NEWSLETTER
2021 to 2030
2021 - 2022
2021-2022, 1st Term
a) UST Museum Participates in the ICOM Prague Symposium 2021, page 2
The UST Museum is represented at the International Council of Museum (ICOM) Prague Symposium 2021 by Museum Director Rev. fr. Isidro Abaño, O.P. and Assistant Director Ar. Carlo Sayco.
b) "HOLY ABSTRACT: Priest Painter, page 3
The UST Museum is proud to present “HOLY ABSTRACT: Priest Painter,” a virtual exhibition of artworks by Fr. Nunilon Arnold “Nunz” F. Bancaso, Jr., an alumnus of the UST Faculty of Sacred Theology and a former student of Museum Director Rev. fr. Isidro Abaño, O.P.
c) Fr. Abaño Speaks During Theology Week 2021, pages 4-5
UST Museum Director and UST Faculty of Sacred Theology professor Fr. Isidro Abaño, O.P., gave a virtual presentation entitled “A Pedagogical Ministry of the Cultural Heritage of the Church in the University of Santo Tomas” during the recently-held Theology Week 2021.
d) UST Museum Holds Conservation Plan Seminar, page 6
As part of the UST Museum’s role in preserving the history and cultural heritage of the University of Santo Tomas, plans are underway for the major conservation procedures to be undertaken for the murals depicting UST’s history. The administration and staff of the UST Museum held a seminar and meeting as an orientation for this long-range project last October 27, 2021 via Zoom.
e) UST Museum Consulted by GenSan LGU For Their Museum, page 6
Last September 30, a meeting regarding the construction of the General Santos City (GenSan) Museum was held via Zoom.
f) Christmas Greetings! page 7
The administration and staff of the UST Museum wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and we hope to see all of you again soon!
g) Continuing Improvements at the UST Museum, page 8
The installation of a programmable LED track lighting system for the UST Museum and Main Building lobby was started on December 1, 2021.
h) Remembering Asst. Prof. Lemuel Dela Cruz, Tenor, page 8
The UST Museum offered its deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of Asst. Prof. Lemuel dela Cruz, Tenor.
i) Staff Box, page 8
List of contributors to the newsletter.
j) Feedback, page 8
Mailing address of UST Museum for your suggestions, concerns or questions.
2021-2022, 2nd Term
a) UST Museum re-opens to the Public, page 2
The UST Museum welcomes guests again after a long hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
b) Seminar on “Updates on the Health Protocols of the University of Santo Tomas”,
page 2
UST Health Service Director Ms. Sheryl M. Dionisio, MD discussed important keynotes about the new health monitoring system under Alert Level 1 with the UST Museum staff.
c) Fr. Abaño Re-Elected to Executive Board of ICOM Philippines, page 3
Rev. fr. Isidro Abaño, O.P., was re-elected to the Executive Board of the International Council
of Museums Philippines (ICOM-PH), last March 23, 2022 during the 2022 ICOM-PH General
Assembly held via Zoom.
d) Continuing Improvements at the UST Museum – Fire Alarm System Upgrade and
Repainting of 3rd Floor Office, page 3
The UST Museum's fire alarm system was upgraded and the Office of the Director at the 3rd
floor of the Main Building was repainted recently.
e) Museum Begins Conservation and Restoration of AGL Murals at Main Building
Lobby, pages 4-5
The full-scale conservation and restoration of the Antonio Garcia Llamas murals at the
University of Santo Tomas Main Building lobby is underway.
f) Ar. Carlo Sayco to Present Poster at ICOM Prague 2022, page 6
UST Museum Assistant Director Ar. Carlo Sayco, MACHS will present a poster entitled,
“UNDERSTANDING INCLUSIVITY AND DECOLONISATION: THE CASE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF
SANTO TOMAS” during the Joint Conference of the UMAC-NATHIST-ICME-ICR 2022 which will
run from 22-23 August 2022, concurrently with the International Council of Museums (ICOM)
General Conference 2022 in Prague, Czech Republic.
g) Fr. Abaño Gets Hands-On with Conservation Procedures, page 6
Museum Director Rev. fr. Isidro Abaño, O.P. personally supervised conservation procedures
for a 19th century image of St. John the Baptist from Daet, Camarines Norte.
