KORONADAL CITY --- Imagine life without facebook, internet, hanging out with friends or just simply strolling around that most teenagers in this fast changing world are enjoying today.

But for a sixteen year old student from Koronadal, he has to endure all of this perk in order to prepare himself, being one the three high school students chosen to represent the Philippines in the 5th Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Quiz Regional Competition which was held in Cambodia last August 1 to 5.

Krystianne de Pedro, a consistent male honor student from Koronadal National Comprehensive High School (KNCHS), the largest public high school in South Cotabato, went home victorious last August 7, when he and his two other team mates from Samar and Pampanga bested representatives from 10 ASEAN-member countries who competed in the 5th ASEAN Quiz Regional Competition in Cambodia’s Capital City of Pnom Pen.

In an interview with The Mindanao Cross, De Pedro said that in order for him to concentrate on his review for the competition, he has to refrain from joining other clubs and organizations in his school.

De Pedro said “marami mga activities sa school, ang iba hindi ko inalihan, hindi ako sumali sa ibang mga clubs kahit na gusto ko kasi, yun nga you have your review, pero ok lang naman.”

The regional competition aims to strengthen the relationship among it’s members by knowing their history and culture which are also the main focus of the competition.

Aside from competing, De Pedro became friends with delegates from other countries and was able to know more and understand their culture but more proud to represent the Philippines.

He said “masaya ako na I’m part of the Philippine Team, isa ako sa mga nagbigay ng karangalan para sa bansa at para sa mga mamamayang Pilipino.”

De Pedro is also encouraging the youths to study hard and be serious in their studies, saying, “sa mga kapwa ko estudyante, mag-aral kayo ng mabuti, education first bago ang ibang mga bagay, di ko naman sinasabi na puro education ang lahat, pero kumbaga ay pagtuunang pansin ang edukasyon , i-balance and edukasyon sa ibang mga bagay, bigyan ito ng kaukulang pansin at focus.”

De Pedro went to Cambodia with his coach, Jewel Pascual, who said that the intensive review that they had prior to the competition paved the way for their winning.

Pascual said “ginawa namin ang best namin, nag prepare talaga kami, pinahirapan namin ang mga estudyante, bawal muna ang facebook kung di focus muna sa pag rereview.”

As a prize for his winning, De Pedro and his team mates were given a trophy and US400 each.

Because of the honor that he brought the country and his school, Fernando Hilomen, principal of KNCHS, said they have to honor him. It’s an honor na isang contestant namin ang nanalo sa isang international competition, I am giving him 10 minutes to speak during the flag ceremony, gawin ko siyang example para sa mga bata, na kung nagaaral sila they will succeed.”(ROEL P. OSANO)