Toys 'R' Us restarts the Rubik's revolution

Toy “R” Us recently concluded its Rubik’s Cube Speed Challenge 2008 Grand Finals with 16-year-old Chia-Wei Lu emerging as the grand champion

The toy company launched the series of competitions to showcase the speed-cubing talent of Filipinos. The finals, held in the activity area of Robinsons Galleria, brought together the pre-finals champions — Brian Uy, Chia-Wei Lu, Jan Jerome Bautista and John Robert Anguluan — as well as speed-cubers of different ages and Rubik’s Cube enthusiasts.

Toys “R” Us assistant vice-president for brand marketing Abel Tejam said, “Toys ‘R’ Us is the world’s largest specialty toy retailer and the country’s exclusive distributor of Rubik’s Cube. It was only appropriate that we brought together those who are either hooked on or puzzled by the world’s best selling toy.”

After a mind-boggling and exciting competition, Lu came in first, garnering an average score of 16.2 seconds in five rounds. Jan Jerome Bautista was the third runner-up; Brian Uy, second runner-up; and John Robert Anguluan, first runner-up.

As the Philippines’ King of the Rubik’s Cube Speed Challenge, Lu brought home a new Sony PlayStation 3 and a Toys “R” Us customized Gold Rubik’s trophy.

More importantly, Chia will represent the country in the Toys “R” Us Asian Rubik’s Championship to be held in Hong Kong on Nov. 8. His speed-cubing skills will be challenged by other contestants from Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Taiwan, Macau and Hongkong.

The audience was also amazed watching the special events where the youngest participant, six-year old JR Simbulan, finished all sides of a 3x3 in only 36 seconds. Jeremy Nable also impressed the crowd by solving a 3x3 cube in 42.31 seconds using only his right eye. Reynaldo Mape Jr., on the other hand, clocked in at 100.83 seconds blindfolded.

 “Anyone, not only those good in Math, can solve the Rubik’s cube,” explained Lester Santos, co-founder of Philippine Cubers Association, an online community of Cube fans. “The secret formula plus patience, determination and practice, practice, practice are all it takes,” he added.

Rubik’s Cubes are available at Toys “R” Us stores at Robinsons Malls (Galleria, Metroeast, Manila, Lipa and Bacolod), TriNoma Mall, and Alabang Town Center, and with free at all Toys “R” Us Toy Boxes inside Robinsons Department Store (with free tutorials).