h) Museum Lighting Project, page 7
by Ar. Carlo Sayco, MACHS
The University of Santo Tomas Museum continued improving facilities by installing
automated track lighting fixtures in the Main Building Lobby.
i) Visit of Charge d’affaires of Embassy of Republic of Poland, page 7
Mr. Jaroslaw Szczepankiewicz, Chargé d'affaires, a.i. of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland
in Manila. Mr. Szczepankiewicz together with Ms. Anna Krzak-Danel, Counselor-Minister,
Head of the Political and Economic Section of the Embassy of Poland, paid a Courtesy Visit
upon the Very Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., UST Rector to explore possible points for
collaboration, and paid a visit to the UST Museum afterwards.
j) Congratulations, AK!, page 8
We are so proud of our graduating Student Assistant, Anna Kamille “AK” T. Miranda, Bachelor
of Arts in Behavioral Science, cum laude!
k) Museum Guests, page 8
l) Staff Box, page 8
List of contributors to the newsletter.
m) Feedback, page 8
Mailing address of UST Museum for your suggestions, concerns or questions.
2022 - 2023
2022-2023, 1st Term
a) UST Goes Namjooning: Capturing Moments on Campus, page 2
The UST Museum launched an interactive exhibit inspired by the social media term popularized by Korean band member Kim Namjoon to inspire viewers to learn and experience the University's heritage in a new way.
b) Museum Artworks on UST Publishing House New Releases, page 3
Two paintings from the UST Museum's Visual Art collection graced the covers of new releases from the UST Publishing House.
c) Article on the Cultural Heritage of the Church in the University of Santo Tomas,
page 3
The UST Ecclesiastical Faculties' official publication, the Philippiniana Sacra, featured an article featured a paper by Museum Director Rev. fr. Isidro Abaño, O.P. as part of its special three-issue series to celebrate 500 Years of Christianity in the Philippines.
d) “GILAS, PUSO, BUHAY: WHEN DOCTORS PAINT” EXHIBIT, page 4
The exhibit featured works by the MAGILAS ART GROUP, formed during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic by visual artists from the UST Medicine Class of 1981. Not only a celebration of the Class of 61's Ruby Jubilee, it was mounted as a fundraiser for the benefit of the indigent patients needing surgery at the UST Hospital Clinical Division. It was the first exhibition by an entire group of physician-artists in the history of the UST Museum, and ran from November 16 to December 9, 2022.
e) “BREAKTIME” – December 8, 2022, page 5
“Break Time” is the weekly Sunday Gospel reflection video produced by the UST Communications Bureau. The preaching features members of the Dominican family in the Philippines, and for December 8, 2022 which is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, UST Museum Director and UST Faculty of Civil Law Regent Rev. fr. Isidro Abaño, O.P. shared a message of joy and hope.
f) UST Museum Donates Specimens to Central Luzon State University, page 5
Courtesy of The ICCEM Museum (TIM)
The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Museum recently donated thirteen Natural History specimens to the Institute for Climate Change and Environmental Management (ICCEM), College of Science, Central Luzon State University. Specimens donated were those with duplicates in the collection or were kept indefinitely in storage.
g) ICOM Approves New Definition of Museum, page 6
The International Council of Museums (ICOM) approved a new definition of Museums last August 24, 2022 during the 26th ICOM General Conference held in Prague, Czech Republic. The vote is the culmination of an 18-month participatory process that involved hundreds of museum professionals from 126 National Committees from all over the world.
h) ICOM Philippines’ New Executive Board, page 6
The International Council of Museums (ICOM) Philippines National Committee has elected a new Executive Board.
i) Michael Jacinto Graduation Recital, page 7
The UST Museum was pleased to host the Graduation Recital of Mr. Michael Jacinto, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in Music, Major in Orchestral Conducting. He is a student of Assoc. Prof. Herminigildo Ranera, PhD, DMA.
j) “SALAMAT PROF!” Concert, page 7
Last November 12, 2022, the UST Museum played host to “SALAMAT PROF: A TRIBUTE TO THE RETIRED MUSIC PROFESSORS,” a tribute concert presented by the University of Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music (USTCM) Alumni Association, Inc. in cooperation with the UST Office of Alumni Relations.
