Photo: June Mariñas

MANILA — At just 10 years old, Grade 5 student John Mariñas from Oriental Mindoro has already showcased exceptional knowledge in science by winning a gold medal at the 6th Copernicus Olympiad, held in Houston, Texas, USA, from January 5 to 10.

Competing in the Natural Science category, John also secured 3rd place in Category 2 (Grade 5-6), a remarkable feat for such a young competitor.

The Copernicus Olympiad is a global science competition that tests students from around the world in the disciplines of natural science, physics, astronomy, film, entrepreneurship, and mathematics.

Feeling nervous during the exam, John didn’t expect to bring home such an achievement

"Sobrang unexpected po pero kalma lang po ako nung nasa awarding," he said.

John’s father, June Mariñas didn’t expect his son to win gold, as John had only earned bronze in the preliminaries. He assumed a similar or lower result, but as the announcements continued, the anticipation grew.

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"Nung pinost na po 'yung honorable mention, wala yung pangalan niya dun. Tapos bronze, wala pa rin 'yung pangalan niya. Tapos pagdating sa silver, wala pa rin 'yung pangalan niya. 'Yung Team Philippines nagsisigawan na gold na nga, tapos nakita namin nagflash na 'yung name niya sa gold na," he said.

"Kaming mga magulang parang 'di pa rin po namin ma-grasp na dito lang po kami sa maliit na bayan ng Gloria dito sa Oriental Mindoro, nabigyan ng pagkakataon na lumaban sa ibang bansa. Hindi lang bronze, di lang silver, gold pa po," he added. 

John was the youngest member of Team Philippines, which included five other participants who competed in various categories. Among them were Richmarth Duke Bad-ang (Bronze Medal, Natural Science Category 5), Iwen Sabio Manabo (Silver Medal and 2nd Absolute Winner, Natural Science Category 5), Rijan Felminia Acevedo (Gold Medal and 2nd Place Absolute Winner, Natural Science Category 4), Jaymee Kristen Concha (Bronze Medal, Natural Science Category 4), and Marquis Xavier Zamuco (Bronze Medal, Physics and Astronomy Category 3).

John’s fascination with science began early. He often spend his free time exploring science videos and conducting experiments.

"Pag nagda-drive around mahilig siyang magtanong sa mga nakikita niya. Curious din po siya sa trabaho namin kasi ako tsaka 'yung mommy niya is parehong doctor so curious po siya sa what's going on in the hospital. Inquisitive talaga siya," June said.

"Nakikita ko siya nanunuod siya ng mga videos about milkyway, mga galaxies, iba't iba pa po, Phsyics, Geology. Wide 'yung range ng gusto niyang malaman, hindi lang siya nakafocus sa isang branch of science, he added.

Despite his passion for science, John still balances it with the typical interests of a child, like playing sports, especially basketball. While he isn’t certain about his future career, he is sure that he wants to pursue a path in the field of science and his parents fully support him in this journey.

"Itong kinuha niyang mga exam ay examination lang po. Mas maganda na mag-level up po siya habang siya ay tumatanda. Para naman po may purpose yung kanyang pagiging child of science, maging man of science siya," June said.