The Enchanting Enchanted Kingdom

About 18,000 STI students from all over the country trooped to Enchanted Kingdom last Friday for the 27th Anniversary Celebration of STI. Tourist buses of various sizes and origins clogged the spacious parking of the theme park, long lines at the four entrances amidst the scorching heat of the Friday sun each waiting for their turn to set foot at the park, students of all shapes, colors and sizes lingered the streets of the kingdom and an even longer queues of students at the entrance of each rides are the common sights one will notice on this historic day.

It is an amazing sight to see students wearing the same anniversary shirts and meeting fellow schoolmates from other parts of the country. The feeling of pride being part of an organization that is true to its vision not just in words but in deeds is the unique spirit that everyone shared without having the need to speak of it. Shades of yellow, blue, red and black colors dominated the color schemes of the day each having one and the same thematic message embedded in each color scheme, the theme of the celebration - “Citizen STI.”

What exactly is Citizen STI? Citizen STI is a character. A Citizen STI embodies attributes that foster social empowerment and national progress. From simple deeds to elaborate initiatives, Citizen STI strive to contribute positive actions that are beneficial to our country, essential for our community, worthwhile for our fellow citizens and valuable for ourselves. Citizen STI is an advocacy. As followers of this movement geared toward building a better nation for both present and future generations, we are encouraged to influence others with the same constructive ideals that we adhere to. In order to take this advocacy beyond our closest reach, every day we have to make a conscious effort to not merely lead, but lead with conviction and most importantly, lead by example.

Adding to the unspoken excitements and thrills of the celebration is the venue itself, the enchanting theme park at Sta. Rosa, Laguna, considered as one of the best in South East Asia which opened way back in 1995. The Grand Carousel at the Victoria Park just in front of the main gate greets incoming guests with what the park can offer beyond extraordinary. Moving forward to the Boulderville, one will be treated to a different era where Dinosaurs ruled the planet. This part of the park is designed for children who love prehistoric cartoon characters. And who would fail to notice the astonishing Spaceport Area where the giant Space Shuttle ride manifests its magnificent presence. Visitors who are thrilled by speed, height and 360 degrees turns in midair will surely keep begging for more!

It is my fourth time at Enchanted Kingdom already. The first was back in 2000, exactly 10 years ago, where I was part of the team from Taft Avenue in Manila who took part in the 17th Anniversary Celebration held at the kingdom. During those visits, it’s surprising, and I just realized it now, that I have never tried any of the theme’s exciting rides! Well, I would love to but the long lines and queues at the ride entrance took the patience in me. I’m not totally good at waiting, until now, so I kept myself busy with other attractions which required less waiting time. I have never tried the Space Shuttle but in due time I think it will come my way. I had experienced the “Space Shuttle Version” of Star City (a theme park in Pasay City) though years back. I remembered the feeling of adrenalin rush with a mixture of fear as the shuttle glided in midair then suddenly rushes back down in full speed and turns to make a 360 degrees maneuver! The ride was incredibly great but I had my body aching afterwards.

The enchanting Enchanted Kingdom hosted STI’s Anniversary Celebration once again. Just like the previous celebrations where the kingdom was the venue, the park never ceases to amaze the kids in all of us. We just don’t have enough time to experience all the rides and attractions that the park can offer but sure there’s always another time to look forward to and be back again. For the Cluster 9 Delegation, the Enchanted Kingdom was our motivation to give our best and have the bragging rights to represent Bicol Region in the National Competition. As expected, other delegations from the rest of the STI Schools around the country, who have also reached the National Finals, have in themselves their own bragging rights. From what we saw at the National Finals, our delegation, being the best in Bicol, is just not match (for now) with other delegations, especially those coming from the Greater Manila Area. They are on a different level now, but that will serve as a stronger motivation for us to climb their class and be one of them in years to come. And that will be very soon.

Our delegation picked number 1 in all performances. That means we will be performing first from among the seventeen other delegations. Performing first have its own shares of pros and cons, but that doesn’t matter for us. Our goal is to reach the National Finals and winning will just be a bonus. We didn’t get the bonus but we have accomplished our goal. Performing alongside the National Winners is an added accomplishment already each of us in the team will treasure. Today we have reached the finals, tomorrow, we will dream of bringing home the title. Until then, we need to face the monumental task of locally honing winning winners.

P.S.
I’d like to thank our coordinators for selflessly sharing their time and talents with our participants to the different events. The EK goal was achieved primarily because of your dedication and cooperation. Big THANKS also goes to our students left behind to catch the event on FB and other mediums due to the enormous expense of witnessing the event live. Thank you for believing we can reach our goal. Last, CONGRATULATIONS to our participants for giving your best and making us all in our local community proud. Winning is not just about bringing home the trophies; it’s also by being gracious in accepting that more has to be learned and losing will bring out the winners in us to fight the war another day and win the battle in God’s designated time.