k) SIMBAHAYAN Hosts Tour of Museum, page 8
The UST Museum welcomed 70 delegates from the Universityof Santo Tomas’ partner communities in Infanta, Quezon; San Narciso, Zambales, Antipolo, Tanay and Rodriguez, Rizal on October 4, 2022.
l) UST Museum Christmas Greeting, page 8
m) Museum Guests, page 8
n) Staff Box, page 8
List of contributors to the newsletter.
o) Feedback, page 8
Mailing address of UST Museum for your suggestions, concerns or questions.
2022-2023, 2nd Term
a) "Ar. Carlo’s Wandering in Prague for ICOM 2022", page 2-3
by Ar. Carlo Sayco, MACHS
Last August 20-28, 2022, The UST participated in the International Council of Museums (ICOM) General Conference in Prague's historic and culturally-rich city in the Czech Republic, in which assistant director Ar. Sayco officially represented the UST Museum.
b) "LUCK & LOVE at the UST Museum”, page 4
Guests who visited the UST Museum last February 14, Valentine’s Day, joined a raffle called “LUCK & LOVE.” Prizes were an assortment of candies and chocolates. It was a “sweet” day for all!
c) UST Museum Receives Artworks Donated by MAGILAS Art Group, page 4
UST Museum Director Fr. Abaño and Asst. Director Ar. Sayco were on hand to receive a donation of four paintings from the UST Medicine Class 1981 MAGILAS ART GROUP to the University of Santo Tomas on March 8, 2023 at the Museum Director’s Office.
d) UST Museum and HRD Organize Cultural Heritage Learning Activity for Support
Staff, page 5
The UST Human Resource Department partnered with the UST Museum for this year’s online version of the annual “Tanaw Kultura” activity, entitled “Tanaw Kultura: Revisiting the UST Museum.” Fr. Abaño and Assistant Director Ar. Sayco led the virtual tour and learning session, held via Zoom on 13 January 2023.
e) UST Museum’s “Holy Job” for the Holy Week, page 5
The UST Museum staff had a “Holy Job” as they prepared the Santisimo Rosario chapel for Holy Week this year.
f) Museums, Heritage Buildings, “Sinugba” of Dinagyang 2023, page 5
Fr. Abaño and Ar. Sayco joined the locals and tourists of Iloilo City to celebrate the Dinagyang Festival 2023 in honor of the Santo Niño, last January 20 to 22, 2023.
g) Second Phase of Garcia Llamas Mural Restoration, page 6
An update on the progress for the Antonio Garcia Llamas murals at the Main Building lobby.
h) Fr. Nunz Gifts Paintings to UST Museum, page 6
UST Museum Director Fr. Abaño and Asst. Director Ar. Sayco met with the Chairman of the Archdiocesan Commission for Ecclesiastical Museum, Library and Archives, formator and professor at the same time at the Seminary in Naga City Fr. Nunilon Arnold “Nunz” F. Bancaso, Jr. last January 30, 2023. The UST Museum presented “HOLY ABSTRACT: Priest/Painter,” an online exhibit of Fr. Nunz’ paintings, in October 2021. During Fr. Nunz’ recent visit, the Thomasian priest and alumnus generously gifted two of his artworks to the Museum, which have been added to the Visual Art Collection.
i) Bust of Juan Luna on Loan to Ayala Museum, page 6
The UST Museum’s bust of Juan Luna, attributed to Mariano Benlliure, had a photoshoot session last May 5, 2023 in preparation for a temporary loan to the Ayala Museum for its exhibition entitled “SPLENDOR: JUAN LUNA, PAINTER AS HERO,” commemorating the 125th anniversary of Philippine independence. The 1884 bust was on display at the Ayala Museum’s Main Gallery from June 9 to December 31, 2023.
j) Museum Assists with OVRRI Research Fortnight Exhibit, page 7
The UST Museum provided technical assistance to the Office of the Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation (OVRRI) for the poster exhibit entitled “2023 Research Fortnight: University Research and Its Impact to Society.”
