PAUTAKAN REVIVAL: CoS Falls Short of Podium Finish in its 44th Edition
By: Tobey Calayo
Five years after its last onsite iteration, the iconic Pautakan hosted by the Varsitarian officially returned this year for its 44th edition last April 15, 2024, at the Medicine Auditorium of the San Martin de Porres Building.
Pautakan includes both team and individual categories, with teams comprising five regular members and two alternates representing their faculty/college. Approval of the official team roster by deans is mandatory, and teams can appoint two coaches, who may be faculty members, former team members, or students of the represented institution.
The College of Science team was represented by Neo Dela Cruz (3CHEM1), the Team Captain and Individual Category participant, George Nicholai Fernandez (3AP), Micah Anjelo Co (1P6), Bianca Denise Iledan (2AM), and Renee George (3MBIO4), along with the team’s alternates Janica Zarate (2CHEM1) and Hajami Angel Sofia Florida (3MBIO5). They were coached by Mr. Kent Gerviacio of the Department of Chemistry and Mr. Joseph Rasalan of the Department of Biological Sciences.
The day-long showdown of brilliance and wits of 15 faculties and colleges on categories such as history, humanities, current events, science, technology, and mathematics culminated in a double championship win of the Faculty of Engineering, bagging both Pautakan titles for team and individual categories.
CoS finished fifth in the team category, winning them their finals appearance, and sixth in the individual category falling short of the individual category finals.
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The College of Science Journal interviewed the college’s Pautakan 2024 Team Captain, Neo Dela Cruz, after the competition:
1. How does the experience of Pautakan 2024 resonate with you as a Science major, and what is your message to the Science community?
To preface, this was my first time joining Pautakan. Much like the other people in my team, since it was stopped in 2019, the name "Pautakan" was new to me. I was assigned Team Captain the same day I received details for the official lineup of the Science Team. Of course I felt like I was inadequate and unfit to lead, but I was left with no other choice but to do so. I would be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy it throughout, though. Even if our training was not much, mainly due to the Holy Week and many other things, we still held our mettle and really proved that we were "Gáling Science, Galíng Science".
The contest proper was, without a shadow of a doubt, very fun. It felt like I was back in those 6th-grade quiz bees; on the stage, back towards the audience, and answering questions in less than half a minute. Being in this contest not only required the knowledge taught to me by my esteemed professors and dear friends, but also the wit that I have already possessed (and you have it too!), and the quick thinking that is often a given with these kinds of contests. Above all else, you will find yourself smiling and laughing on the stage, either because you got an answer so hilariously wrong, or you find yourself answering a question right when you thought you were so wrong.
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2. What part of the event did you enjoy the most?
To quote a very well-known professor from the College of Science, the Pautakan "is a celebration of knowledge!"; I enjoyed every bit. Granted, I did feel the post-contest sadness because we weren't able to do a podium finish, but in the end, I realized that that was all right. We represented the Science community, first and foremost, and I know for a fact that the community would still be there to welcome us with open arms and a (metaphorical) bouquet of roses, even if we didn't win anything.
But if I were to be specific, I enjoyed those many moments where me and my team were so engrossed in the contest, it just felt like having fun. If I were being completely honest, I really wish to see these great individuals on the Pautakan stage again for the fun of it.
