Kuala lumpur: Filipinos have a bright future in speedcubing, a sport of solving twisty puzzles like the Rubik's Cube as fast as possible. Juan Miguel 'Uno' Magallanes and Brenton Angelo Lo Wong made the country proud by winning medals at the Malaysia National Speed Cubing Open held at Sunway Velocity Mall in Kuala Lumpur on Aug. 15.
According to Philippines News Agency, the 12-year-old Magallanes excelled by topping the 2x2 category with a best time of 1.06 seconds and an average of 1.47 seconds. Additionally, he placed second in the 3x3 category with a best time of 4.48 seconds and an average of 6.45 seconds, as well as in the 3x3x3 One-Handed category with a best time of 11.06 seconds and an average of 12.26 seconds. Magallanes also clinched the relay gold medal as part of Team BTJ, alongside Brenton Angelo Lo Wong and Malaysian Tee Kai Yang.
"When I started cubing almost three years ago, I was just happy getting sub-20 in 3x3 and sub-5 in 2x2," Stellar Cube-sponsored Magallanes shared in a news release. "One of the biggest lessons cubing has taught me is that you don't always realize how far you've come until you stop and look back at where you started. What once felt impossible can slowly become reality when you keep practicing, keep learning, and, most importantly, keep showing up."
In addition to the relay gold medal, Wong finished third in the 3x3 category with a best time of 5.36 seconds and an average of 5.54 seconds. "I'm very thankful for God's guidance and for the support of my parents and sponsors," said the 20-year-old Wong, a junior marketing student from Ateneo de Manila University. As a two-time national speed cubing champion, Wong expressed his hope that their achievements in Malaysia would inspire the youth to participate in mind games and compete internationally.
Under the newly formed National League of Mind Sports in the Philippines, Wong believes that more players can be developed. He, along with MnM Cube Shop, is committed to continuing seminars in Manila and the provinces. The Filipinos are now setting their sights on the inaugural Asian Speed Cubing Championships scheduled for next year.