k) TRIVIA 起: CONSTELLATIONS 🌟 A UST Publishing House activity at the
UST Museum, page 7
The UST Publishing house, in partnership with UST Museum, organized a fundraising event inspired by K-pop group BTS last March 28, 2023 at the UST Museum Main Gallery.
l) Concerts and Recitals, page 7
m) BESTING THE WORLD WITH COLORS… OTSPC 2023, page 8
On April 14, 2023, colleges and universities in and around Metro Manila and nearby provinces were invited to send up to 25 fine arts students each to compete in the oldest student art competition of its kind: the UST Annual Inter-School On-the-Spot Painting Competition (OTSPC). This year, the UST OTSPC made a comeback after the challenges and obstacles of the pandemic with an unprecedented good number of participants.
n) Staff Box, page 8
List of contributors to the newsletter.
o) Feedback, page 8
Mailing address of UST Museum for your suggestions, concerns or questions.
2023 - 2024
2023-2024, 1st Term
a) Science research project at the Museum, page 2
A team from the Chemical Sensors and Biosensors cluster of the UST Research Center for the Natural and Applied Sciences (RCNAS) recently began a research project focusing on metal artifacts in the collection of the UST Museum. The results of the XRF analyses can be used to reveal significant information about the origin, production processes, and historical context of these metal artifacts.
b) MAGILAS ART GROUP gifts calendars to UST Museum, page 2
The UST Museum received a gift of 2024 calendars from the UST Medicine Class 1981 MAGILAS ART GROUP to commemorate their art exhibit “GILAS, PUSO, BUHAY - When Doctors Paint” which ran at the UST Museum from November 16 to December 11, 2022.
c) Dogs in Philippine History, page 3
Some of the taxidermic dog specimens in the UST Museum’s Natural History collection were featured in the book “Dogs in Philippine History” by Ian Christopher B. Alfonso. The book, launched last August 5, 2023, features inspiring and educational information about Filipinos’ historical and cultural encounters with dogs in the last 4,000 years.
d) “Nusantara: Indonesian Objet d'Arts”, page 3
The UST Museum played host to a captivating tapestry of Indonesian heritage with Artiste Musaeum's latest masterpieces in an exhibit entitled "Nusantara: Indonesian Objet d'Arts."
Guests embarked on a journey through time and culture as a mesmerizing fusion of tribal arts, history, and traditions was unveiled. The UST Museum, Artiste Musaeum, and the Indonesian Embassy collaborated for a month-long exploration that celebrated the soulful beauty of Indonesia.
e) “UST Main Building Mural Gets Makeover”, pages 4-5
Excerpt from an article by S.S.J. Aldovino, The Varsitarian , October 1, 2023
An article about the conservation processes being undertaken for the Main Building lobby murals by Antonio Garcia Llamas.
f) "Orasyon – Dasal ng Pamilyang Pilipino”, pages 6-7
Last October 3, 2023, the UST Museum unveiled one of its most popular exhibits to date. “ORASYON – Dasal ng Pamilyang Pilipino” included works from the Museum’s collection, together with paintings from the personal collection of avid art collector Mr. Ron L. David. Centering around the theme of the Angelus or “Orasyon” in the Filipino tradition, each painting was a unique exploration by the featured artists.
g) UST Museum, CFAD go sustainable in ‘Christmaseum’ , pages 8-9
By Angeli Ruth R. Acosta, The Varsitarian
The UST Museum and the College of Fine Arts and Design (CFAD) have brought back their annual “Christmaseum” collaboration, an exhibition of yuletide-inspired artworks, for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic.
