The Exit (1 of 2)

May 24, 2018

A day within my college history that I cherish.

That day was when everything Thomasians have gone through culminates into a thanksgiving celebration and a momentous send-off. Before we wore our togas and finally graduate, we wore our uniforms for the last time, with pride. We also have one uniform written with messages from friends and blockmates, like an athlete's sweater autographed after winning a game.

In our block, we gave our graduation pictures to those who requested them (although I cannot accommodate them all, I'm sorry). And that's the reason I woke up early that day. I have not written something at the back of my photos yet after staying late to draft those messages and haikus (unfortunately, I lately realized I didn't write a 5-7-5 poem, but a 7-5-7 poem instead). So I spent the morning writing messages at my wallet-size "limited edition trade cards". See, I have an "autographed sweater" and "limited edition trade cards"!

Arrival

The morning went fairly slow as I gradually anticipate the Baccalaureate Mass. My level of anticipation, I guess, was a bit lower than that of my classmates, because they're trying to fight tears while I do my best to beat my deadline! And I'm glad that I got prepared early enough, leaving my home at around 11:30 a.m., heading for another commute of several commutes I had from Santa Rosa, Laguna to Sampaloc, Manila—for four years.

It's hot weather at home, yet it became so rainy when I reached España, riding on a UV. I entered the campus, with my favorite jacket around me, cap donned on my head, and a recently-acquired umbrella open. Still, it was a bit wet on my shoes and the hem of my pants. I glanced on the Arch where I would go out very soon. But it's so rainy it would take long before the Grandstand becomes dry. Eventually, it got cleaned up, thanks to the staff captured on Varsitarian's photos.

After a long walk, I reached the AB Building and entered the assigned room for us, Room 105. And some of my classmates were there. And there was pizza and Coke. And they're beginning to write on polos and blouses. And they're asking me for my grad pic, as well as for my "autograph" on their uniforms. And I received pictures from my classmates. The hype of thiat day was building up, long before we went to Grandstand, as the volume of people in the room gradually added. 

After eating my lunch, I finally prepared my pictures and gave them to those who requested for those. I was even asked by others, although I only have four left. The writing on uniforms continue as I give my uniform (back from first year) to be written. I began to feel gratitude as I saw my polo written and as I received photos from friends. The joy of people continued to rise as we waited to be called to head on to the Grandstand. We also received freebies: drinks, breads, light and bottle opener combined, bubbles, etc. 

It was about four o' clock, I guess, when we finally left the room and the building. But we left with an upped mood. Around me fellow Artlets began to raise their voices in happiness, excited for the upcoming events, relaxed that finally they're done with college. Balloons were raised. Drums were beating. This is it, we're just beginning.

Boarding

We exited the building, parading to Grandstand. Other colleges have amazing gimmicks, similar to what I could see in a Rose Parade every New Year on television. But I feel proud for our Faculty for having the most number of graduates. I'm glad to be a part of that. Even as I was parted from some close friends, I still enjoy the company of classmates seated near me. Besides, this is also something to savor myself. I'm just a plain observer there anticipating to be enjoying at what I would witness soon.

It was nearing sunset when the Mass began. Regardless of not being a Catholic, I still appreciated the solemnity of the event. Before we got all-out bidding bye to the Arch, at least there's a pause by the University's authorities, formally giving us a farewell before our Faculty does. The bubbles even go well with that solemnity. As they gathered and flew in the air, it was just so beautiful to stare at.

The Mass was just the start. The hype returned as the Grandstand was about to light up. We were given a souvenir by UST, known as the Thomasian Cross. There was a pledge, then a prayer, then a blessing, then I had that cross worn over me as I wore the same to the one sitting beside me. 

Then, we held our candles as we lit them for another memorable moment of that night. Deans had their torches lit, passing it on to students. That light finally reached my candle, sharing this point of history to blockmates, Artlets, and every graduate. The "UST Hymn" was sung, and the entire area was simply in harmony. As the hymn ended with that line that creates a more resounding chorus, the cheer of the crowd returned.

(To be continued)

Click here for part 2