real name is Mr. Luis Pagalilauan , a veteran actor , artist and entrepreneur pose for a souvenir shot with Philpost employees
Mr. Orestes Ojeda was introduced in the movie, “Zoom Zoom Superman,” starring Ariel Ureta in 1973. From then on until “Sanib,” directed by Celso Ad. Castillo in 2003, the actor acted in films of all genres—action, comedy, sex, drama, horror (almost 70 films in 38 years)! He has been directed by important filmmakers like Ishmael Bernal in “Broken Marriage” and “City After Dark,” Celso Ad. Castillo in his trail-blazing “Nympha,” and Lino Brocka in “Inay.”
Mr. Ramon Orlina’s sculpture before the unveiling ceremonies
Another statute that symbolizes “ SPIRITUALITY ” a Dominican Priest, by Rev. Father Rolando dela Rosa, O.P. Rector of UST and the fourth statute that symbolizes “ TRADITION” for academics had Ms. Monina Orlina –Mr. Ramon Orlina daughter as a model.
According to Architect Orlina, It took over one and a half year to finish. The statute that he himself had conceptualized, designed, executed. The statute was made from cast bronze, solid glass blocks and the base is from marble. His works was unveiled formally to the public just in time for his birthday. Lavish fireworks capped the ceremonies, while famous UST alumni, faculties, friends, media, ambassadors among others.
Over 50 flea market style tents which sells from commemorative t-shirts to pre-paid cellphone load. There were some promotional booths giving away freebies like bottled energy drink , chocolate wafer , candies and vitamins.
Just like any celebration, the bazaar which enterprising students , corporation can realize their entrepreneurial skills . Some of tenants are also alumni of the university, Like Perfume magnate Mr. Joel Cruz and various UST institutes had been selling a lot of memorabilia’s from commemorative key chains, T-shirt, caps, mugs, books, pre-paid load, UST SIM cards , perfume and even an on- the spot job fair !
A proud Thomasian wore a UST Growling Tiger head gear with matching yellow t-shirt
The festive atmosphere, with hundred thousand Christmas lights dangling from the old- acacia and narra tress. Thousands of alumni and invited guests from all walks of life filled the campus grounds. There was a concert at the nearby track and field .
Philippine Postal Corporation employees led by Mr. Luis Carlos , Mrs. Elenita San Diego, Mrs. Josefina T. Cura – Filipinas Stamp Collectors’ Club founder and the author pose for a souvenir shot
While waiting for the stamp launch, the author had some time having some private conversations with some Philpost employees and the alumni . The author took the opportunity in taking some photograph of the special framed commemorative stamps. There are only 100,000 stamps and about 10,200 pieces of souvenir sheet stamps with Mr. Ramon Orlina’s “ Quattro Modial “ sculpture was featured on the issue.
Ms. Cory Quirino , Mr. Piolo Pascual and Architect Ramon Orlina
Ms. Cory Quirino is a fitness , health and wellness guru , a lifestyle television host , crime crusader and now Miss Philippines – World franchise holder were among the hundreds of VIPs invited to grace the event. Beside is Mr. Piolo Pascual a television host , actor, commercial model and Architect Ramon Orlina .
Mr. Orlina was once a board member of the Stamp Advisory Committee of the Philippine Postal Corporation.
The UST commemorative stamps issue were almost sold-out already at the Philpost.
“ It is a pity that they only issued few thousand pieces of UST commemorative stamps” according to one of the alumni who wanted to buy the stamp during the launch.
Mrs. Carlene Gonzales- Muhlach with throngs of reporters, adoring fans
The official time of the ceremonies was further extended to past 6:00 pm due to the huge crowd and media that gathered in the event. With much anticipation, screaming and giggling voices from the students and guests that accompanied the arrival of Mr. Piolo Pascual and Mrs. Charlene Gonzales- Muhlach.
With much fanfare and lavish ceremonies , The formal unveiling of the stamps and of the statute was almost held simultaneously. The ceremonies also coincide with Mr. Ramon Orlina’s birthday celebration. There is portion within the centennial plaza were an evening buffet was served to the selected guests and alumni.
The author had a memorable experience in this stamp launch .
History:
“The University of Santo Tomas gratefully looks back to July 24,1605, when Bishop Miguel de Benavides, O.P., the third Archbishop of Manila bequeathed a modest amount from his personal funds and his personal library collection for use in the establishment of a ‘seminary-college’ to prepare young men for the priesthood.
“Thus, on April 28, 1611, the Colegio de Nuestra Senora del Santisimo Rosario, later named Colegio de Santo Tomas, was born in its original campus within the walled city called Intramuros.
