Experience and impressions of a UST centenarian

By Amadea Medina

January 27 & 28, 2011 – the B-day for the grand celebration of the 400th anniversary of the Pontifical, Royal University of Santo Tomas, the oldest university in the orient. It was the proper time for homecomings and reunions for Thomasians. This was planned, and Dominicans and alumni came from all parts of the world. There were a lot of handshakes, hugs, kisses, plus strange events to talk about.

I am an alumna of UST with no batch to claim, but with a special recognition to rejoice over. I am unique because besides being the oldest alumnae, I am celebrating my 100th birthday on March 2011, which coincides with the 400th anniversary of the University of Santo Tomas in 2011. I was to receive an honor.

Photo by Paul Allyson R. Quiambao. Courtesy of the Varsitarian

January 27, 2011. 3:00PM – my nephew Cesar and his wife Lulu, a faculty member at UST, picked me up and we drove to the UST campus. It was jam-packed, It must truly be a grand celebration.

Our first stop was the Grandstand, where a program was going on. As we entered, I felt enveloped in a flood of brightness. Looking up, I was overwhelmed with the fantastic numberless chains of glittering lights hanging close together, from a seemingly limitless expanse of a canopy. I imagined scores of linked stars hanging from the sky. The art was unique, matchless, just simply amazing.

Lulu and I walked to a small cubicle where I was to be interviewed. That was my first interview intended for publicity. Nevertheless, I was not nervous. Mr. Fu the interviewer, was gracious and pleasant to talk with. The interview was short. I had expected more questions. Later, I was told that the interview was just a preparation for the actual interview on the stage. We sauntered about the VIP air-conditioned tents, stopping at some canteens to know what food we might try. It was really none-stop for the chefs.

Then, two ladies came to escort me to the stage. They seated me cautiously in the only chair in the center. I was facing an audience of intellectuals. However, I was composed. The interview was short. I had wished there were more questions. Mr. Fu ended by saying, “She will be 103 on her next birthday.” In a jiffy, I objected and said “Pinatatanda mo naman ako!” The crowd erupted into laughter and cheers. He must be joking. The two ladies fetched me with the usual care. Too much over protection was in my mind, to one as strong as a bull.

January 28, 2011 – The Grand Reunion, formal attire. I pulled out an old Filipina terno which was still good looking. My appointment with the Education Dean Clotilde Arcangel was 3:00 o’clock PM. Years had withered my figure and it took time, a lot of pins to wear that damned “terno’s alampay.” I was late. We arrived in the Dean’s room, with Lulu still trying to fix my “alampay.” “Come, I know how to do it,” said the Dean. How graceful of her! In the room were young and elderly alumna, alive in conversations about each one’s life. There was a short program during which the elderlies were awarded medals. Thank God and UST for my gold.

Time to leave for the Holy Mass. A wheelchair was there waiting for me. “No, I will walk,” I wanted to prove my strength. Lulu argued that the place where the mass will be celebrated is far. When we got there, I was overwhelmed by the sight of a wide spread of white as far as my eyes could see. It was the Dominican clergies covering the area. We were seated behind rows and rows of Dominican bishops and priests. Such numbers would mean more people to reach, more hearts to love God.

The celebration of the mass was significant and out of the ordinary, with the heartwarming message of Pope Benedict and the Cardinal coming all the way from Rome officiating. Delightful were the well-timed opening and movement of the gold-colored wide umbrellas held over the heads of bishops giving holy communion.

Dinner was served. Then, the experience of a lifetime for me. I had been given the honor of cutting the cake with Rector dela Rosa, so there I was, at the table on which lay a tall big cake. I cut the cake inch deep and looked at the crowd in front taking pictures. I was thinking that the act was just ceremonial when Rev. Father Rector pressed my hand, thus drawing up a snack piece of cake which was placed in a saucer. There were lots of clapping and cheering. The usher at my left picked up a small piece with a teaspoon and held it close to my mouth. “Here, try it, just a small piece,” he urged. I did, feeling the satisfaction of an unexpected experience.

I walked a few paces with Rev. Father Rector and said to him, “Rev. Father Rector, I am honored.” I didn’t hear what he said. At that moment, a feeling of belonging gripped me. Years flashed back – I was a teenage student “groping and greening” within the halls and campus of the University of Santo Tomas. Yes, I belong to UST.

The wheelchair fetched me, and as it rolled on, I was swarmed with photo-taking addicts. “May I take a picture.” “Picture ma’am, picture ma’am,” “Smile, smile.” These from excitable appreciative crowd along my way to the exit. My family was following, teasing me with, “Oh! You are now a superstar.” I felt all this fuss a bit strange. Why this interest in taking my pictures, who am I to deserve such attention?

A valid concept surfaced in my mind. Yes, I am one worthy of special attention. I am God’s rare specimen, a wonderful unique creature, ripened with years , yet strong, mentally sound, and gracefully coping with everyday challenges.

Thank you UST for the recognition you’ve bestowed on me, and accept my well deserved congratulations to all the behind-the-scene Thomasians, who worked very hard, towards a successful, well managed and spectacular 400th anniversary celebration of UST.