“TO SEE is to believe” is an assertion often contested with a view that there is always more than what meets the eye.
The Welcome Walk of the freshmen of the Faculty of Arts and Letters (AB) at the Arch of the Centuries last Saturday, Aug. 5, was more than just a dazzling parade of blue or a friendly show-off of creativity and imagination by perhaps the most boisterous bunch of Thomasians.
More than just a visual treat, the ritual was also a beginning of a new phase in the lives of about 1,160 Artlet freshmen, not that different from the archetypal beginning of a journey by a hero who is ready to face trials and overcome personal demons to achieve a noble aim.
The exploits of a hero and the collective aspirations of his or her allies populate literary texts and popular culture, making Disney a fitting theme for the Welcome Walk. The event celebrated not just the so-called “happiest place on earth” but also its protagonists who, like the new breed of Thomasians, are determined to prove themselves, realize their dreams and seize glory.
Asian Studies will make a Thomasian out of you
Carrying the theme “Mulan,” Artlets from Asian Studies entered the arch with their pastel-colored parasols, referencing the umbrella Mulan uses throughout the movie.
“For us freshmen, most of us really dreamed of having UST as our school, and we truly want to cross the arch because it is both a privilege and sign that we are starting our journey as a Thomasian,” Arriane Santiago, a freshman from Asian studies said.
Behavioral Science’s thingamabob
Not under the sea but under the scorching sun, freshmen from behavioral science paraded with tiaras in honor of Princess Ariel of “The Little Mermaid.”
Daves Bartolome, a parent of a student from the Behavioral Science program revealed how her child used to catch sight of the campus when she was just three years old, leading to questions such as: “Which school is that? I want to study there!”
Now, she is living the dream.
We’re comm in this together
Freshies from the communication program pulled off high school in college as they graced their way through the arch with the nostalgic colors of red and yellow of “The High School Musical.”
Artlets from this program never failed to lighten up the atmosphere, sharing the same magic as their chosen theme.
You’ve got a friend in journ
Andy must have left his bedroom unlocked for this many Woodys to parade through the campus premises. Artlets from Journalism flaunted their cowboy hats, paired with vibrant smiles. How convenient for the weather!
Marquis Candelaria, a journalism freshman, compared the Welcome Walk to a ceremonial red carpet.
“It felt like I was a Broadway star in New York. It felt like I was being welcomed into something bigger than myself.” he said.
There’s a monster in Economics’ closet
No time for fear as Artlets from the Economics program embraced the peculiar but magical energy of “Monsters, Inc.” through striking props and funky headbands. Their otherworldy cheers echoed throughout the campus, bringing immense excitement to their fellow Artlets.
ELS in Wonderland
Artlets from the English Language Studies definitely played their cards right as they brought magic into the campus with their “Alice in Wonderland” concept. As shown by their eye-catching placards, they are ready to get curiouser and curiouser!
Satisfied with philosophy’s care
On a scale of one to ten, we are rating Philosophy freshies a perfect ten for perfecting their concept of “Big Hero 6!” Everyone was equipped with banners bearing special messages, from the Philosophy program to you.
A philosophy student’s parent, Lewelyn Bugayong, expressed how delightful she was seeing her child enter the arch, let alone the University. She also mentioned her child’s keen admiration of the campus’ fine architecture and buildings, one of the reasons why they have chosen UST.
“To enter UST is the dream of my child because of the impressive architecture it has, she said that this is the only school in the Philippines that has a captivating construction of alluring buildings. I am also very happy for her because she really wanted to pursue her studies here, and I wanted to show my happiness by ultimately supporting her all throughout,” she said.
Tangled with Legal Management
Freshmen from Legal Management definitely nailed their “Tangled” concept as they paraded down the arch with yellow crowns, just like Rapunzel’s. These Artlets surely appeared golden with their flashy props proudly representing the magic of their program. At last, they saw the light!
Aloha, Literature!
From somber lanterns to the soothing seas of literature, freshies of the program embodied the vibrance of their theme “Lilo and Stitch. With shades of yellow and blue carnations, these Artlets wore garlands looking like a big ohana!
Literature freshman Mikyla Santos said marching towards the arch is an experience that unlocks fulfillment, especially that she is now actualizing her childhood dream.
“UST has been my dream school ever since I was little. When I was seven years old, my uncle brought me here to the campus, and I really loved UST so it was really fulfilling for me to finally cross the arch,” Santos said.
Creative Writing and the beast
These Artlets’ beauty and brains will surely free us from any curse as they manifested the magic of “Beauty and the Beast” through their wreaths and bouquets. Waving their flags of glory, Artlets from the creative writing program definitely made a statement. There is no time limit to their enchantment.
In Zootopia, History Artlets can be anything
An adorable array of crocheted animal ears are displayed as History freshmen students made their way into creating a land as magical as their concept “Zootopia!” Their genuine smiles and excitement definitely completed the kind of look and aura they were going for.
Up, up and away with Sociology
The dauntless Artlets of the Sociology program celebrated their being Thomasians by paying homage to the movie “Up!” The students all wore a green sash in reference to the main character of the movie, a boy scout as brave as them!
Music is alive in Political Science
Political Science Artlets did not fail the audience as they wrapped up the parade drenched in colors that embodied their theme “Coco.” Up until the very end of the program, these enthusiastic Artlets never wore off their smiles as bright as the colors of the props they brought with them.
“Foremost, I am very excited considering that UST is one of my dream schools. Also, it’s a very honorable experience to cross the arch,” political science freshman Oliver Claudio said. F – Valerie Peralta and Kristine Diane Sarmiento
