UST kicks off Paskuhan festivities with Christmas light display

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) may have illuminated its campus with over 500,000 LED lights and at least 600 lanterns on Monday night, but the school's Christmas celebration will center on the birth of Christ as the "One True Light" in the world.

According to Susan Enriquez's report on "Balitanghali" on Tuesday, the country's oldest Catholic university is anchoring this year's "Pasukan" festivities on the theme "Light from light, Prince of Peace." 

As a yearly tradition, Thomasians gathered at the UST Grandstand to witness the opening of a gleaming 70-foot tall Christmas tree, as well as stroll along pathways and greenery of the Benavides Park that is now strewn with lights and lanterns.

Glittering displays also lit up the university's historical sites such as the Plaza Mayor, Arch of the Centuries, and the large cross atop the UST Main Building.

"Ang gaganda ng mga ilaw pero malimit at dapat nating tandaan na ang ating Panginoong Hesukristo ang tunay na ilaw ng ating buhay," Associate Professor Giovanna Fontanilla, UST's Office of Public Affairs director, said.   

Meanwhile, at the Kalayaan Hall of the Malacañang Palace, the lighting of a 40-foot high Christmas tree was led by President Rodrigo Duterte who joined the Madrigal singers in a rendition of the song "Ikaw."

Malacañang said this year's tree was adorned with lanterns and decor made from recycled materials, as well as previously used LED lights. —Margaret Claire Layug/ LDF, GMA News