Very Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., PhD presides over the Eucharistic Celebration during the 5th anniversary of UST Alumni
Australia (USTAA)
The University of Santo Tomas Alumni Australia (USTAA) gathered its members and friends for a grand reunion last May 9, 2026 at the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Seven Hills, New South Wales, Australia.
Established in 2021, USTAA has steadily grown into a dynamic and faith-inspired community of Thomasians in Australia, with over 200 registered members on its official website and more than 600 alumni actively engaged on its social media platforms.
The event coincided with two significant milestones - UST's 415th Foundation Day and the 5th anniversary of UST Alumni Australia (USTAA). The event was graced by the presence of the UST Rector Very Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., PhD, accompanied by a delegation from the UST Office of Alumni Relations (OAR), Office for Grants, Endowments and Partnerships (OGEP), UST Research and Endowment Foundation, Inc. (REFI), and UST Alumni Association, Inc (USTAAI).
The members consist of the Office of the Rector Executive Secretary Prof. Marciana Agnes G. Ponsaran, PhD, OGEP Director Asst. Prof. Levine Andro H. Lao, PhL-MA, PhD, REFI Stakeholder Engagement Head Cristian L. Naval, OAR Director Assoc. Prof. Joreen T. Rocamora, PhD, USTAAI President Assoc. Prof. Evangeline E. Timbang, PhD, and OAR Alumni Engagement and Linkages Officer Ma. Carla Romina G. Ricarte. The University's presence strongly affirmed its enduring commitment to its global Thomasian family.
Also present, to help celebrate the occasion were: Vice Consul Diana Marie D. Jimenez-Leomo of the Philippine Consulate General, Sydney, Australia, and from Blacktown City Council, Deputy Mayor Carol Israel along with Councillors Jess Diaz and Dorothy del Villar.
The program started with a Eucharistic Celebration presided by Rev. Fr. Ang, followed by a lunch hosted by the alumni chapter. USTAA President Vangie Leones welcomed the UST Manila delegation led bythe Father Rector, Very Reverend Father Ang, as well the Thomasian alumni community in Australia, community leaders, friends and esteemed guests.
"To my fellow Thomasians, we created this event for you. We invited Father Ang to meet you. And we should be
honored because we are very privileged that Father Ang accepted our invitation. We would like to re-engage you and
we would like to reconnect you to our alma matter. Those who have capacity, we will be calling on your generosity one
of these days, and we will be inviting you to more USTAA events. Your board has a lot of plans to make sure that
USTAA, every Thomasian in Australia will be known to be practicing the 3Cs - Competence, Commitment and
Compassion," said USTAA President Vangie Leones.
A pioneer member of the USTAA, Leones was elected last April to lead the group from 2026 to
2028. A graduate of BS Electronics and Communication Engineering, she brings her leadership skills and extensive expertise in information technology to the organization.
"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 the that in your respective fields. Thank you for staying connected despite the distance, despite the demands in life. But more than gratitude, I would like to ask for your continued support and prayers," said Very Reverend Father Ang.
Then, USTAA Founding President, Ms. Benjie de Ubago took the audience on a nostalgic trip down memory lane with short videos of UST and the activities of USTAA in the last five years. This was followed by the induction of the newly elected officers for 2026.
Oath-taking Ceremony (L-R) USTAA Adviser Andres, Immediate Past President Puzon, Secretary Sarlabus, Treasurer Orantia, PRO Tekiko, VP-NSW Jover, VP ACT Flores, VP Queensland Cruz, and President Leones.
Techie Sarlabus took on the role of secretary. Sarlabus is a BS Medical Technology graduate and is an active parish ministry volunteer. James Tekiko is thePRO. A BS Nursing graduate, he also dabbles in various entertainment platforms. The position of VP for Queensland went to High School and Commerce alumna, Fiori Cruz. She is a dedicated lifelong community volunteer with various Queensland-based community organizations.
Pioneers who retained their positions include:
Cecilia Flores as VP for Australian Capital Territory
Dr. Myrna Jover as VP for New South Wales
Marina Ruivivar as VP for Victoria
Cielo Franklin as VP for Western Australia
Alma Pablo as VP for South Australia
Roma Abarquez as Internal Auditor
RodiOrantiaas Treasurer
Immediate past president Len Puzon remains on the board as an exofficio member. Pioneers Kate Andres continues in her advisory role, and Founding President, Benjie de Ubago remains as the Public Officer.
Highlight of the day, was USTAA's donation for a scholarship fund to UST. It was received by Rector Very Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., PhD, Director Asst. Prof., Lao, PhL-MA, PhD, and Stakeholder Engagement Head Cristian L. Naval.
Turnover of donations (L-R) REFI Stakeholder Engagement Head Naval, USTAA Adviser Andres, OGEP Director Dr. Lao, UST Rector Rev. Fr. Ang, USTAA President Leones, VP NSW Jover, VP ACT Flores, Founder Ubago, and Event Host Prias.
And last but not least, there was the much awaited presentation of the Jubilarian medals to Thomasians.
With renewed enthusiasm, the new 2026 Board looks forward to serving the Thomasian community in Australia with many exciting plans and surprises ahead.
As the principal arm of the University in forging and sustaining lifelong bonds with its alumni, OAR affirms its vital role in unifying and strengthening generations of Thomasians in the Philippines and throughout the world.
Photo: Rey Saballa
