“I’ll drive from Cavite to La Union, and you take it from there up to Baguio.” That was Osmund’s travel plan for our Baguio trip to the National Battle of the Math and Science Champions (February 20-21).
It seemed fair, from Bacoor, the TPLEX-Kennon Road route takes nearly 5 hours. But I chose the longer, safer Marcos Highway to avoid arriving before 7 p.m. and hitting Baguio’s number-coding scheme (7 a.m. – 7 p.m.).
How we ended up driving this far for an event is a story in itself. Years ago, I was appointed to the board of ASMEPPS—the Association of Science and Math Educators of Philippine Private Schools (later expanded to include public schools, and this year, ASMEPPS International). My son, Osmund, has now joined me on the board as well.
At the heart of it all is ASMEPPS’s visionary leader, Prof. Eloisa Olivera. She brought together educators from schools across the Philippines to expose our students to high-stakes competitions early on. This hands-on preparation equips Filipino youth for a fiercely competitive world, fostering skills that go far beyond the classroom
From February 20-21, around 4,000 students from schools across the Philippines traveled to Baguio, the summer capital, to represent their institutions in ASMEPPS National competitions spanning arts and academics. Hosted at Easter College, the event showcased the fruits of Prof. Olivera’s vision: young minds pushing boundaries and building resilience.
Every contest has its ups and downs, just as every event, whether organized by ASMEPPS or other groups, does. There will be winners and those who leave heartbroken, but this is the perfect moment to teach the participants magnanimity in victory and humility in defeat. With these lessons, they can rise stronger in the next contests, ready to reclaim their pride and honor.
Concerns have arisen about the results, including questions about why a former champion didn’t place this time and requests for detailed tabulations. This presents a valuable opportunity for organizers to review current practices and implement improvements, such as automating the scoring system and releasing results on time.
Unveiled during the event was Mat(h) and Sci(ence), the fictional figures that will be ASMEPPS International’s representatives as they have evolved into becoming an international organization in the future.
The gathering drew students, parents, and faculty from across the Philippines for competitions in arts and academics. ASMEPPS officers were joined by dignitaries like Baguio City Councilor Vladimir Cayabas and Dr. Julius Leaño, Jr., Director IV of DOST-PTRI, both as guest-speakers during the occasion.
On our way home from Baguio, we made a quick bladder break at the Shell station on NLEX. As we pulled into park, a shiny new Nissan Patrol stopped a short distance away, and several civilian security officers hopped out. “This must be a VIP,” I said, spotting the backup car trailing behind.
I headed to the restroom and sure enough, three plainclothes escorts were standing guard inside, protecting none other than a senator at the urinal. I couldn’t help but joke to myself: Are they going to shake off the last drops for him too? (Just kidding.) When he finished, I recognized him right away. It reminded me of bumping into Martin Nievera in a restroom abroad, I’d said hello but politely declined a handshake since we’d both just come from the urinals. Same here. I greeted the senator with a friendly “hello,” but no handshakes offered or accepted.
What a triumphant close to my two days at the grueling national championships. ||
