GOVPH

 The second module, Great Science Quest, was divided into two components: outdoors and laboratory. In the outdoor science race, there were ten stations, and in each station, the teams will have to accomplish a specific task. The team had never had any idea of the possible tasks to be done. But, the facilitators flashed the “mystery title” of each station the night before the competition. That night, the team slept late to discuss the possible tasks to be given based on the cryptic titles. Luckily, the team was able to correctly guess the tasks for nine of the ten stations. It gave the team a competitive advantage over the rest.

 After a whole day of outdoor race, the participants competed for the laboratory component of the Great Science Quest. In Chemistry, they were tasked to synthesize a Schiff base with antibacterial properties with the use of a dedicated microwave for an increased reaction rate and yield. The technique was no longer new to the team members since they did a similar activity in one of their training sessions back home. After they were able to synthesize the drug, they performed a melting point analysis using a melting point apparatus.

 In the Physics round, they were asked to extract plant dyes from certain fruits, and used the dye to enhance the photon absorption of a solar cell. This set-up is called a “dye-sensitized solar cell”. Luckily again, they were exposed to the concepts on how a solar cell works in one of their training sessions. Also, during the simulation activity back in their school a week before they left for Malaysia, they did a related experiment of using fruits to generate electricity.

 In Biology, their task was to profile the DNA of a bacterium using gel electrophoresis. They had already been trained in using the gel electrophoresis machine in their training at the Molecular Biology Laboratory of Philippine Science High School – Eastern Visayas Campus (PSHS-EVC), so they found the task quite manageable. They were also asked to investigate certain bacteria under the microscope.

 According to the feedback of the facilitators at the end of the day, the team was the most impressive in terms of workmanship.

 The following day, the participants were brought to the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur for the Great Science Pitch. Specifically, they went to Petrosains Discovery Center at the heart of the Twin Towers. In this particular module, the participants were regrouped into new teams composed of members from different countries, and they were tasked to develop a prototype of a project that would address a particular health problem, which they would present in front of potential investors.

 The team was fortunate to have come prepared with almost a month of rigorous trainings not only in the campus but also in MSU-IIT and in PSHS-EVC. These trainings were very instrumental in making the team garner the Overall Championship. Their winning brought back the medal to the Philippines after two years since the country’s last championship in 2016.

 Aside from the championship, the team also won a Gold Award for the Great Science Quest, Silver Award for the Great Science Ideas, and another Silver and Bronze awards for the Great Science Pitch.

 Malaysia and the Republic of Korea were awarded overall second and third places respectively.

 On the last night of the event, the participants gathered for the Great Cultural Odyssey, where they showcased cultural performances representing their countries. The two teams from the Philippines, the other one from Pisay CARAGA Region Campus, joined together for a folk dance Binasuan. During that event, one of the team members, Jonyle Suriaga, was hailed Mr. APTJSO 2018 for his exemplary performance and congeniality throughout the competition.

 For the participants, the event was more than just a competition, but a testament of what collaboration and teamwork can do. It also reaffirmed what Filipinos are capable of achieving even in the international scale if appropriate preparations are made. Moreover, it was an avenue for them to meet new friends and learn new cultures.