Tomorrow, January 27, University of Sto. Tomas in Espana Manila will unveil the UST On January 27, 6:30pm, Thursday, a day before the Feast of St. Thomas Aquinas, the patron saint of UST, the University will witness the unveiling of the QUATTROMONDIAL Monument - a dramatic 10-meter-high bronze monument at the Quadricentennial Square rendered by world-renowned Thomasian sculptor Ramon Orlina for the 400th anniversary of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) this year.
The QuattroMondial which consists of four larger-than-life near-nude figures holding a globe aloft, Atlas-like, their bodies and faces turned to the four corners of the world represents four centuries of Excellence (a Filipino male student), Spirituality (a Dominican priest), Tradition (an academician) and Erudition (a young female student).
Movie actor Piolo Pascual, who is a UST alumnus, is the model for the nude figure representing the young Filipino student eager to embrace wisdom and conquer the world in the name of humanity and the faith.
1994 Bb. Pilipinas-Universe Charlene Gonzales who finished B.S. Psychology at UST in the early ’90s, is curvaceous female form represents “erudition.”
Spirituality (a Dominican priest) modeled on Fr. Rolando V. de la Rosa, the current rector magnifus (President) of UST and a former Commission on Higher Education Chair, while, Tradition (an academician) is patterned after Monina Orlina, Ramon’s daughter.
It took Orlina one year and a half to finish the sculpture which he himself conceptualized, designed and executed, made of cast bronze and solid glass blocks.
Here’s how Orlina describes the QuattroMondial:
Photo credit: RFL, PhilstarThe QuattroMondial which consists of four larger-than-life near-nude figures holding a globe aloft, Atlas-like, their bodies and faces turned to the four corners of the world represents four centuries of Excellence (a Filipino male student), Spirituality (a Dominican priest), Tradition (an academician) and Erudition (a young female student).
Movie actor Piolo Pascual, who is a UST alumnus, is the model for the nude figure representing the young Filipino student eager to embrace wisdom and conquer the world in the name of humanity and the faith.
1994 Bb. Pilipinas-Universe Charlene Gonzales who finished B.S. Psychology at UST in the early ’90s, is curvaceous female form represents “erudition.”
Spirituality (a Dominican priest) modeled on Fr. Rolando V. de la Rosa, the current rector magnifus (President) of UST and a former Commission on Higher Education Chair, while, Tradition (an academician) is patterned after Monina Orlina, Ramon’s daughter.
It took Orlina one year and a half to finish the sculpture which he himself conceptualized, designed and executed, made of cast bronze and solid glass blocks.
Here’s how Orlina describes the QuattroMondial:
This sculptural piece is from 10 meters tall structure cast in bronze.
Upon the four figures rests a globe and, like the actual planet, it tilts 23.5: in constant motion but at the same time perpetually facing Polaris or the North Star which is the brightest star in its constellation, aiding travelers as they try to navigate their way northward. Likewise, the University has served as a beacon both to its educators and students as each tries to find his or her way spiritually, intellectually and socially.
The globe represents the phenomenon of globalization, an event that we must all inevitably face now in the 21st Century. Our globe is facing urgent environmental concerns and an alarming rate of resource depletion. Technological advancements and the exponentially increasing speed of communication could serve as a hindrance or a solution to issues such as pollution and climate change and the answer lies in our capability to face these collectively. The University is a concerned institution that advocates tackling these problems with a global perspective, promoting inter-connectedness among peoples and cultures.
Furthermore, the globe is comprised of three intersecting spheres reminiscent of the atom — the particle considered to be an irreducible, indestructible constituent of a specified system. Similarly, a UST education is an irreducible, indestructible part of every one of its stakeholders — this being an important element that builds one’s character. From the globe flows a ribbon inscribed with Latin inscriptions, again representing accomplishment, scholarliness and wisdom.
Within the sphere, viewed from a certain angle, created by the sum of the multi-dimensional glass parts, one could make out the sun, glowing as the glass catches light. And as it catches light, it reminds the viewer of the glowing sun and rippling, flowing water, giving the structure a spiritual dimension, reminding everyone that the University is a proud Catholic institution. At the same time, humbling the observer into a quiet reflection that holiness or spirituality, like water, is not something that can be cupped in one’s hands, but a mystery and a gift that flows from one person to the next.
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