Embracing joy at Paskuhan 2023

Paskuhan has always been a highly anticipated event for Thomasians.

The annual celebration signifies how students' sacrifices and hard work throughout the semester can lead to something meaningful and memorable.

Despite the ongoing jeepney strike, unpredictable weather and exams being pushed to the last day of the semester, almost 40,000 students wrapped up the year with a bang as they celebrated Paskuhan with their friends and classmates.

The holiday celebration was even more amplified with a grand concert featuring a stellar lineup of performers. Popular P-pop girl group BINI headlined the event, performing "Karera," "Lagi" and the crowd-favorite "Na Na Na."

Adie and Lola Amour, who previously headlined last year's Paskuhan, were back to serenade the Thomasian crowd. Apart from their classic hits, Lola Amour got to sing their 2023 hit song "Raining in Manila." Meanwhile, Adie's heartfelt serenade resonated with the crowd even more as Janine Berdin joined him to sing "Mahika." 

Cup of Joe and Lily also delivered unforgettable performances, adding magic and flare to the event.

Aside from the guest performers, Paskuhan included Thomasian bands Kler, Benchfly and Mimosa, who showcased their commendable talent and artistry.

Performances from the Salinggawi, UST Yellow Jackets, UST Prime, Sinag Ballroom Dance Company, Mimosa and BA Dauncen, 1Shade, Archetypes, Oh Stella, Intenzy, Pharmacy Dance Troupe and College of Science Dance Troupe also hyped up the Thomasian crowd.

However, the event also carried a more profound meaning under its theme, "Witnessing the Joy of Christmas." Other than celebrating and singing along with cherished guest performers, it became a reminder to embrace joy and peace within ourselves, even in the midst of chaos.

This sentiment was vividly captured in the breathtaking pyromusical display to wrap up the festivities. The Super Mario-themed fireworks display seamlessly transitioned into an emotional performance as it featured songs like The Beatles' "Imagine," John Lennon and Plastic Ono Band's "Give Peace a Chance" and Michael Jackson's "Heal the World."

I associate meanings and memories with each Paskuhan I have attended. There was a Paskuhan where I was in line for almost an hour. There was a Paskuhan where I was trying to get past a heartbreak. There was a Paskuhan where my friends and I longed to see each other again after being stuck in the confines of our homes too long.

This Paskuhan, however, is a bittersweet one. It is the last I will attend as a student. Next year, only time will tell when I'll be back along the streets of España as an alumna or if I will be in a completely different environment trying to celebrate the holiday in the best way I know possible.

As much as farewells are bittersweet, finding peace in your heart to accept that some things are always meant to end helps you make each moment count.