2020

reflections of non-professional hobbyist individuals who have found comfort, meaning and enjoyment in their coloring books during the long months of lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The fourth year of the exhibit presented in cooperation with Coloring Books for Adults Philippines included works by Museum Director Rev. Fr. Isidro Abaño, O.P.; Winona Alegre; Cathy Lasam Ballo; Dahlia Mia Barlaan-Alaras; Vermailene Barrios; Sandra Guia Briam; Ai Maristelle Carpio; Anrey Reyes Cosme; April Dy; Christina Fernandez; Ana Marie Fororonda; Mari Jo V. Gabinete; Anwy Gaño; Angelique Ginete; Angel Gorospe; Annie Gorospe; Beverly Laiz; Karen Linde; Maan Mercado; Diane Lane Pascual; Aly Carmen Quirolgico; Michi Rapada; Vivian Recio; Maet Sevillo; and Jennevie Shih. The artists rendered their works using watercolor, pastel, colored pencils and colored pens.

These objects symbolize the Rector's authority as the highest academic official of the University of Santo Tomas, have belonged to the Thomasian community for generations, and may be considered as heirlooms. The exhibit aimed to inform and educate viewers about the history, value, and significance of the objects related to the Office of the Rector, and was produced with the help of the UST Communication Bureau.

The virtual exhibit was uploaded to the Museum’s Facebook page on October 11, 2020.

The exhibit featured the silver Maces of the Office of the Rector, Rector’s Chairs, silver pen and ceremonial trays, crystal inkwells, and the past and current Rector’s Collar and Medallions. Also included were gifts to the Rector that are on display at the Rector’s Hall.

The Museum is grateful for the cooperation, support, and assistance of the Office of the Rector; the Office of the Secretary General; Miguel de Benavides Library; UST Archives; and the Facilities Management Office.

Though most of these were selected from the UST Museum collection, the exhibit also featured other works from churches in Tanay (Rizal), Silang (Cavite), Calumpit (Bulacan), Santo Domingo (Quezon City), and Caleruega Retreat Center (Nasugbu, Batangas), as well as the Museo ng Archidiocesis ng Maynila. Gospel citations assist in contemplating each mystery.

This year’s panel of judges were: Museo Ng Kaalamang Katutubo, Inc. Director Cora Alvina; National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) National Committee on Art Galleries Head John Delan Robillos; art collector Flora Urquico; photographer Manuel “Butch” Tan; and UST Museum Director Rev. Fr. Isidro Abaño, O.P.

Partnering once again with the UST Museum was the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. The special Metrobank Choice Awardee was Ronneille Talavera of BSU. The judges for the Metrobank Choice Award were visual artists Mark Andy Garcia, Raffy Napay, and Carlomar Daoana. Mr. Garcia and Mr. Napay were themselves previous winners in the UST Annual Inter-School OTSPC.

In response to safety protocols, disinfectant mats and alcohol dispensers were put in place for the safety of the staff, whose work schedules were staggered in order to ensure physical distancing and minimize health risks.

The Museum, although not yet allowed to receive guests, made good use of the opportunity to continue improving and refurbishing the lighting, cabinets, and displays. More detailed documentation was accomplished, and conservation procedures which are normally difficult to carry out when there are guests onsite were also done from June through September. The Natural History endangered endemic species diorama was also repainted and the contents laid out anew.

October saw new lighting for the freshly-repainted displays outside the Director’s Office, with Museum Director Fr. Abaño himself curating the objects.

When the Museum welcomes guests once again, they will be treated to a fresh, updated look and an improved visitor experience!

The exhibit was on display from January 30-May 30, 2020 at the Exhibit Area, UST Miguel de Benavides Library, ground floor.

The digital copies of the postcards on display, which are from the collection of the Pichon Family, are available in the Digital Library Website (http://digilib.ust.edu.ph/). The rest of the donated postcards were to be uploaded as well.

Last November 7, 2020, the UST Museum was given the task to take photographs with actual measurements of the image of the Nuestra Señora del Santisimo Rosario (Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary) of UST for the purpose of recording details and commissioning a vicarial image. The documentation was carried out under the direct supervision of Museum Director Rev. fr. Isidro Abaño, O.P., assisted by Noel Villaseñor and Grandy Belchez.

“Plantitos" and "plantitas” have become a household word for the explosive interest in plants and planting during this long period of quarantine due to COVID-19. In order to counteract boredom and make use of passing time fruitfully, many individuals have embarked on cultivating all sorts of plants, from the most expensive to the lowly grass.

The UST Museum is one of those infected by the hobby. This November 2020, having in mind that conservation of cultural heritage includes nature and the environment, UST Museum Director Rev. fr. Isidro Abaño, O.P. took it upon himself to collect and plant in the campus some Philippine fruit-bearing trees that are becoming less known.

Among them are: gumihan, lipote, cambarella, anonas, yambo, bitongkol, balimbing, abiu, mansanitas, and hagis. They were acquired through donation, in great part, by the Faculty of Civil Law Dean, Atty. Nilo Divina.