DLA Goes Recca, Recca, Summa F-E-U!

Last October 5, 2011, the 1st Inter-High School Biz Quiz was held at the Multi-Purpose Hall of Far Eastern University, Makati. And of course, Divine Light Academy Molino did not let the opportunity pass to prove once again the excellence of the Children of Light. Few weeks ago from the said date, Sir JR Oliver received an invitation from his friend, Professor Andy Nestor Ryan Pazon. Enclosed in the said invitation were the subjects the competition revolved in, instructions and prizes for the winners. The five subjects, a bit unusual from the stereotypical quiz bees, were Business Math, Intermediate Algebra, Environmental Science, Economics, and Entrepreneurship. Prizes in the contest were sponsored by Samsung and Casio. The contest required a maximum of three groups composed of three students each. Nine fourth year high school students were selected by coaches, Sir JR Oliver and Ma am Elvie Acosta to represent the school. Team A was composed of Mark Rommel Abenion, Giel Tristan Salvacion (both from IV Copernicus), and Priolo Opelanio (from IV Pascal). Lyza Denise Villanueva (IV Copernicus), Grench Ariez Maibo, and Maureen Joy Dising (both from IV Pascal) made up Team B. And finally, Team C was completed by Jerome De Leon (IV Thomson), Alexandra Medina (IV Copernicus), and Annaflor Jovy Sagum (IV Galileo). These students had a review for at least two weeks under the supervision of the coaches. Around eight o clock in the morning of October 5, 2011, the school representatives, together with their coaches, went off to Far Eastern University Makati. Upon arrival, they were asked to sign some papers for confirmation and were escorted by a staff member to the holding area. An FEU Makati professor toured the participants around the campus and explained how they may avail free FEU College Admissions Test (FEUCAT) on October 22, 2011, one o clock to five o clock pm instead of having to pay an amount of 400 pesos. The participants were bought to their assigned rooms for the elimination round. Each partaker took an individual test at 10:30 am 12:30 pm wherein the garnered scores were added to his her teammate s score to achieve a sum that will rank them at any spot on the Top 25. Fortunately, after two hours of waiting, two teams from DLA Molino got in: Team A and B. The finalists were asked to proceed to the Multi-Purpose Hall. After a brief reminder and introduction, the real game began. In the first round, Minimum Essentials, each team that gets a correct answer will be awarded with two points. At the end of the round, Colegio San Agustin Makati Team A was on top with 14 points, followed by DLA Molino Team A with 12 points, and DLA Molino Team B with 10 points. In intermediate round, the awarding point became four. Once again, the CSA Makati Team A was on top while DLA Molino Team B stayed closely behind. A song number was then performed for a short break before continuing to the final round: Extended Challenges. In that round, the awarding point became five. Because it was the final round, every question was very important. A lot of issues and protests were raised, especially on the ninth question where Colegio San Agustin Makati Team A and City of Mandaluyong Science High School Team A had quite a row, which the crowd enjoyed. In the end, the answer of CSA Makati Team A was not accepted which became in favor of CMSHS Team A, making their score tie. After the last question, the scores were tabulated, and the winners were known, or so everyone thought.

Landing on third place is Team A of Rizal High School which garnered 56 points and received a new calculator from Casio and cash from Samsung. There was a problem in second and first place because CSA Makati Team A and CMSHS Team A were tied at 57 points. Too break the tie, clincher questions were asked. It lasted not twice, not thrice, but six times! It was because the two teams would either get the question correct or both get it wrong. Then, on the seventh question, a new rule was implemented; The first to raise their answer board with the correct answer wins. A Mathematicsrelated question was asked. After a few seconds of tension and excitement, finally, a board was raised. The game master announced that it is correct. So which team jumped for celebration? The City of Mandaluyong Science High School did, which left Colegio San Agustin Team A, second. The latter received a brand new scientific calculator from Casio, and cash prize from Samsung while the former jubilantly got a new laptop and a cash prize. Top scorers of the individual test were also recognized. Four participants tied for the title, and to proclaim the best, clinchers were also done. And the winner was Faye Marie Gomez of V. Mapa High School. The other top scorers came from Colegio San Agustin Makati, Rizal High School, and Divine Light Academy Molino. The DLA Molino s pride is no other than Mark Rommel Abenion. Certificates were given to all participants and coaches before leaveing home. Also, a concluding speech was given by the former chairman of Philippine Commission on Higher Education, Bro. Rolando Ramos Dizon. The words he said that a student must put his/her minds are Choose a course you have a telent and interest in.