Thomasians flock to the airport for Chapter Visitors

Close to midnight, the Thomasians flocked to Brunei International Airport to welcome their Chapter Visitors from the University of Santo Tomas Office of the Alumni Relations (UST OAR) on 25 October 2019. Asst. Prof. Fredeswindo R. Medina (Director), Carla Romina G. Ricarte (Alumni Cultivation and Engagement Officer), and Kathleen Mae. N. Agustin (Office Bursar, Procurement and Sponsorship Officer), all Thomasians, visited the Chapter to attend the 4th USTAAB Annual Meeting and Induction of Officers and Members.

The Thomasian alumni instantly exchanged warm smiles and exciting stories about the Philippines and Brunei from the airport to the hotel. Before extending their bonding time at the Big Mama Restaurant to taste some local cuisines, the officers were surprised to receive the best Filipino products from Chona Batongbakal (Office for Admissions) and Atty. Gezzez Granado (Dean, College of Tourism and Hospitality Management).

As the representatives are first-time visitors in Brunei, the following day was spent for a boat ride to sightsee the famous Water Village or Kampung Ayer, a visit at Kampung Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery, and a tour in Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Masjid. Their cultural and architectural awareness finished off with a lunch buffet at The Empire Hotel which is well-known for its rich culinary scene. At night time, the annual event at The Capital Residence Suites created an opportunity for Chapter Visitors to meet more Thomasians in Brunei.

Kampung Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery(photo credit to Kathleen Agustin)

Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Masjid (photo credit to Kathleen Agustin)

The Empire Hotel (photo credit to Kathleen Agustin)

Next morning, the OAR representatives fulfilled their Sunday obligation to attend Holy Mass at the Church of the Our Lady of Assumption hours before their departure time. To wrap up the Chapter Visit, a stopover at Hua Hua Restaurant for breakfast took place prior to sending them off. Asst. Prof. Fredeswindo R. Medina is the third UST OAR Director met by USTAAB since 2016.

There may be hellos and goodbyes at the airport between the Chapter Visitors and USTAAB but certainly they would see one another again at the Thomasian Alumni Center.