The University of Santo Tomas (UST) students were once again treated
to a cultural experience, as youth delegates from Taiwan showcased their
talents and culture through performances during the “Taiwan Night” held on September 5, 2017 at the Ballroom of the UST Paredes Building.
Through this year’s Taiwan Youth Ambassadors Program whose theme was
“New Taiwan Generation, New Southbound Vision,” the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the Philippines brought 26 youth Ambassadors to the University to participate in an international cultural
exchange with Asian Studies students from the UST Faculty of Arts and Letters.
TECO Executive Officer, Mr. Peter Pan coordinated with the Office of Public Affairs to bring the youth ambassadors to UST.
The interaction between the UST students and the Taiwanese Youth
Ambassadors took place at the St. Raymund Peñafort building. Faculty of Arts and Letters officials led by Dean Michael Taiwan Youth Ambassadors Leader pays courtesy call on Fr. Rector;Taiwan Youth Ambassadors perform in UST Pianist Darren Matias collaborates with Yasa Poleteava in ‘Contrast Duo’ Anthony C. Vasco, Ph.D., welcomed the students. Also present were Asst. Dean Nancy Tabirara, Asian Studies Department Chair Lino Baron, Ph.D., and Internationalization Program Coordinator Arlen Ancheta, Ph.D.
The delegates, composed of students from different universities in
Taiwan, treated the UST community to a night of performances such as traditional dances which they described as “a mix of folk dance, martial arts, and traditional instruments,” modern dances which incorporates baseball – their national sport, and their rendition of Freddie Aguilar’s
famous song “Anak.”
A sky lantern dance presentation signifying “forever friendship
between Taiwan and the Philippines” was the highlight of their cultural performance. The youth ambassadors’ performance was capped with a video presentation on Taiwan’s culture.
Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Cheryl R. Peralta,
DrPH, also attended the event. The youth ambassadors’ performance was capped with a video presentation on Taiwan’s culture. Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Cheryl R. Peralta, DrPH, also attended the event.
A Chinese calligraphy banner which states “Good Luck and all the best” was
presented to Vice Rector for Research and Innovation, Prof. Maribel Nonato, Ph.D. for the University.
Meanwhile, UST students also showcased their talents with a musical
performance from the UST Wind Orchestra, under the baton of Prof. Herminigildo Ranera, Ph.D., and The UST Singers led by its conductor Prof. Fidel G. Calalang, Jr.
Prior to Taiwan Night, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the Philippines representative, Dr. Gary Song-Huann Lin, TECO Executive Officer Mr. Peter Pan, 2017 Taiwan Youth Ambassadors Leader ChiChia Chen, and Deputy Leader Shu-Chuan Chen paid a courtesy call upon UST Rector Very Rev. Fr. Herminio V. Dagohoy, O.P. at
the Office of the Rector .
