The University of Santo Tomas has now an official theme song for its Quadricentennal celebration.

A song extolling Thomasian resiliency through hard times bested four other finalists to win the Q Songwriting Contest Grand Finals last Dec. 10 at the Albertus Magnus Auditorium.

“Ako'y Isang Tomasino” composed by UST alumnus Gerry de Leon earned the top prize and the rare privilege of being the banner hymn of UST’s upcoming 400th anniversary in 2011.

“I imagined the Main Building and how it stood the test of time. That thought alone inspired me to string up the right words and melody to come up with a composition that would best portray the joy of being a Thomasian and part of 400 years of history,” said de Leon, a pioneer cum Laude graduate of the University’s Industrial Engineering department in 1980.

His masterpiece was performed by long-time friend Sam Velarde, whom, despite not being a Thomasian, convincingly interpreted the song to the approval of the UST audience which included Vice Rector Fr. Pablo Tiong, O.P, Vice Rector for Religious Affairs Fr. Filemon dela Cruz, O.P, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Dr. Clarita Carillo, Executive Director for Quadricentennial Activities and Highlights Fr. Isidro Abaño, O.P., Office of Public Affairs Director Assoc. Prof. Giovanna V. Fonatanilla and students, among others.

“Cheers to 400 Years” by Arts and Letters alumnae Alma Escasa and husband Ben bagged the first runner-up award and P 100,000 while Institute of Religion assistant director Richard Pazcougin’s “Children of Unending Grace” took second-runner-up honors and P 75,000.

“Beyond This Arch” by Conservatory of Music faculty secretary Antonio Africa and “UST, The Past, Present and Tomorrow” by Pipo Cifra, a Music alumnus and current musical director of “Maalaala Mo Kaya” landed fourth and fifth places, respectively, and received P 20,000.00each.

The five finalists were judged according to musicality (70 percent) and lyrics (30 percent) by renowned musicians and songwriters Agnes Manalo, Fr. Guiseppe Pietro Arsciwals, O.P., Eugene Villaluz, Elmer Blancaflor, Vehnee Saturno and Rey Valera as chairman of the board.

The competition attracted a total of 78 entries where the 10 semifinalists were chosen by the members of the Screening  committee composed of Fr. Abaño, Dean Raul Sunico of the Conservatory of Music and composer Jed Balsamo before selecting the five finalists. De Leon’s composition was  launched formally during the “400 days to 400 years Countdown” on Dec. 18 at the UST Grandstand.