A Historical Landmark Inside the Bustling City: University of Santo Tomas – España, Manila, Philippines

Hello @worldmappin fam! Hope you’re all doing well 😊 For my first blog in Worldmappin Community, I’m going to share with you a place that’s been a great part of my life.

This is the Main Campus of University of Santo Tomas (UST), my alma mater, located in España, Manila, Philippines. Founded on 1611, UST Main Campus is one of the prestigious universities in the Philippines, and the oldest university in Asia. Recognized as the Pontifical and Royal university, UST is under the Papal authority (the Holy See in Vatican), and visited by Popes, Kings and Queens of Spain, and various heads of states.

UST is not just a school campus. It is a historical place and one of the National Cultural Treasures of the Philippines, thus it is open for public. For those who are fond of historical landmarks and architecture, you’ll definitely appreciate the timeless beauty of this place and will give you the feeling of being transported back in time. If you’re looking for a place to calm and relax inside the bustling city of Manila, this is a perfect place to visit. Let’s take a tour! 😄

UST Main Building

I recently returned to my alma mater to claim Certified True Copies of my Diploma for job requirements. Many people who are new to the campus mistakenly thought of this iconic structure as a church (because of the cross—right? Nope, this isn’t church.). This building houses the Administration and Registrar’s office, where I claimed the certified true copy of my diploma. Aside from that, it is the home for students of Faculty of Civil Law, Faculty of Pharmacy, College of Science, and Institute of Religion. The UST Museum is also inside this building and is open for viewing to the general public. The entrance fee is just 50 pesos ($0.90) for non-students, and free for students. You just need to leave an ID to the security guard at the front entrance.

Lover’s Lane

After claiming the copy of my diploma, I continued to stroll around the campus. A simple errand turns into a heartwarming walk, reminiscing the beautiful memories of the past. This is the breathtaking view of the Lover’s Lane. Why is it called Lover’s Lane? Because this is where couples usually hang out. Not just couples, but also groups of friends who usually hang out to chit-chat, play guitar, or do rehearsals. This brought back memories of casual walks together with my friends and classmates.

Arch of the Centuries

As you continue walking through the Lover’s Lane, you’ll pass through the Arch of Centuries. It’s like a gateway between the past and the present. When you pass through the Arch, you’ll see the view outside the campus which shows how busy the city is – buildings and different establishments, as well as the noise coming from the several vehicles passing along the España Boulevard. When I was a student, we’re afraid to pass through the Arch. There is this superstition among the students of UST that if a student pass through the Arch of Centuries, he/she will not finish his/her degree. I don’t know what’s the basis of that superstition, but we still believed though 😅 Now that I’ve already graduated, I can freely pass through that mysterious Arch back and forth, without any worries.

UST Grandstand

The UST Grandstand (also known as the Open Field) felt quieter when I visited. Yet, it still held echoes of laughter and big events – like the visit of Pope Francis last 2015, and the yearly “Paskuhan”. In this area, the concerts and pyrotechnic displays were being held for Paskuhan – the UST’s annual Christmas celebration.

Fr. Roque Ruaño, O. P. Building

This building is where I spent most of my academic life. It is home for students of the Faculty of Engineering. Also called as the “Summer Capital of UST” (just for laughs) because while other colleges were enjoying their summer vacation already, still, a lot of Engineering students were spending their summer classes at this building to re-take the failed subjects. I’m also one of them who experienced taking a summer class once because I failed my Physics subject. I’m just an average student though...😅

St. Raymund de Peñafort Building

I also took a glimpse of this building, and I’ll never forget that here is where it all began. This is where I took my entrance exam before I got in the university. This building is home for students of Faculty Arts and Letters, as well as College of Commerce and Business Administration.

Miguel de Benavides Library

This building is the Central Library of UST. It houses lots of varieties of old-centuries to modern resources, such as books, journals, publications, and archives. This is where we usually spend time to study, do assignments and research. My classmates and I usually take a nap here after lunch because it’s cold and quiet. Librarians are very strict in implementing “Keep the Silence” rule inside the library, so taking a nap is better than chit-chatting here—as long as you don’t snore.😅 They also accommodate visiting researchers, as long as they have booked appointments.

UST Tan Yan Kee Student Center

I also joined different organizations during my college days, and this is where different university-wide organizations have designated offices. This is where we held meetings, planned extracurricular activities and events. This is typically the office for student affairs, which brought back memories such as the bond and connections formed beyond academics.

Saints Cosmas and Damian | Center for Simulation and Research

As I passed by the UST Tan Yan Kee Center, I spotted this new building under construction. This building exhibits typical modern design of glass exteriors, and is visually appealing. It is a proof that the university continues to grow and adapt to the future.

UST Central Seminary Building

This is where the religious activities being held. This building houses the Santísimo Rosario Parish, also called as the UST Chapel (this is actually the church), and Faculty of Ecclesiastical Studies. Parish Priests and Seminarians also reside in this building.

The church is not only exclusive for students; visitors are very much welcome to come here or attend mass. I remembered the days that we often go here to pray for our preliminary and final exams, especially during our last years of stay inside the university to pray for our batch to graduate on time, and that no one will be left behind.

UST Hospital

Last but not the least, before I exit towards the gate of the campus, I walked through the UST Hospital. It’s already past 6PM and it’s amazing to see that I captured this view before the sunset. Hospital’s doctors and staffs here are high-skilled and they provide high quality service. Their facilities and equipment are state-of-the-art.

Quattromondial Monument at UST Qudricentennial Square: symbolizing UST’s 400 years and timeless legacy.

Final Thoughts: Embracing the Present Moment

What an incredible walk! I didn’t expect that a few hours on campus could bring back years of memories of university life. UST shaped me, challenged me, and became a part of who I am. Revisiting my alma mater reminded me that as life moves forward, the places that molded us will always stay in our hearts.

📍Want to visit?

The most usual modes of transportation within Manila are trains, jeepneys, cars or taxis, and motorcycle taxis. Here are some directions to help you arrive at UST.

Commuting by Public Transport:

• You can ride Light Rail Transit (LRT) going to Tayuman Station.
• From Tayuman Station, walk towards SM San Lazaro then ride a jeepney with a signboard Tayuman-Lardizabal. Minimum jeepney fare is 13 PHP ($0.23).
• Ask the jeepney driver to drop you off Dapitan St. From there, walk a bit towards UST.

Other options:

• You can also book a car or taxi using Grab, or book a ride from motorcycle taxi apps like Joyride, MoveIt or Angkas to drop you off directly at this place, which is easier and convenient. Fare varies depending on traffic and your pick-up location.

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Thank you for reading and hope you enjoyed my post 💖 See you again on my next blog! 😊

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