03/02/2026
Facing the Heat: Overcoming Challenges in Pursuit of Success
In a world where innovation moves faster than ever, young minds are stepping forward to prove that brilliance has no age. Students from Muntinlupa National High School: Gabriel James Yvan Lulu, Maria Alegria Aquino, and Jezreel Frishan Ramat, proudly stepped forward to represent their school in the Brainiac: Clash of the Sci-Tech Champs (Year 4) hosted by Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, under the guidance of their coach, Ms. Mary Grace De Vera.
The competition brought high school students from different clusters across the National Capital Region (NCR) together for a battle of intellect, raising awareness about the significance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), while also stimulating interest in healthcare careers. Voicing to turn global movements, along with initiatives for the youth, with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate a rapidly evolving world.
For the MNHS participants, Brainiac was more than a contest. It was a learning experience that pushed them beyond their limits, and a chance to hone their skills and knowledge. Despite the pressure and time constraint, the team accepted the challenge with sincerity, dedicating rigorous preparations, training, and quick decision-making.
Initially, MNHS' three bright minds were conflicted. They were nervous wrecks standing before this demanding competition, thrumming with doubt and the omnipresent fear of failure. They were given little time to prepare, to steel their spirits and minds for this exhilarating exploit. Nights were spent reviewing whilst on tenterhooks, mornings on questioning their capabilities. But as the days whispered past and the event drew closer, the barest hint of determination sparked inside their pulsing hearts.
When the occasion occurred, these three youngsters clapped back with all that they got. They entered their designated units with their heads held high, even as that traitorous voice in their head cried dubiety. Time elapsed in a blink of an eye, minutes blurring into seconds as the timer raced towards zero. Papers were handed to proctors, pens surrendered, and chairs left empty. The trio reunited in the holding area and shared thoughts under the soft, white lights of the gymnasium. Little did they know, they would qualify for the grand finale.
It was an emotional rollercoaster to participate in the Brainiac competition; there was nervousness, doubt, and pressure. Being among the exceptional students from different schools meant that there was always the inevitable accompanying fear. However, this competition helped them understand the true sense of trust and having faith in themselves. As they trusted in themselves, they were able to overcome the challenges in this contest since we had the confidence to tackle it despite the fears that accompanied it. Trust was thus the key to overcome the accompanying fears in the Brainiac competition; having confidence in ourselves was the reason we succeeded despite the accompanying fears during the competition.
Their journey stands as a symbol of hard work, perseverance, and passion, proving Brainiac is not only about competition but about sharing skills, curiosity, and love for STEM and innovation, pushing beyond limits while inspiring others, and going Plus Ultra together.
Maria Alegria Aquino, Jezreel Frishan Ramat, Gabriel James Yvan Lulu
Muntinlupa National High School, Junior High School
