When Very Reverend Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., landed in Sydney with a distinguished delegation from the University of Santo Tomas (UST), Thomasians came out of the woodwork.
The UST Alumni Australia (USTAA), led by president Vangie Marzan Leones, hosted a grand reunion on 9 May 2026 at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish — a day overflowing with excitement, nostalgia and Thomasian pride.
In her welcoming speech, USTAA President Vangie Leones said:. “Your board has many plans to ensure that every Thomasian in Australia will be known for practicing the 3Cs — Competence, Commitment and Compassion.”
Father Rector’s visit coincided with the celebration of the 415th Anniversary of the Founding of the University of Santo Tomas (UST). Founded in 1611 by Archbishop Miguel de Benavides, UST is the Royal, Pontifical and oldest Catholic University in Asia. Today, it ranks 2nd among the Philippine universities and it can boast of an enduring legacy of tradition and educational excellence.,
Father Rector was ever so humble, warm and wonderfully down to earth. Everyone in the delegation radiated kindness and youthful energy, and the ladies from the Office of Alumni Relations proved to be an absolute delight.
“I would like to express my heartfelt thanks. Thank you for carrying the name of UST with pride. Thank you for holding the values you learned and for representing them in your respective fields. Thank you for staying connected despite the distance, despite the demands of life. But more than gratitude, I would like to ask for your continued support and prayers,” said Father Ang.
Father Rector’s entourage included: Asst. Prof. Levine Andro H. Lao, Director of Endowments and Partnerships (OGEP), Cristian L. Naval, Stakeholder Engagement Head of the Office for Grants, UST Research and Endowment Foundation, Inc. (REFI), Prof. Marciana Agnes G. Ponsaran, PhD, Executive Secretary of the Rector’s Office, USTAAI President Assoc. Prof. Evangeline E. Timbang, PhD, and from the OAR, Director Prof. Joreen T. Rocamora, PhD and OAR Alumni Engagement and Linkages Officer Ma. Carla Romina G. Ricarte.
Also present to celebrate the occasion were Vice Consul Diana Marie D. Jimenez-Leomo of the Philippine Consulate General, Sydney, and from Blacktown City Council, Deputy Mayor Carol Israel, along with Councillors Jess Diaz and Dorothy del Villar.
To comments made that Rectors were only heard but not seen, he replied: “Times have changed. You can now get up close and personal with a Rector. You can take selfies with him. I am simply human after all.” He also welcomed friends from other schools, too — except during the UAAP, he quipped with a mischievous chuckle.
The day began with the celebration of the Eucharist, followed by an Aussie-flavour lunch and a lively program at the Parish Hall hosted by Albert Prias.
The USTAA 2026 Officers were officially inducted to include: Techie Sarlabus (Secretary), Rodi Orantia (Treasurer), James Tekiko (PRO) and Rosemarie Abarquez (Auditor); and State Vice Presidents, Dr. Myrna Jover (NSW), Cecilia Flores (ACT), Fiori Cruz (Queensland), Alma Pablo (SA), Cielo Franklin (WA) plus Len Puzon (immediate past president) and Atty. Kate Andres (adviser).
During the gift-giving ceremony, USTAA presented Father Rector with his portrait painted by Frank Rovero, a UST Fine Arts graduate, an Akubra hat to remind him of Australia, and most importantly, a donation towards a scholarship fund to help indigent students complete their education.
But the highlight of the day, and to top up the excitement, Thomasians queued up to receive their long-awaited Jubilarian medals. Father Rector patiently stood on stage, hanging the medals on each one’s neck personally. He was ably assisted by OAR Director Joreen Rocamora.
For the alumni, the Father Rector’s visit was revitalizing and deeply moving — a reawakening of the Thomasian spirit. It was a time to reminisce, reconnect with their beloved alma mater., It was time to celebrate the enduring values and traditions that bind Thomasians together wherever life may take them.
Oh, Reverend Father Ang — you truly took our breath away.
