RIYADH, 20 February 2003 – The International Philippine School in Riyadh (IPSR) won for the second consecutive year the overall championship title of the 4th Inter-School Academic, Skills and Talents Competition for Filipino schools in the Kingdom.
IPSR, led by principal Sinab Mabaning, topped the Battle of the Brains, Young Maria Clara, and Choir Rendition contests to ensure its hold of the Perpetual Cup of the Order of the Knights of Rizal (OKOR). Only the Young Maria Clara and Cheering Squad Competition categories were won by other schools.
Nine schools participated in the two-day contest, with IPSR sending the biggest delegation.
These were the Central International School (CIS) headed by Sonny Bello, Millenium International School (MIS) under Yolly Basa, Riyadh International School (RIS) led by Elsie Torreno, and Nour Al Maaref International School (NIS) under Lily Vera Cruz. All based in Riyadh.
Delegations from other regions were led by Eduardo Malagapo, Al Andalus International School (AAIS) from Alkhobar; Lita Rulloda, Philippine School in Dammam (PSD); and Belma Regis, Al-Hekma International School (AHIS) from Jeddah. The International Philippine School in Alkhobar (IPSA) sent only participants for the Battle of the Brains portion, mentored by Michael Adducul.
Not represented was the International Philippine School in Jeddah (IPSJ), said to be the biggest and oldest Philippine overseas school.
Czarina Marian Aliasas of IPSR was named the Young Maria Clara 2003. She was trained and coached by Ronald Dizon. Runners-up were, Jeanette Cerbito (1st) of Al Hekma; Ciara Joyce Buot (2nd) of Al Andalus; Laverna Charysse Macuha (3rd) of RIS; and Ria Karla Arana (4th) of PSD.
Joey Angelo Manlapaz of RIS was named the Young Jose Rizal. His trainer was Julie Macayan. The runners-up were, Nico Jean Veridiano of IPSR, Joel Quimpo of PSD, Ramon Joshua Sobremonte of MIS, and Jian Wasawas of Al Andalus, respectively.
In the Battle of the Brains, IPSR’s Ericka Lorcel Venturina and Ben Anthony Gorre edged the MIS team by only one point to win the title.
Venturina also garnered the highest individual pointer, pocketing a round-trip ticket to Manila, courtesy of Philippine Airlines, through its country manager Jun Ordillano.
Kenneth Chrismar Cuenca and Shaereen Kryz Vencilao of MIS were declared 1st runner-up; Sara Jane Catigan and Rerlyn Alzate of Al Hekam, 2nd runner-up, and Emarc Perri Magtanong and Kristina Mae Manalaotao of PSD, 3rd runner-up.
IPSR’s Choral Ensemble also topped the choir contest, with NIS, Al Andalus and MIS adjudged 1st, 2nd and 3rd runners-up, respectively. IPSR also won in Best in Costume.
In the Cheering competition, the NIS Pep Squad won, with the IPSR, Al Andalus and MIS ranked 1st, 2nd and 3rd runners-up, respectively.
Next to IPSR as grand champion was the MIS, followed by Al Andalus. The other sponsors of the event were Jarir Bookstore, Hacienda Ristorante and Calabarzon.
The OKOR competition was organized by its current officers, namely, Carlito Astillero, Renato Layug, Eduardo Malagapo, Albert Bauzon, Renato Caseda, Joey Badong, Jesus Songcuya, Claire Manilum, Gina Abitona, Amie Silo Badong, Vincent Gargaritano, Flavio Biox Manilum, Nawawi Mabaning, Benny Quiambao, Jun Mabutas, Jun Nacion, Willy Siose and Robert Fernandez.