With the theme “Christ’s Glory, Joy of Creation,” the exhibit featured pieces made mostly from sustainable and repurposed art materials.
h) The Advent of Christmaseum, pages 10-11
A history of the Museum's "Christmaseum" activities.
i) “Gloria Christi, Gaudium Creationis (Glory of Christ, Joy of Creation)”, page 12
It was a “joyful, joyful” couple of evenings at the UST Museum last Dec. 6 and 7, as the angelic voices of the UST Junior High School (JHS) Glee Club, conducted by Ms. Maria Lulu Orlina and the Quezon City Performing Arts Development Foundation Inc. (QCPADFI) Concert Chorus, conducted by Mr. Nicanor Infante took center stage in the “Christmaseum” concerts at the Main Gallery.
j) UMAC 2023, SYDNEY, page 13
Fr. Isidro Abaño, O.P. and Ar. Carlo Sayco represented the UST Museum at the University Museums and Collections (UMAC) 22nd Annual Conference held in Sydney, Australia last August 28 to September 1, 2023, with the theme “Truth-telling through University Museums and Collections.”
k) Our Readiness to Help, page 14
A rundown of the campus activities that needed the Museum's assistance, expertise and equipment.
l) Museum Family Milestones, page 15
Significant events in the lives of the UST Museum family.
m) TOURS, page 15
A recap of just some of the many tours that visited the UST Museum.
n) A Christmas Message from Museum Director Fr. Isidro Abaño, O.P., page 16
o) “Imago Pacis – A Belen Exhibition”, page 16
The UST Museum kicked off its Yuletide offerings with “Imago Pacis – A Belen Exhibition” featuring Nativity sets from the collection of Rev. Fr. Genaro Diwa. The exhibit opened at the Main Building lobby last November 15, 2023 and will run until January 10, 2024.
p) Staff Box, page 16
List of contributors to the newsletter.
q) Feedback, page 16
Mailing address of UST Museum for your suggestions, concerns or questions.
2023-2024, 2nd Term
a) “THE LAIDBACK PAINTINGS” Exhibit, page 2
The UST Museum launched "The Laidback Paintings” exhibit, featuring paintings and photographs by Dr. Orestes P. Monzon and Angelito “Jo” Florendo, at its Main Gallery on Friday, Jan. 19, 2024. The exhibit was designed and curated by Fr. Abaño and Asst. Director Ar. Carlo Sayco, MACHS. It ran until Feb. 15, 2024.
b) Restoration of the Antonio Garcia Llamas Murals, page 3
An update on the progress of the restoration of the Main Building lobby murals by Antonio Garcia Llamas.
c) World War II Tour, page 3
Historians and history enthusiasts, including “Rampage” author James Scott, visited the University of Santo Tomas on February 2, 2024.
d) UST On-The-Spot Painting Competition 2024, pages 4-5
The University of Santo Tomas held the 2024 UST Annual Inter-School On-the-Spot Painting Competition (OTSPC) last Friday, April 26, 2024, at the UST Benavides Garden. Winning works were exhibited at the Main Building lobby from April 30 to May 30, 2024.
e) Grupong Tomasino Exhibit at Beato Angelico Gallery, page 6
The Painting Program of the UST College of Fine Arts, along with the UST Museum and the UST Atelier Alumni Association, proudly presented the Grupong Tomasino 2024 exhibit. This annual group exhibit was part of the celebration of the Feast Day of Beato Angelico, and was held at the UST Main Building Lobby from February 19 to 23, 2024.
f) Museum Assistance activities, page 6
A rundown of the activities around the campus that required the Museum's assistance, expertise, and equipment.
g) MSJO and LCDM Hold Send-Off Concerts at UST Museum, Win Prizes in Europe,
page 7
The Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra (MSJO) and Los Cantantes de Manila (LCDM) both performed in send-off concerts at the UST Museum before competing in Europe, reaping acclaim and awards.
h) Recitals and Concerts, page 7
i) MUSEUM: Batangas Teambuilding, page 8
The UST Museum administration and staff took some time to conduct teambuilding activities at Canyon Cove, Nasugbu, Batangas last May 19-21, 2024.
j) A Glimpse of Our Museum Guests, page 8
A recap of just some of the many tours that visited the UST Museum this term.
k) Staff Box, page 8
List of contributors to the newsletter.
l) Feedback, page 8
Mailing address of UST Museum for your suggestions, concerns or questions.
