Of Enchanted Kingdom, El Cielito Inn Hotel and STI 27th Anniversary

My recent Manila trip is unplanned. Never did I imagine that I'll be going to Manila more so that I'll be attending STI's  27th Anniversary. The idea of attending the anniversary came after the announcement of winners for the Cluster 15 elimination. (no neeed for me to elaborate on this)  

August 25, we board Cebu Pacific Air via Iloilo Airport and arrived at Manila 15 minutes late than expected schedule due to air traffic. At the Terminal Three of NAIA, we were gladly welcomed by a hotel representative who willingly drove us to our first place of destination, The Kabayan Hotel Pasay. After we have competed our check in requirement, the group (Noel, Christy, Harley and I) decided to drop by Metropoint Mall and had dinner at KFC. Before the night was over, STIer J-phen Padernal drop by for a short chit-chat over a bucket of Jollibee Friend Chicken.

August 26, the group had an early Filipino style breakfast, complement of the Hotel then we went straight to the STI Headquarters in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. There we met our other fellow cluster delegates Ian, Edcel and Jansen of STI Kalibo. While waiting for our coaster, we were accommodated by an HQ representative, and he gladly toured us to the facilities of STI HQ. Specifically, we went to the eighth floor to check the NBA inspired Basketball gym and to meet the famous STI Olympians.

At exactly 8:30 we went on board our STI coaster and headed straight to Enchanted Kingdom for a day's rehearsal. We stayed at the amusement park until 2:00pm for the preview of the pageant then went to El Cielito Inn Hotel to freshen up. At 6:00pm Noel and I went back to Enchanted Kingdom to fetch Christy and Jansen. We then headed to SM City in Sta Rosa Laguna to join Ian for our dinner. Despite the heavy rain, we  decided to go back the hotel via a tricycle. 

Before  capping the night we decided to review the questions for the interview part of the pageant. While Edcel, Ian and I answered the questions, Noel, Christy, Jansen and Harley, busied themselves with Facebook. We bid good night / good morning at around half past one in the morning.

August 27 was the big day! The group planned to enjoy some rides before heading off to Eldars tent for final brief, but because all rides where fully packed, we decided to head straight to the billeting for final preparation. The seven of us had lunch together and went on separate ways to perform our designated tasks.

The pageant started at exaclty 4:30 in the afternoon with Ms Earth Karla Henry as one of the pageant host. Everyone was also surpised to see Matt Evans on stage doing a song number with the female contestants. The pageant went to its final part with the announcement of winners. Mr STI Alabang and Ms STI Global City bagged the most coveted title that night.

After the pageant, we made use of the extra time we have had. We roam around the amusement park and let Christy and Jansen experienced Anchors Away. Although we ended with no award, the group had fun and enjoy each others company. 

By ten in the evening, we decided to go back to the hotel for a late dinner. We treated ourselves to a variety of McDonalds value meals. After dinner, we immediately upload the pictures and went Facebook online until the weeeh hours of the morning.

August 28 was a sad day for us. We have to bid goodbye to each other. Since it's our last day, we decided to have breakfast together. After that, we went on separate ways. Kalibo STIers headed to the airport while, Noel, Christy and I went to SM mall of Asia.  While at MOA, we were able to meet STI Iloilo Alumni Joan, Kristina, Chona and Mark, whoe excitedly treated us at Gerry's Grill.

By 4:00Pm we headed to NAIA Terminal 3 and waited for our flight. We arrived at Iloilo Airport at around 7:30PM, had dinner at KFC SM City and bid goodbyes to one another!