SIXTEEN teams from the various faculties and colleges of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) will vie for supremacy in the 46th Pautakan, the country’s longest-running intercollegiate quiz bee.
Organized by the Varsitarian, the 98-year-old official student publication of UST, the annual competition will be held on April 8 at the auditorium of St. Pier Giorgio Frassati Building.
Participants in the team and individual categories will tackle questions in the humanities, history, science, mathematics, UST history, and general knowledge as they race through the easy, average, and difficult rounds.
With a record-tying roster and an interstellar-inspired theme, this year’s Pautakan sets the stage for a grueling contest where only the sharpest teams will reach the finals.
Faculty of Engineering
The three-time defending champion Faculty of Engineering enters with a target on its back.
After edging out the College of Nursing in a sudden-death round to claim last year’s title, Engineering returns determined to extend its reign.
“This year, mas naging prepared pa kami,” team captain Sophia Gabrielle Suarez said. “May added pressure as three-time champions, pero that pressure comes with confidence.”
The team has recruited new members and trained since December.
“Mas competitive ang lineup namin ngayon. Focus kami sa strengths namin and where we can still improve. Winning takes more than just preparation,” she said.
College of Nursing
After falling short in last year’s final, the College of Nursing wants to turn disappointment into motivation.
“It’s not just about winning the title,” team captain Angela Louise Castillo said. “Our performance last year already exceeded expectations. Simply enjoying the competition is fulfilling for us.”
Castillo said the team maximizes individual strengths.
“It’s like preparing for exams. If one excels in history, others complement that expertise.”
Faculty of Medicine and Surgery
The Faculty of Medicine and Surgery seeks a breakthrough after placing third last year.
Led by team captain Augustine John Abat, the squad includes reigning individual champion Paul Topacio.
“This is a new year. We can’t be complacent,” Abat said. “There’s no guarantee we’ll place again.”
The team, the third-winningest in Pautakan history with seven titles, is focusing on addressing its gaps.
Faculty of Arts and Letters
The Faculty of Arts and Letters banks on structured preparation and team chemistry.
“Pair-based training kami. Pinagpapalit-palit ko sila to see who works best together,” team captain Vincent Ignacio said.
The team also uses printed review materials for each member.
“Alam na namin ang pressure. Gusto [na] naming makarating sa finals.”
Faculty of Civil Law
The Faculty of Civil Law fields a largely new lineup, with only one returning member.
“We’re focusing on preparation, chemistry, and bonding,” team captain Patrick Louie Reyes said. “We just need to tap into our potential.”
College of Architecture
The College of Architecture leans on the experience of team captain Chulee Pearl Andaya, a three-time participant.
Andaya emphasized how their preparations extend beyond memorization, but also include training themselves to work efficiently in high-stakes situations.
“Nagfo-focus kami sa knowledge and strategy. Hindi lang memorization, kundi thinking under pressure.”
College of Commerce and Business Administration
The College of Commerce and Business Administration emphasizes team culture.
“We make sure we support each other,” team captain Ohwen Leonard Agulto said. “Hindi madaling mag-review for Pautakan, so we also enjoy the process.”
College of Education
As it marks its centennial, the College of Education seeks to cap the milestone with a title.
“May pressure talaga,” team captain Almirah Calaca said. “Centennial year namin, so we want to do well.”
The team’s strength lies in its diverse academic specializations.
College of Information and Computing Sciences
The College of Information and Computing Sciences (CICS) enters with updated strategies.
Team captain Joshua Madrid noted how their upper hand involves industry-based approaches during team preparations.
“We’re trying new approaches to improve performance. I’m also trying to integrate technology. Of course, CICS kami, so we have to leverage the advantage there.”
Conservatory of Music
Still seeking its first title, the Conservatory of Music enters with determination.
“We’re eager to win,” team captain Shyrmae Francine Espineli said. “Makikita mo sa kanila ‘yong desire.”
“If we win, it’s for the entire conservatory,” she added.
Faculty of Pharmacy
The Faculty of Pharmacy relies on consistency and breadth of knowledge.
“Our training last year paid off,” team captain Christian Miguel Lavapie said. “This year, we need both hard work and a bit of luck.”
“We built a wide base of knowledge and found members who complement each other.”
Lavapie said the team views the competition as a “team bonding” opportunity, allowing them to enjoy the preparations despite the pressure to snatch the title.
Institute of Physical Education and Athletics
The Institute of Physical Education and Athletics (IPEA) seeks to demonstrate its academic capabilities.
“We want to showcase that we are academically capable,” team captain John Ralph Tubon said.
At the same time, the team hopes to enjoy the experience.
College of Rehabilitation Sciences
The College of Rehabilitation Sciences eyes a return to the podium after 26 years.
“Hindi kami magse-settle,” team captain Luis Miguel A. Polig said. “We always aim to improve.”
The team emphasizes depth over memorization.
College of Science
Also celebrating its centennial year, the College of Science balances competitiveness with enjoyment as it tries to reclaim Pautakan glory, being the first academic unit to win the competition in 1977.
“Enjoy the competition, but remain competitive,” team captain Bianca Denise Iledan said.
The team draws strength from its diverse academic programs, which cover a range of quiz categories.
College of Tourism and Hospitality Management
Fielding an all-rookie squad, the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management banks on composure.
“Our strength is our composure and passion,” captain Jennyce Marie Dugasan said.
As their passion goes beyond the service industry, she is positive that their training in a chaotic environment will put their team in order with each round.
“What’s important is to stay calm, think carefully, and rely on our strengths.”
UST-Alfredo M. Velayo College of Accountancy
The UST-Alfredo M. Velayo College of Accountancy seeks redemption after an eight-year title drought.
“Persistence is our tool this year,” team captain Evan Williamson Panugayan said. “We’re aiming for a redemption arc.” With reports from Amanda Luella A. Rivera, Kirsten Therese C. Barrameda, Inah A. Denise Manansala, Jamiebeth P. Ortega, Luis Angelo N. Palma, Carlo Jose H. Ruga, and Micah G. Pascua
