Combining their wit and enthusiasm, Trisha Mae P. Ymas (BSEd Mathematics) and Sheena A. Irinco (BSCE) bagged second and third place, respectively, during the participation of Eastern Visayas State University-Ormoc Campus in the 27th Philippine Statistics Quiz: The Search for the Country’s Young Statistics Wizzes on September 29, 2023, at the Summit Hotel, Marasbaras, Tacloban City.
The contest was attended by 27 freshmen college students from Leyte Province, excluding Tacloban City. It was the elimination to advance to the Philippine Statistics Quiz (PSQ), an annual competition purely designed for college freshmen enrolled in any private or public college or university in the Philippines. After a week of preparation, they were able to utilize their time to review and transcend to better EVSUnistas. In an interview, Ms. Irinco said that “with only one week to prepare for the contest, our team faced a daunting challenge. The time was short, and the pressure was on. Our journey began with a sense of urgency and determination, knowing that every moment should not go to waste.”
“Our teamwork, dedication, and the support and hard work of our coach had transformed us into a strong unit. The pressure was still there, but we were ready to face it head-on,” she added. In addition, Ms. Ymas shared that she was doubtful at first, but with the help of her team and, of course, their very supportive and competent coach, Mr. Joel D. Maraviles, and the Almighty God, they bravely faced the challenge and became the university champs.
“Naa jud koy doubt sako self if makaya nako and during first study namo together na pressure jud ko kay naa mi goal ato which is among na achieve ron. But it was all sa first day lang, as days go by, na appreciate nako’g maayo ang purpose namo why ni join mi, so mas na encourage ko to do my best. Our coach make it bearable for us pud. Nakita jud namo iyang effort. And it was my first time to have such a coach jud. Makaingon ko amazing jud si sir.”
(I really doubt myself if I can do it, and during our first study together, I was so pressured because we had a goal that we have achieved now. However, it was only on the first day; as the days went by, I appreciated more the purpose of why we were joining this, so I was more encouraged to do my best. Our coach makes it bearable as well. We can really see his effort. And it was my first time having such a coach. I can say he’s really amazing.)
“Above all, it was all because of the Lord. Before ko mag study, I pray to Him jud na if it is His will, then let it be, or if it’s for me, and I hope He’ll make it happen. Grabe jud ang power sa prayers. I wanted to give all the acknowledgement ni Lord,” she added.
(Above all, it was all because of the Lord. Before I study, I pray to Him that if it is His will, then let it be, or if it’s for me, I hope He’ll make it happen. The power of prayer is amazing. I wanted to give all the acknowledgement to the Lord.)
Moreover, Mr. Maraviles expressed how proud he is of his contestants and his gratitude for winning the quiz bee. “I’m so proud of both of them. Last week I told them that before they accept my invitation, our goal is to win. We will take it seriously and study as much as we can as part of our preparation.
Fortunately, they positively responded to my challenge. I am happy for our university for this achievement. Above all, I am so thankful to God for the awards that we got,” he said. After the competition, Mr. Maraviles reminded them to maintain humility and to offer prayers of gratitude to God for all their achievements.
Ms. Ymas, Ms. Irinco, and the winner from Visayas State University (VSU) will be the representatives from Leyte in the regional competition scheduled for November. Mr. Maraviles is eagerly anticipating a victory in this upcoming event.
