Ateneo JHS team places 2nd in ASEAN Legoland School Challenge

Representing Ateneo de Manila Junior High School (AJHS) and the Philippines, the Blue Eagles team emerged as  1st runner up of the LEGOLAND School Challenge 2023, which was concluded on August 3 in Malaysia. The team participated in the secondary division (13–17 years old) and is composed of incoming Ateneo Grade 10 students Max Aga, Nathan Brillo, Ralf Ceralde, Max Favila, Jesu Manzano, Adrian Rodulfo, and Nouie Sanvictores. The team was coached by AJHS Science faculty Lavi Subang and AJHS English faculty Joel Falgui.

Teams from 470 schools in ASEAN countries participated in the competition, including 18 teams from the Philippines. The Blue Eagles were the only team from our country to make it to the top 5.

Here is the team's description of its build: 

“Our vision for the Philippines is to create a sustainable eco-friendly nation, utilizing its abundant resources and cultural heritage. The micro-scaled build — a replica of Laguna de Bay, Luzon island — showcases improved energy production and public transportation including an electric monorail system that links buildings in our futuristic city, with geothermal, wind, and hydroelectric power plants. A floating solar power plant is seen powering the city using solar panels, lightning rods, and heat-proof glass. The city has green spaces, vertical and rooftop gardens that blend nature and technology harmoniously to reflect SDGs 3, 7, 9, 11-13, and 15.”

Soon after the winners were announced on August 3, Lavi Subang posted this joyous message on his Facebook page: “Who would have thought that these first timers will be the first and only team from the Philippines to reach the finals, and win first runner up?! Despite the scarcity of pieces, and damage during transportation, we made our school, the Ateneo de Manila Junior High School, and our country proud!”  

The team’s second coach, Joel Falgui, posted a similarly elated message on his Facebook page: “Congratulations to our Ateneo JHS Lego team, The Blue Eagles, and coach Lavi Subang for representing Ateneo and the Philippines and winning 2nd place in our first international Lego competition at the Legoland Resort Malaysia School Challenge 2023! We were the only Philippine school team to break into the top 5! #OBF #AMDG”

LEGOLAND School Challenge 2023 was open to all students studying in public or international schools of ASEAN countries. Each participating team was tasked to build a city that was aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) using original LEGO® and DUPLO® bricks only. The builds were judged based on the implementation of STEM elements in the design work, and their creativity based on the theme (“Cities of the Future”).

The prize-winning build of the Ateneans is on display at the Malaysia Legoland Resort (together with the builds of the other finalists) until August 31, 2023. 

AMDG!