THEY had very little time to prepare but 14 Filipino students from Grace Christian College (GCC) bagged several awards in the World Scholars Cup held recently in Taichung, Taiwan.
GCC is a partner school of The Manila Times College.
Lelina Forneas, the team’s adviser and head coach, said the students won five trophies and 11 medals for the debate, essay writing, scholars’ bowl, and scholars’ challenge.
“This is the first time that Grace Christian College ventured on international competition and yet we were able to shine. These kids really worked hard and gave their best in spite of their very hectic schedules.
They gave [their] time, they sacrificed,” Forneas said.
She said the students trained for less than three weeks.
Jared Lawrence Go, one of the participants, said their training was “very rigorous.”
“We were only given a short time to prepare,” Go, a senior, told The Manila Times.
“This is the first time our school has participated in this kind of competition. And it was indeed a great surprise for us that we were able to garner such great results considering that it was our first time,” he added.
He said the competition was a rare opportunity for students to build their character.
“It definitely broadens you horizons. It teaches you about the world outside. And it teaches you to be independent, to strategize, and it hones your problem-solving skills,” Go said.
Shaquille Wyan Que admitted that winning in the contest will definitely give him an edge over other students.
The other participants were Arvy Daniel Ngo, Selena Marie So, Hazel Beatrice Li, Patricia Mae Go, Nicole Lauren Tiu, Patricia Nicole Uy, Jasmine Kayla Yu, Danielle Kaseys Ng Cha, Louise Julie Pabico, Ralph Edwards Lim, Sean Marcus So, and Bien Allyson Santillan.
The competition was held from March 14 to 15.
GCC was the sole representative of the Philippines.