A comeback, a prayer, and a clean sweep: CatSU bags back-to-back win at CBRC quiz bee
CollegesThere wasn’t a buzzer. But in the final moments of the quiz bee, it was clear—Moises T. Apanti wasn’t just answering questions; he was making history. The Catanduanes State University (CatSU) senior clinched the championship title in the 2025 Carl E. Balita Review Center (CBRC) National Teacher Education Quiz Bee – Provincial Qualifying Round, held May 4. Apanti, a fourth-year Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Social Studies student, scored 46 points across three rounds—easy, average, and difficult—outclassing fellow contenders from CatSU and Catanduanes Colleges. His win seals a back-to-back victory for the university after last year’s titleholder, Kharlos Miguel T. Bautista, who later stormed the national board exams and landed 8th in the September 2024 Licensure Examination for Teachers. Even more impressive, CatSU swept the top three spots in the provincial leg. Fellow COEd seniors Mike Russel A. Calais and Mike Rienz Vargas secured 2nd and 3rd place, respectively—proving the university’s training ground for future educators is not just consistent, but commanding. Before heading to the nationals, Apanti, together with College of Education faculty member Mark Bonifacio, paid a courtesy visit to CatSU Officer-in-Charge Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr., who gave him a rousing sendoff. Dr. Barba wished him big good luck, assuring him that CatSU is fully behind him—cheering him on, believing in his hard work, and confident in what he can do. Apanti now advances to the national finals on May 16 in Malate, Manila, where he’ll square off with regional champions from across the Philippines at the San Andres Sports Complex. “I gave my best during the review. I prayed to God and left the rest to Him,” Apanti said, reflecting on his win with a quiet mix of grit and grace. Despite a week-long grind of mock tests, YouTube reviews, and sleepless nights, the quiz bee threw curveballs that barely matched his notes. But what carried him through, he said, was deep knowledge honed over years, not just days. Apanti takes home a ₱5,000 cash prize, a CBRC scholarship, and a certificate—but more than that, he carries the torch for CatSU as it challenges boundaries and redefines excellence in the age of AI. Themed “Challenging Boundaries, Revolutionizing Competencies with AI,” this year’s provincial tilt drew six competitors—three each from CatSU and Catanduanes Colleges—but in the end, CatSU stood tall, securing a full sweep of the podium.
