Pisay mathletes win Sipnayan 2016

A team of PSHS-MC students bagged first place in the Senior High School division of Sipnayan 2016 held at the Leong Hall Auditorium, Ateneo de Manila University last November 5.

Sipnayan is a competition held annually by the Ateneo Mathematics Society (AMS). As it was in its 18th year, the AMS chose the theme “SCORE H18H”, which referenced many retro video games, like Pacman, Tetris, Pong, and Sonic. The contest is known for its unconventional quirky mechanics, involving power-ups and streaks.

The students competed in three teams. Pisay A consisted of Kyle Dulay (11-G), Ardee Perando (11-D), and Christian Gelera (10-Muon); Pisay B consisted of Elijamin Claveria (11-G), Agnes Robang (11-D), and Jay Lopez (11-D); while Pisay C was joined by Alyssa Guevara (10-Photon) and twins Madelyn Cruz (10-Truth) and Margaret Cruz (10-Tau).

Sipnayan 2016 had three rounds, the first being the eliminations: a written test taken individually. The scores of the members of each team were added up and ranked, and the top 24 teams proceeded to the semifinals. Both the semifinal and final rounds were taken by teams, and only the top 6 teams moved on to the finals.

Pisay A made it through all the rounds and won first place overall, while Pisay B and C competed until the semifinals. Dulay also managed to bag the top score at the eliminations.

When asked about the experience, Madelyn Cruz replied, “I really enjoyed it. Medyo mahirap siya kasi yung mga schools na kalaban, sobrang magaling. [There were] others who’ve participated in more advanced contests, like the IMO (International Mathematical Olympiad).”

On the difficulty of the contest, she commented, “Mas mahirap siguro yung questions, pero mas cool yung mga ginagawa nila,” referring to the portions with video game references.

The students were accompanied and trained by Math teachers Petri Espanol and Mark Ayaay.