Journeys
A concert to celebrate the rich Augustinian heritage
The first university in Western Visayas, University of San Agustin (USA), has continuously been adding to its rich legacy of scholarship since its foundation in 1904. Founded under the inspiration of St. Augustine, Doctor and Father of the Church, the University of San Agustin has taken good care of the heritage left by St. Augustine, the Library of the Church; Fr. Johann Gregor Mendel, O.S.A., the First Geneticist; and Fr. Manuel Blanco, O.S.A., author of Flora de Filipinas.
The oldest building in the University is the Urdaneta Hall, named after Fray Andrés de Urdaneta who was a Spanish Augustinian, captain and explorer, credited for plotting the Philippines-Mexico route, which is otherwise known as "Urdaneta's route," in 1565. The Urdaneta Hall houses the old Auditorium, Medical Clinic, Dental Clinic, Clinical Lab, and the College of Pharmacy and Medical Technology. The old auditorium is presently undergoing renovation to better accommodate the growing needs of a university that gives very high regard to the promotion of culture and the arts.
It is but fitting, therefore, that on August 28, 2007, the USA will highlight its Patron Saint's Day celebration with a USA-produced concert entitled "The Dreamer and The Preacher," with artists Yeng Constantino (dreamer) and Fr. Jonas Mejares, O.S.A. (preacher), with some performing artists of the University of San Agustin. This journey through music will take place at the USA gymnasium at six thirty in the evening.*
Proceeds of the concert will go to the construction of the USA Auditorium with modern and top-of-the-line facilities. Indeed, it will be an added attraction to the University and the region as a whole. In addition, the extensive collection of the USA Archive and Museum will be suitably housed on the ground level of the same building.
With its contributions to the community, by fostering scholastic excellence, opportunities for spiritual growth and appreciation and love for culture and the arts, the University of San Agustin is indeed living the legacy and leading the way.
*The Dreamer and the Preacher concert tickets are sold at P100 and P200. Visit the University of San Agustin or call (337-48-41) for more information.