6th grader Zoei Principe wins bronze at “Please Don’t Flip Katipunan” speedcubing tilt

Ateneo de Manila Grade School student Zoei Principe (6-Faber) competed in the “Please Don’t Flip Katipunan 2025” speedcubing competition held on 19 October 2025 at the Walter Hogan Hall, ISO Complex, Ateneo de Manila University. Competing in the Clock event—the competition’s main event—Zoei delivered an impressive performance that earned him 2nd runner-up (bronze) with an average time of 5.00 seconds. 

His achievement is even more remarkable considering his limited practice time due to school commitments.

Also competing—and serving as one of the event’s organizers—was Zoei’s older brother, Zian Principe of AJHS 7-Alfonso, who secured the 1st runner-up (silver) finish in the same event. Together, the Principe brothers demonstrated the strength of the Ateneo cubing community, showcasing not only their skill but also their leadership through their involvement in organizing the competition.

The event brought together 46 competitors and featured several official World Cube Association (WCA) events, fostering a spirit of friendly competition and camaraderie among young cubers. Zoei’s podium finish stands as an inspiration to AGS students pursuing their passions both inside and outside the classroom.

Zoei is no stranger to breaking barriers. In just two years of competing, he has already made his mark on the international speedcubing stage. According to World Cube Association (WCA) records, he holds a continental (Asian) record average of 3.07 seconds for the Clock event, set at Ateneo Pi Day Plus 1 2025. He also holds a national single (best) solve record: at Caloocan Cube Craze 2024, he recorded a Clock single of 2.88 seconds, as listed in his WCA profile.