Land of Care: UST Nursing Welcomes 245 Freshmen in Whimsical 'AdveNUR Time' Amid Habagat Rains

MANILA, Philippines - Where the whimsical realms of Ooo meet the unwavering spirit of Thomasian resilience, 245 new nursing students found their home. The University of Santo Tomas (UST) College of Nursing officially welcomed the new freshmen for Academic Year 2026-2027 with a vibrant, cartoon-inspired theme titled "AdveNUR Time: Exploring the Land of Care."

Spearheaded by the Nursing Central Board of Students (NCBS) alongside key college-based organizations like the Nursing Varsity Council (NVC), the Red Cross Youth Council - Nursing Unit, and the Nursing Journal (NJ), the welcome week proved that not even persistent monsoons could dampen a nursing freshman's enthusiasm.

Rain or Shine, the March Goes On

The onboarding festivities, originally scheduled for August 06 to 07, faced immediate hurdles when the Southwest Monsoon, locally known as Habagat, brought harsh weather conditions across the metro. Yet, adaptability defined the week.

On the morning of August 13, the initial batch of freshmen converged inside the historic San Martin de Porres Building. The atmosphere crackled with energy as the Nursing Varsity Council (NVC) drumline, led by president Ainsley Danielle Dechavez, thundered through the halls to rouse the crowd.

The celebration then swept into the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion for a Solemn Eucharistic Celebration presided over by UST Rector Very Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., Ph.D., immediately followed by the high-energy ROARientation.

Freshmen fully embraced the Adventure Time aesthetic, sporting yellow shirts, denim, colorful lightsticks, green scarves, and custom Bear caps mimicking Finn the Human's signature headwear. The pavilion roared with institutional pride as all students cheered the iconic university chants like "Go USTe!", "Black Gold and Black White", and "Viva Santo Tomas," accompanied by dynamic performances from the UST Nursing Dance Troupe (NDT).

Leading the iconic trek through the Arch of the Centuries despite the stormy downpour were Student Welfare and Development Coordinator adviser Asst. Prof. Sarah Maria D. Salazar, Ph.D., RN, newly appointed College Secretary Assoc. Prof. Ritzmond F. Loa, Ph.D., RN, and Level 1 Chair Asst. Prof. Sherihan Marie O. Montaña, RN, MHPEd.

While the afternoon cohort completed their own triumphant march through the Arch despite a midday suspension order from the Manila Public Information Office, their ROARientation was safely repositioned to Saturday, August 15.

A Firsthand Taste of Thomasian Life

For the students stepping onto campus for the first time, the reality far surpassed digital expectations.

"I remember watching TikToks about UST and seeing how passionate and lively the Thomasian community was, and now I was finally there, experiencing it myself," shared Allison Besenio, a nursing freshman and member of the Filipino Department of the Nursing Journal (NJ). 

Another Nursing freshman and NJ Features writer Raj Cyrile Benedict Canals shared the same sentiment, noting how the events breathed life into a quiet summer. "Experiencing the onboarding activities is the most alive I have ever felt after a couple of months of doing almost nothing," Canals said, highlighting how the week forged instant bonds among blockmates and showcased the university's meticulous care for its newest members.

Exploring the Onboarding Fair

Complementing the main ceremonies, the Onboarding Fair transformed the UST Practice Gymnasium from August 13 to 15 into a bustling hub of food, culture, and advocacy. Organized by the Tiger Media Network (TMN), the fair spanned five distinct zones: Flavor Gallery, Artisan Avenue, Headliner Hub, Advocacy Alley, and Interactive Installation.

Visitors wandered through rows of local entrepreneur booths, artisan crafts, and partner brands, while university-wide organizations like the UST Volunteers for UNICEF and the UST UNESCO Club engaged students with thought-provoking games and advocacy campaigns. Although adverse weather and scheduling conflicts led to the cancellation of the TMN Caravan's live talks and performances, the indoor bazaar thrived as a vibrant community space.

Despite the challenges of a rain-soaked week, the UST College of Nursing successfully charted a course into the new academic year, proving that the journey into the nursing field begins with passion, community, and a touch of adventure.

Written by: Kiera Andjela Mayamaya/UST Nursing Journal