Traditions of the University of Santo Tomas
The University of Santo Tomas (UST) in Manila has many traditions shaped by Catholic Dominican culture. Most are annual and celebrate faith, learning, and Thomasian pride.
Opening year rituals
Each school year begins with the Mass of the Holy Spirit, called Misa de Apertura, usually led by a bishop and attended by university leaders and Dominican clergy. The Apostolic Nuncio or a delegate formally declares the opening. An inaugural lecture, Discurso de Apertura, used to start the year with a scientific talk by a professor or dean. The tradition traces back to Lectio Prima in the Dominican houses of studies. The Discurso has been held since 1866, though it has been interrupted several times by history and health events, and in recent years has sometimes been replaced by rectorial inaugural addresses. The Discurso was not held in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Christmas celebrations
UST marks Christmas with lighting of the campus and a Christmas Concert featuring the Conservatory of Music, UST Singers, Coro Tomasino, and other groups. The annual Paskuhan brings together student performances, live bands, and a grand show with fireworks, drawing huge crowds. The event raises funds for projects like scholarships and heritage restoration and has supported relief efforts for disasters in the past.
Graduation rites
The Baccalaureate Mass for graduates is led by the Rector and is followed by the Ceremony of the Light and the Sending-off Rites. In recent years, weather has sometimes moved the Mass to the Quadricentennial Pavilion or livestreamed it, with two-day observances for some batches.
UST songs and welcome traditions
The UST Hymn is the alma mater song, though typically only the chorus is sung today. The Thomasian Welcome Walk (TWW) welcomes new students by having them walk under the Arch of the Centuries toward the Main Building. Since 2012, the Welcome Walk and Mass have been held in the Quadricentennial Pavilion in batches because August is the rainy season. The ROARientation after the Mass helps new students learn university policies and campus life, including how to join dance and cheer traditions like the Go USTe chants.
Festivals and competitions
UST hosts annual events such as the USTv Awards, which began in 2005 to honor programs that promote Thomasian values. The university also features sports and arts programs, including the Thomasian Goodwill Games for intercollegiate friendship, the Salinggawi Dance Troupe’s performances, and Cheermania, a cheerdance competition.
Symbols, legends, and architecture
A sun motif decorates many UST buildings and its seal. The Arch of the Centuries is linked to a popular superstition about delaying graduation if you cross it, and another superstition claims crossing it at midnight will time-travel to the past. There is also an unofficial rule among architects that no new building should be taller than the Main Building’s cross, though several newer structures have risen beside it.
Rector installations and the Neo-Centennial
Installing a new rector is a formal, solemn ceremony with leaders from education, the church, and government in attendance. The rector’s collar and ceremonial maces are notable parts of the event. The school has seen changes in when the Discurso de Apertura occurs, with some inaugurations taking place alongside or instead of the opening Mass. In 2021, Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, OP, became the 97th Rector, starting his term in 2021 and continuing into 2024.
The Neo-Centennial and 500 years
In January 2012, UST marked the Neo-Centennial, a week-long countdown toward 500 years, ending with an indoor “UST 500” display atop the Main Building during a pyromusical show. A special Neo-Centennial magazine and related events celebrated the milestone.
These traditions show how UST blends faith, learning, history, and community into its yearly life as a leading university in the Philippines.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 11:59 (CET).