NEWS

Tiger's Coffee Corner marker and the unveiling of the Sixteeneleven second issue cover.

In celebration of the 415th founding anniversary of the University of Santo Tomas, the Office of Alumni Relations (OAR) marked two milestones for the Thomasian alumni community with the solemn blessing and soft opening of the Tiger's Coffee Corner and the celebratory launch of the second issue of Sixteeneleven last April 28, 2026 at the Blessed Buenaventura Garcia Paredes, O.P. (BGPOP) Building, UST Manila.

Tiger's Coffee Corner, located on the third floor of the BGPOP Building, is envisioned as a dedicated alumni coffee corner and lounge where Thomasian alumni may gather, reconnect, and engage in meaningful conversations. Besides from offering complimentary coffee, it also serves as a touchpoint for updating alumni contact information.

OAR Director Assoc. Prof. Joreen T. Rocamora, PhD delivered her welcoming remarks where she underscored the significance of creating spaces and platforms that continue to strengthen the relationship between the University and its alumni.

(L-R) Rev. Fr. Coronel, Assoc. Prof. Rocamora, and Rev. Fr. Sigaya during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

One of the highlights of the gathering was the ceremonial ribbon cutting for Tiger's Coffee Corner led by UST Secretary-General Rev. Fr. Louie R. Coronel, O.P., EHL, Archivo dela Universidad de Santo Tomas Archivist and UST Miguel de Benavides Library Assistant to the Prefect of Libraries Rev. Fr. Gaspar Sigaya, O.P., and Assoc. Prof. Rocamora. The blessing of the space was led by Rev. Fr. Sigaya and was followed by the symbolic First Pour ritual of the two Dominican priests to represent the beginning of many meaningful conversations to be shared in the new alumni space over a cup of coffee.

The first pour ritual led by Rev. Fr. Coronel and Rev. Fr. Sigaya.

Alongside the opening of the coffee corner, OAR also celebrated the release of the second issue of Sixteeneleven, the official publication of the unit. Carrying the theme, "Celebrating Our Thomasian Identity," the issue honors the legacy of excellence of the University and highlights the values and qualities that continue to define the Thomasian spirit.

Ms. Pantoja during her speech as one of the featured alumni in Sixteeneleven.

Before the formal unveiling, featured alumna Felicitas "Joji" Pantoja, CEO and Founder of Coffee for Peace, delivered a short message about her initiatives in making not just coffee as a product, but a "just" coffee produced in conformity with what is morally upright and good for the farmers and community involved with it in the war-ridden areas of Zamboanga in Mindanao. Her story reflected the publication's aim of sharing alumni journeys shaped by Thomasian identity, service, and purpose.

Unveiling of the second issue cover of Sixteeneleven.

The second issue was formally unveiled by Ms. Pantoja, another featured alumna VML CEO and 2025 Ads Standards Council Chairperson Golda Roldan, Sixteeneleven Creative Director Eman Eres, UST Alumni Association, Inc. (USTAAI) President Assoc. Prof. Evangeline Timbang, PhD, Editor-in-Chief Assoc. Prof. Rocamora. Copies of the publication were then distributed to the guests.

(L-R) Assoc. Prof Timbang, host Ellaine Cruz, and Engr. Gutierrez during the Toast to Success.

Assoc. Prof. Timbang and UST Engineering Alumni Association, Inc. President Engr. Rodrigo Gutierrez led the Toast to Success, inviting guests to raise their coffee cups in celebration of the University's founding anniversary and its milestones.


The event concluded with the singing of the UST Hymn, followed by photo opportunities and coffee conversations among guests.

Conversations over coffee with the guests.

Through Tiger's Coffee Corner and Sixteeneleven, OAR continues to pursue its mission of keeping alumni connected to the University and to one another and creating spaces where Thomasian stories, values, and relationships may continue to flourish.