The University of Santo Tomas (UST), the oldest university in Asia, is gearing for its 400th year in 2011. UST was founded in 1611 by Dominican friar Miguel de Benavides, the 3rd Archbishop of Manila. It is the biggest Catholic university in the world in one campus in terms of student population, and has been bestowed the titles of Pontifical, Royal and the Catholic University of the Philippines.

Its population has grown to more than 40,000 students, its reputation has reached global proportions, and its distinguished roster of alumni includes four Philippine presidents, six chief justices of the Supreme Court, heroes, national artists, saints and professionals in various fields of expertise. The University has now expanded into 19 faculties, colleges, and institute, most of which produce the country’s board topnotchers.

This year’s Paskuhan has two major highlights, the Eucharistic Celebration with the Rector Rev. Fr. Rolando V. de la Rosa, O.P. as the main celebrant and homilist, and the Paskuhan festivities focusing on the historic countdown to 2011. The Paskuhan Mass on the theme “Pagsalubong sa Pasko: Unang Simbang Gabi sa UST” is on December 15, 2009 at 6:00 p.m.

On December 18, 2009, UST will commence its countdown to 400 days to its 400 years. During its annual Christmas program called Paskuhan, UST will mark a significant date in its history. During the program, the Quadricentennial (Q) prayer will be recited for the first time by the entire Thomasian community while the Q flag will be hoisted. The winning composition by Mr. Gerry de Leon entitled “Ako’y Isang Tomasino” as a result of the Q Song Writing Contest, will be sung by its interpreter, Mr. Sam Velarde. At the strike of 12 midnight, the Quadricentennial Clock which is a Swatch Beatman, will be launched to commence the countdown leading to January 28, 2011. The countdown will be witnessed by the Thomasain community, alumni, University friends and patrons. It must be that this celebrated countdown will not only mean the continued witnessing of this generation to the truth that UST has provided quality Catholic education and its service to the Filipino nation and the Church is indeed God’s unending grace.