Rising Engineers of UB Showcase Excellence in the MRC Philippines

The University of Baguio (UB) once again asserted its growing influence in the field of robotics and automation as its Computer Engineering students competed on the national stage in Makati City. Student representatives showcased skill, discipline, and innovation at the Don Bosco Technical Institute of Makati during two major back-toback events: the Minoan Robotics Competition Philippines 2025 and the 4th National and International Robolution 2025, which ran from December 5 - 7, 2025.

Guided by their coaches, Ron Leo Manangan and Julius Caesar Monico, the UB delegation entered the competitions with a clear goal: to test their capabilities against the country’s best and to prove that talent from the Cordilleras can stand shoulder to shoulder with teams nationwide. Over the course of three intense days, the students delivered performances that not only brought home championships but also earned them opportunities to represent the Philippines on the international stage. On December 5, the event commenced with the Minoan Robotics Competition Philippines 2025 where it was evaluated by international judges from Greece, Ioannis Karouzakis and Tryfonas Mavroudi, whose presence raised the level of scrutiny and prestige of the competition.

UB teams responded with confidence, precision, and composure, demonstrating mastery of both technical execution and strategic design. Team NothingBits, featuring Janeah Joy L. Castañeda, Russel Jay C. Siloy, and Roxanne Czarina A. Worwor, captured the Championship in the Exhibition Event Project Presentation category. They impressed judges with the clarity, functionality, and innovation of their project, highlighting not only engineering skill but also effective communication. In the combat categories, Team Mechaniks proved dominant in the Wrestling 1kg division. Edison Louis S. Jacoba, Stephen Andrei C. Macaraeg, and Mark Allen O.

Vengazo navigated a highly competitive field to secure the Championship title, showcasing strong control, stability, and tactical maneuvering in every match. The Wrestling 500g category saw UB teams excel once more. Blue Thumb Squad, composed of Kevin Andrei M. Martin, Stanley F. Mesham, and Karl Jerome T. Ordonio, emerged as Champions after a series of decisive victories. Meanwhile, Team TitaniumTech, represented by Lance Gabriel E. De Luna, Jedson John A. Noble, and Yesard Umayam, earned a First Runner-Up finish in the same category and went on to claim the Championship in the Rally event, further adding to UB’s medal haul.

These collective achievements at the MRC Philippines 2025 secured UB a highly coveted qualification to the Minoan Robotics Competition Global Olympiad. Scheduled from April 3 - 6, 2026, in Crete, Greece, the international event will bring together top robotics teams from around the world, marking a significant milestone for the students and the university. Without much time to rest, the UB delegation returned to competition on December 6 and 7 for the 4th National and International Robolution 2025, also held at the Don Bosco Technical Institute of Makati.

Known for its challenging and diverse categories, Robolution tested the adaptability and endurance of teams through events such as Freestyle Robotics, Mobile Controlled Robot, Erovouthon, Sumo classes, and Soccerbot competitions. Several UB teams took part across multiple divisions. Team NothingBits returned to compete in the Freestyle Event, while Team Stargazers, composed of Rio Lei Ember N. Calpatura, and Chareal Mae L. Manzano, and Christian David F. Rojo participated in both the Freestyle and EMegasumo V3 categories. Team Tutubi, represented by Catherine T. Balboa, Ian Fritz M. Battung, and Princess S. Felix, competed in the Mobile Controlled Robot V1 and ESoccerbot events. Team Dexter Laboratory, consisting of Prince Arnulfo M.

Bajarin, Jon Francis G. Cardenas, and George Jr. T. Gaddang entered the Erovouthon and ERobot Line Following V3 categories, while Team Anito and Team SammyBot rounded out the UB roster in various Sumo and ESoccerBot divisions. 4 International/National Robolution 2025th Despite facing stiff competition from seasoned teams across the country and abroad, the UB students remained composed and competitive throughout the event. While none of the teams secured podium finishes in Robolution 2025, the experience proved invaluable. Their strong performances earned Team NothingBits, Team Stargazers, and Team Dexter Laboratory qualification slots to represent the Philippines in the ROBOLUTION: Robotics and Automation Competition Dubai 2026.

Set to take place from April 25 - 27, 2026, at the Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani - Dubai Campus in the United Arab Emirates, the event will once again place UB students on an international platform, challenging them to refine their skills and compete against global contenders. Beyond medals and qualifications, UB’s participation in both competitions underscored the growing strength of its Computer Engineering program. The students’ journey reflected countless hours of preparation, trial and error, and collaboration, as well as the dedication of mentors who continue to shape future engineers.

As the university community celebrates these achievements, attention now turns to the upcoming international competitions in Greece and Dubai. With determination, experience, and national pride fueling their preparations, UB’s student engineers are poised to carry the Philippine flag forward and continue making their mark on the global robotics stage.