John Henry Ma, a senior student from Bacolod Trinity Christian School and one of the MTG's top performers for the year 2004 (he won a gold medal for placing second over-all in the 5th Intercity World Youth Mathematics Intercity Competition in Macau last August), is one of these year's Ateneo's Freshmen Merit Scholars. This distinction is only given to a selected few from the incoming freshman class of the Ateneo de Manila University, who have proven themselves to be among best of the best.

John Henry was luckily at hand to be interviewed by MTG Kids Online with regards to this achievement.


MTGKO: How does it feel being selected as one of only twenty six recepients of the Ateneo Freshmen Merit Scholarship from your batch?

John Henry: I feel very blessed by God for giving me this scholarship. I've actually wanted to study in Ateneo, but the tuition is incredibly high, not to mention the living cost (since I'm from the province, I have to live in the dorm). The scholarship takes away a lot of the financial burden.


MTGKO: What course did you apply for, and why did you choose it?

John Henry: Management Engineering, because this course opens up a lot of great opportunities, and this is a great course to apply the math I have learned throughout my years in MTG.


MTGKO: How big an impact did your time as an MTG kid have in helping you earn this achievement?

John Henry: I think it was quite big, considering MTG made me into someone who can perform according to one's true ability, and one who is not intimidated by other smart students.


MTGKO: With your full scholarship in the Ateneo already at hand, what now are your plans for college? Do you plan to study in that school or do you have other plans?

John Henry: I will study in Ateneo. This opportunity is too good to pass up.


MTGKO: Any parting words that you might want to tell your fellow MTG Kids who aspire to be achievers just like you?

John Henry: To everyone--work hard, think hard, pray hard; and before contests and important exams, my tip is review the night before, but not hours before--it's useless. Also, always [relieve yourself] and eat safely before it starts, or you will risk having a bad stomach during the test.


Aside from the 5th IWYMIC, John Henry has also represented the Philippines in numerous other international mathematics competititions. He is currently working as an MTG trainer in his hometown Bacolod.