MANILA, Philippines - Members of the Philippine Memory team are all primed-up for the 23rd World Memory Championship slated Dec. 11-13 in Hainan, China.
Like in the previous three world meets, the Philippines is considered a powerhouse having placed third overall two years ago and fourth place last year.
The country’s official delegation is composed of Grandmaster of Memory (GMM) Mark Anthony Castañeda, GMM Erwin Balines, Axelyancy Tabernilla, Jamyla Lambunao and Anne Bernadette Bonita.
The team’s trip to Hainan is supported by the New San Jose Builders Inc., Geotechnics Philippines Inc., E.M. Cuerpo Inc. and Destiny Paints and sanctioned the Philippine Mind Sports Organization (PMSA).
Last year, the Filipinos brought home a total of 11 medals, led by the then 12-year-old Lambunao who set two world records in the Kids Division. The St. Scholastica Academy Marikina bet was able to memorize 151 Random Words in 15 minutes and 206 Random Numbers in 5 minutes to set new world marks.
This year, Lambunao will be among the youngest to compete in the Juniors Division but is ready to face the challenges ahead.
“The team went to an intense training. This year’s competition will be tougher since there would be around 180 memory athletes competing, and each player from around 25 countries just keeps on getting stronger,” said Bonita.
The event will also features top memory athletes from Germany, Sweden, Mongolia, USA, China, Japan, Indonesia and India.