|
|
The Young Mathematicians’ Intensive In-House Training Program is only the first time that the City of Bacolod has hosted an MTG event of such immense magnitude. However, Bacolod has been one of the MTG’s most active provincial centers even before this. The MTG center in this city has been relentlessly pursuing the organization’s thrust of promoting quality mathematics education, that it has constantly produced students who eventually make it to the MTG Delegation to International Mathematics Competitions. In fact, one of the pioneer MTG delegates coming from outside Luzon and the first Visayan to make it to the delegation comes from this city. Here is a rundown of some of the MTG delegates who originated from the City of Smiles and their most recent achievements: Johnson Gamboa  A product of the St. John’s Institute of Bacolod, Johnson was the first Visayan ever to be an MTG delegate, when he was accepted to the team in 1998. During his time as an MTG Kid, he has competed and won in numerous competitions abroad, from the 1998 China Primary Mathematics Olympiad to the 4th Invitational World Youth Mathematics Intercity Competition (IWYMIC) in 2003. After graduating from elementary, he has since then moved to Manila to pursue his higher studies there. He graduated from Grace Christian High School and is now an incoming third year student at the University of the Philippines. Johnson also happened to be first in line among a series of Gamboas to make it to the MTG roster. Jon Henri Ma  Jon Henri can be argued as possibly the best MTG kid to ever come out from the City of Smiles. A recent graduate of the Trinity Christian School, he had his crowning moment when he won the gold in the 5th in Macau, after finishing second over-all out of 108 participants. He has also participated in four other international competitions since the year 2000. This coming school year, he is enrolling at the Ateneo de Manila where he is a Merit Scholar. Jimmy Ong Coming from the same batch as John Henri Ma, Jimmy Ong is a product of Bacolod Taytung High School. The latest competition that he joined was also the 5th IWYMIC, where he went home with a silver medal. Jimmy is currently one of the trainers handling the 2005 MTG Delegation to International Mathematics Competitions this summer. After which, he is going to enter college life in the University of the Philippines – Los Baños. Oliver Gamboa  Oliver is the younger brother of Johnson Gamboa and at some was point was a member of the MTG Delegation at the same time as his older brother. Though he did not compete internationally the previous year, he has been representing the Philippines in math competitions abroad before that. Just like his older brother, Oliver went to Manila to continue his education there. He is also taking his high school studies in Grace Christian High School. Thomas Dy Another product of the Bacolod Taytung High School is Thomas Dy. Last year, he was part of the contingent to the 2005 China Junior High School Mathematics Olympiad. He bagged 3rd Honors there. Just like many on this list, Thomas is again a member of this year’s MTG delegation to international contests. Jeanie Uy  The first girl from Bacolod to become an MTG delegate, Jeanie Uy hails from St. John’s Institute of Bacolod. Last year, she competed in the 2005 China Primary Mathematics Olympiad. There, she garnered 3rd Honors in the Problem Solving component of the contest. Jessica Gamboa  Finally, the youngest math wizard in this list also happens to be the third member of the Gamboa family here. Jessica Gamboa, an incoming Grade 6 student of St. John’s Institute participated last year in the 2nd Elementary Mathematics Intercity Competition. In her stint there, she showed potential for the years to come, bagging the bronze medal in only her first taste of international competition. This year's Qualifiers This year, a total of six MTG kids from Bacolod made it to this year’s roster and shall be representing the country in competitions abroad. Of these, two are in high school while four are in elementary. Here are this year’s math wizards from Bacolod: High School Thomas Dy – Bacolod Taytung High School John Henri Ma – Bacolod Trinity Christian School Elementary Claudia Ann Capalla – St. Mary Mazarello School Jessica Marie Gamboa – St. John’s Institute, Bacolod John Patrick Magallanes – Bacolod Tay Tung High School Ma. Joenele Grace Odrada – Bacolod Trinity Christian School Three from last year’s roster are returning this year. They shall be joined by three first-timers. Do they have what it takes to bring the country glory? The next few months shall reveal that. |