2024 - 2025
1st Term
2024-2025, 1st Term
a) "Rosaryo. Debosyon. Misyon.", page 2
A Santisimo Rosario Exhibit
This exhibit is one of the special activities of the 82nd Fiesta celebration of the Santísimo Rosario Parish-UST. It showcases the untold beginnings, mission and life of UST parish, and the flourishing devotion to its patroness, Nuestra Señora del Santísimo Rosario de la Universidad de Santo Tomás.
b) “The Great Inca Trail (Qhapac ñan) Peru: Integration and Diversity” exhibit, page 3
A photo exhibit to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Peru and the Republic of the Philippines that highlighted one of Peru’s most historically significant places, the Qhapaq Ñan (Great Inca Trail), in partnership with the University through the UST Museum and the UST Office of Public Affairs.
c) Release of “ORASYON” Exhibition Catalogue, page 3
Announcement of the release of the Exhibition Catalogue for “ORASYON – Dasal ng Pamilyang Pilipino.” The exhibit centered around the theme of the Angelus or “Orasyon” in the Filipino tradition, and ran from October 3 to November 7, 2023 at the Main Gallery. The exhibit included works from the Museum’s collection, together with paintings by mostly UST alumni artists from the personal collection of avid art collector Mr. Ron L. David.
d) “MAGIC IN METAL” Exhibit, page 4
In collaboration with the UST Office of Alumni Relations and the UST Atelier Alumni Association Inc., the UST Museum presented "Magic in Metal - The Art of Richard Buxani" at the Main Gallery. Buxani is a proud alumnus of the UST College of Architecture. The exhibit opened on October 16 and ran until November 14, 2024.
e) Special tour for Mr. Henry Maralit and party by Fr. Abaño, page 5
Fr. Abaño and Ar. Sayco gave Museum friend and benefactor Mr. Henry Maralit and party a tour of the work in progress at the new galleries under construction at the 4th floor of the Main Building, followed by a viewing of "Rosaryo. Debosyon. Misyon: A Santisimo Rosario Exhibit" at the Museum Main Gallery.
f) Preparations for New Exhibition Space at the Main Building’s 4th floor, page 5
Preparations are currently underway for two new galleries for the UST Museum at the Main Building’s roofdeck. This will re-purpose the former laboratory rooms which are no longer in use, after all the laboratories were transferred to the Central Laboratory Building.
g) Ar. Carlo Sayco Interviewed for Tiger Decodes Final Episode, page 5
UST Museum Assistant Director Ar. Carlo Sayco, MACHS was one of the distinguished guests of UST Tiger TV for their “Tiger Decodes” show’s season finale. Students are challenged to piece together clues, solve intricate puzzles, and uncover stories that shaped the University’s legacy.
h) Coin Collection Donated to UST Museum, page 6
An impressive coin collection was donated to the UST Museum by Rev. fr. Quirico T. Pedregosa, Jr, O.P., Rector of the UST Central Seminary. The collection, 364 coins in all, spans many nations – from Austria to Yugoslavia. The coins were inventoried and catalogued by Faculty of Arts and Letters Legal Management major Ms. Sheena Lasap, one of the Museum’s Student Assistants.
i) Museum Assistance activities, page 6
A rundown of the activities around the campus that required the Museum's assistance, expertise, and equipment.
j) CHRISTMASEUM 2024 Exhibit Opening and Concert, page 7
The UST Museum’s annual “CHRISTMASEUM” exhibit, held in cooperation with the College of Fine Arts and Design (CFAD), was formally opened last Nov. 26, 2024 at the Main Gallery. Alongside the exhibit, the CHRISTMASEUM Concert 2024 was held once again at the Main Gallery on December 5 and 5, 2024, featuring the UST Junior High School (JHS) Glee Club with the JHS Music Ensemble, and the Quezon City Performing Arts Development Foundation Inc. Concert Chorus.
k) “SALAMAT PROF!” Concert, page 7
Last November 12, 2022, the UST Museum played host to “SALAMAT PROF: A TRIBUTE TO THE RETIRED MUSIC PROFESSORS,” a tribute concert presented by the University of Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music (USTCM) Alumni Association, Inc. in cooperation with the UST Office of Alumni Relations.
l) UST Museum Director's Christmas Greeting, page 8
m) Museum Guests, page 8
n) Staff Box, page 8
List of contributors to the newsletter.
o) Feedback, page 8
Mailing address of UST Museum for your suggestions, concerns or questions.