13-year-old bags gold in world memory tiff

MANILA, Philippines - Jamyla Lambunao bagged a gold medal in the Random Words event and earned the title of International Master of Memory (IMM) during the 23rd World Memory Championship in Hainan, China last weekend.

Competing in the Juniors Division for the first time Lambunao, a Grade 8 student of St. Scholastica’s Academy Marikina, successfully recalled 207 words in 15 minutes to give Team Philippines its only gold medal in the tournament.

Lambunao, owner of three world records in the 12-under Kids Division, likewise completed the three norms to become an IMM by memorizing in perfect order 1,048 digits in one hours, 10 shuffled decks of playing cards in one hour and a deck of playing cards in 59 seconds.   

The 13-year-old Lambunao owns three world marks in the Kids Division by memorizing 151 words in 15 minutes, 206 digits in five minutes and 280 digits in 15 minutes.

Axelyancy Cowan Tabernilla of Mandaluyong City also secured an IMM title last weekend after achieving his last required norm by memorizing 1,146 digits in one hour.  

“Next year, I am targeting to get the Grandmaster of Memory Title (GMM),” said Tabernilla.

The country’s first GMM, Mark Anthony Castaneda, also won two bronze medals for Team Philippines in the Historic Dates event, one in the individual and the other one in overall category.

Team Philippines placed fifth overall out of 20 countries. A total of 169 mental athletes competed in the three-category, three-day event.

Other members of the team are GMM Erwin Balines, Anne Bernadette Bonita and Roberto Racasa.

The Philippine team’s trip to Hainan is supported by New San Jose Builders Inc., Geotechnics Philippines Inc., E.M. Cuerpo Inc. and Destiny Paints and sanctioned the Philippine Mind Sports Organization.

Sweden captured the overall title followed by Mongolia, former champion Germany and host China.