By: Jetaime Kaina Cerbito
Photo courtesy: Maverick Rhoy De Vera/The LANCE
In a spirited showcase of knowledge and camaraderie, Letran Bataan emerged as the Champion of the 2024 One Letran Heritage Quiz Bee, held at the Student Center (SC) Auditorium on Nov. 27, triumphing over representatives from the Letran Manila, Calamba, and Manaoag campuses.
Organized by the College of Education (COED) from Letran Manila, the Heritage Quiz Bee marked a revival of the tradition previously conducted during Colegio Week by the Political and Legal Studies (PALS) Area.
The event is the first Heritage Quiz Bee since 2016, making its return after an eight-year hiatus.
This year's event featured three rounds—Easy, Average, and Difficult—each round consisting of 10 questions, and escalating in point value from one point, two points, and three points each question per round.
Each team is composed of four members from the same institution, with one representative each from its faculty, staff, collegiate department, and basic education.
Representing Letran Manila are Ms. Cyndi Samaniego, Mr. Dominique Enrique Sarip, Mr. John Anthon Mallari, and Mr. Stephen Ray Pastrana.
From Letran Bataan, the delegates include Mr. John Rommel Torres, Ms. Charlene Shine Mendoza, Mr. Hanz King Ramos, and Ms. Aiana Kim Amores. .
Letran Manaoag’s participants are comprised of Ms. Sophia Lei Burgillos, Ms. Mary Joyce Mariano, Mr. Jan Errick Marra, and Ms. Hazelyn Mae Sampaga.
Finally, Letran Calamba is represented by Ms. Aira Magtulis, Mr. Adrian Valencia, Ms. Maria Angela Bernardo, and Ms. Catherine Yap.
The Heritage Quiz Bee is led by Inst. Carlo Concepcion and Quizmaster, Inst. Ryan Justine Bautista.
The event also featured an esteemed panel of judges composed of Mr. Eribaldo Rey, Jr., Asst. Prof. Manuel Zamora, and Asst. Prof. Marcelo Buen, chairman of the judging panel and member of the 2016 Heritage Quiz Bee winning team.
Letran Bataan amassed 21 points after getting the most number of correct answers in the Difficult Round, taking the Champion title and the Heritage Quiz Bee trophy, which will stay with the reigning titleholders until the next Heritage Quiz Bee.
Rev. Fr. Reynor E. Munsayac, O.P., Executive Vice President and Vice President for Administrative Affairs of Letran Bataan, expressed his delight and pride in witnessing the triumph, underscoring the unity and True-Blooded Letranite spirit shared among all campuses.
Letran Manaoag and Letran Calamba tied with 20 points each, decided through a clincher round which Letran Manaoag won, securing 1st Runner-Up followed by Letran Calamba as 2nd Runner-Up, and Letran Manila as the 3rd Runner-Up.
In an interview, Mr. Stephen Ray Pastrana from the Letran Manila team shared his gratitude for participating in the event.
“Actually, okay lang for me na 4th placer, most especially since Letran kasi po is kahit nagco-Colegio Week is peta week and summative week po namin…its for the experience talaga.” Pastrana stated.
Meanwhile, Champions Letran Bataan, reflected on their victory.
Mr. John Rommel Torres attributed their success to divine providence and emphasized the importance of faith, relaxation, and understanding of Letran's heritage.
“Nagdasal kami kasi gusto din namin bigyan ng karangalan ‘yong aming campus sa Bataan, Letran Bataan at masaya kami. Happy na napunta kami sa aming mother institution, na may collaboration, camaraderie.” He said.
“…sa first round palang medyo nagtagilid na kami pero ‘yon inenjoy lang namin parang kung anong best namin binigay na namin at ‘yon, sa hindi namin inaasahan kami pa rin ‘yong nakapag-uwi.” Ms. Charlene Shine Mendoza added.
Contributors: Margarette Nabata & Juliana Yecyec