Enderun Welcomes New Students With This Year’s NSO: Titans in Wonderland

After two long, virtual years, the campus has finally opened its doors to welcome the newest batch of Titans, the Enderun way. Considering this is Enderun’s first physical New Student Orientation (NSO) since the pandemic broke out, the school went the extra mile, as usual, and prepared fun and interactive activities such as Scavenger Hunt and Amazing Race. The NSO was held last August 9 and 10 at the Enderun Tent with the theme “Titans in Wonderland.”

Day 1: August 10

Almost 200 new students first gathered at the Enderun Atrium. Having to enter a new school, encounter new faces, and a completely new environment wasn’t easy for the students considering it was their first time. As nerve-wracking as it felt, there is no doubt that there was a thrilling aura surrounding the room for the adventures that awaited them. As soon as it was time, NSO runners escorted the new students for the Welcome Walk where they were greeted by cheers and smiles from older Enderun students and it didn’t stop there.

A forest, the Red Queen (Jennylyn Wu) and the Mad Hatter (Elijah Delgadillo), welcomed the new students upon arrival at the Enderun Tent. They introduced separate groups where the students were accompanied by two facilitators and got comfortable. An orientation was given about what Enderun is all about, what to expect, and everything in between. Enderun even brought back its compulsory Uniform Fashion Show where students from older batches modeled the different kinds of uniforms the school offers.

The students ended the morning with a relaxing and enjoyable lunch with their respective groups. They bonded with each other and at the same time planned for a very exciting number later on. By this time, all of the students grew comfortable with the new environment. They shared laughs, smiles, and even connected through social media. But little did they know, they were bound for a hustle and bustle: the Scavenger Hunt. One of the most mentally and physically challenging activities, students practically raced the entire campus just to find the right items. It was tiring but nevertheless fun, especially for the new Titans.

After a restful hour, the students were free to roam around the Enderun Tent for the Org Fair. This was all about the students exploring the organizations and getting to know which of them matches their passion best. All of Enderun’s RSOs were present and kicking with decorations, candies, and wonderful smiles to interact with the students. They visited each booth, interacted and mingled, and eventually signed up. Following an interactive pastime, the students got ready to present their group cheers. Each group showcased such creative and artistic pieces that were very amusing to watch. No doubt, it was hard to pick a favorite. Unfortunately, Day 1 of NSO had come to an end. Nothing but smiles and new friendships yielded from the first day, and the students were off for a sleepful night in preparation for what’s yet to come.

Day 2: August 11

On the second day of the NSO, the students were about to embark on yet another day of fun and friendship. In preparation for the second day, a breakfast buffet was prepared in the Atrium, ensuring that students could enjoy today’s festivities on a full stomach.

Students were then gathered in different rooms for the various departmental talks held by Enderun’s Department Heads. For HA, Ms. Bel Castro; CA, Chef Marc Chalopin; BSBA, Sir Hans Clifford Yao and Dr. Lydia King; BSE, Sir Ryan Morales; ECON, Sir Jet Dela Cruz; CAD and MMA, Architect Jean Cornejo; and SHS, Ms. Cherry Tan. These talks definitely gave the students a taste of what to expect in their chosen courses and strands, and were a great way for them to get excited about the various activities available at Enderun.

After the departmental talks, it was finally time for students to bond with each other with more, you guessed it, games! Over 13 stations were set up across campus, each with a different game managed by the facilitators. To say that the NSO Logistics team went the extra mile in planning these games is an understatement as they made sure that the games would leave everyone tired yet fulfilled.

But of course, the day wouldn’t be complete without any winners, and they are the following:

• Scavenger Hunt: M4d H4tters
• Titan Race: Falling in XV (2nd Runner-Up), Dancing Queens – Only 17 and The Two-Dles (1st Runner-Up), and Onederlanders (Champion)
• Best Banner: Queen’s Guard Init18tion
• Group Cheer: Knave of Hearts
• Overall Best Group: M4d H4tters
• Best Facilitators: Joshua Dautil and Janhilly Ravanzo
• Best Facilitator Babies: McKenzie Tolentino and Khalid Baguinda

Thanks to the generous Enderun management and sponsors like Conti’s and Wendy’s, the winners were able to get a hold of prizes such as Enderun merchandise and Conti’s and Wendy’s coupons worth PHP 4,800!

Following a crazy and fun-packed afternoon was a set of performances by Enderun students. INK Enderun’s Editor-In-Chief, Angeli Sato, started the night by singing along with Jaycie Dalao with songs that gave everyone a breather and a chance to relax before the next festivities. The NSO facilitators also prepared their own dance routines for the new students, and everyone cheered. After breathtaking performances was the toast and Initiation into Enderun led by Sir Jack Tuason, one of Enderun Colleges’ founders. He then gave an inspiring and welcoming speech.

Finally, the last part of the NSO was the student-faculty mixer! For two hours, students gathered around the Tent to mingle with each other and dance along to the music: the perfect way to end the two-day NSO and start an amazing academic year at Enderun.

This then marks the end of the first physical NSO after two years. Of course, this wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for the ever hardworking Enderun Student Government, Student Life team, professors, staff, and facilitators. Congratulations to everyone who participated in this event, and we wish you a great academic year!