“On November 20, 1645, the College was elevated to the rank of a University by Pope Innocent X. King Charles of Spain granted the title “Royal University” to UST in 1785, for the exceptional loyalty shown by its administration and students who volunteered to defend Manila against the British invasion.
“On September 17, 1902, Pope Leo XIII made the University of Santo Tomas a “Pontifical University” and in 1947, Pope Pius XII bestowed upon it the title “The Catholic University of the Philippines.”
“The continuing increase in enrolment prompted the administration in 1927 to relocate the University in its present site in the Sampaloc district, along Espana St, Manila, which covers 21.5 hectares.
“Inspired by its rich history, spurred on to impart wisdom and knowledge, enthused by noteworthy accomplishments, the University has remained steadfastly responsive to the needs and issues of the time as they occur, whether in the Philippines or elsewhere in the world.
“Today, the University campus is considered a historic site and is a recognizable landmark in Manila and the country.”
Technical description of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) 400 Years (1611-2011) “Unending Grace” stamps are as follows:
Kind of Issue: Commemorative
Denomination and Quantity: Php7.00 / 100,000 pieces
Date of Issue: January 25, 2011
Last date of Sale: January 24, 2012 (or as stocks allow)
Size: 40 mm x 30 mm.
Sheet Composition: 40 (4 x 10)
Souvenir Sheet: Php 37.00 / 10,200 pieces
Size of Souvenir Sheet: 110 mm. x 75 mm.
Perforation: 14
Printing process: Litho offset
Paper: Imported Unwatermarked
Printer: Amstar Company, Inc.
Designers: UST Quadricentennial Committee headed by
Rev. Fr. Rolando V. de la Rosa, O.P.
Rector, University of Santo Tomas
Photos: Donald Tapan
Design Layout Artist: Jesus Alfredo Delos Santos
Designer of Souvenir Sheet: Ramon Orlina
Designer of Souvenir Folder: Jonathan Gamalinda
Design Coordinators: Dr. Ngo Tiong Tak
Jonathan Gamalinda
Designs: Three of the block of four stamp designs of the 400 years Commemorative Stamps for UST are edifices or buildings which are considered National Cultural Treasures.
The Main Building of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in Sampaloc, Manila functions as the university’s administrative center and home of the Faculty of Civil Law, Faculty of Pharmacy and the College of Science. The Main Building is also the home of the Museum of Arts and Sciences.
Design 1 which shows the Main Building during at night time
Design 2, featured UST Central Seminary and Chapel
Design 3, shows Arch of the Centuries with 400 year logo
Design 4 features the Painting entitled, “The Foundation of the University of Santo Tomas,” by Archbishop Benavides.
The Souvenir Sheet features the design of Ramon Orlina that shows the Quattro Mondial Monument and Benavides Monument done in 1889 by Tony Noel with the University of Santo Tomas logo and the Main Building.
commemorative items
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas will be releasing 10 million copies of the bill amounting to P2 billion, and 400 commemorative medals. BSP officials said the 200-peso bill will be legal tender but the medals will have no value.
Interesting note is that former President Diosdado Macapagal that is featured on the 200-peso bill is one of the university most distinguished alumna.
The bills feature the Quadricentennial logo (tongues of fire forming the letters U, S and T emanating from the Main Building) on the dorsal portion, while the medals bear the engraved image of Msgr. Miguel de Benavides, O.P., founder of UST and third archbishop of Manila. The central bank will also release 400 special copies of two uncut 200-peso bills equal to P400, matching UST’s years of existence.
Both the commemorative paper bills and stamps are highly collectible since they are only issued on a limited number. But it totally depends on the budget of the collector.
Sources and Reference :
University of Santo Tomas : http://www.ust.edu.ph/
Philpost: http://www.philpost.gov.ph/web/ust-400-years-1611-2011-%E2%80%9Cunending-grace%E2%80%9D-commemorative-stamps/
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas : http://www.bsp.gov.ph/
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Filed under: education, event, people, Place, stamps, trade fair | Tagged: 400th centenary, Architect Ramon Orlina, Charlene Gonzales, Charlene Gonzales- Muhlach, coin, education, ERUDITION, España Boulevard, event, EXCELLENCE, Mabini, Manila, Ms. Socorro Quirino, O.P., Orestes Ojeda, Organizations, paper bill, people, Piolo Pascual, Place, President Manuel Luis Quezon, QuattroMondial, Rev. Father Rolando dela Rosa, Sampaloc, SPIRITUALITY, Stamps, trade fair, TRADITION, UST GROWLING TIGER | Comments Off on University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Stamp launch
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