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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Crimson Arradaza posts world record in speed cubing

Crimson Arradaza posts world record in speed cubing

Published May 29, 2026 02:32 pm

At A Glance

  • TAGAYTAY CITY – Filipino aces Brenton Wong and Crimson Arradaza took the spotlight in the first-ever Philippine National Speed Cubing Open here at the Tagaytay City Combat Sports Center Thursday, May 28.
Crimson Arradaza (AMSA)
Crimson Arradaza (AMSA)
TAGAYTAY CITY – Filipino aces Brenton Wong and Crimson Arradaza took the spotlight in the first-ever Philippine National Speed Cubing Open here at the Tagaytay City Combat Sports Center Thursday, May 28.
Arradaza, who just celebrated his 15th birthday last Wednesday, earned himself a fitting gift after touching the timer at 5.335 seconds in the 3x3x3 one-handed preliminary round to eclipse the two-year-old 5.66-second feat of Switzerland’s Dhruva Sai Meruva.
The Baguio City native eventually dominated the event’s final with a best time of 8.50 seconds and an average of 8.92 seconds – the accumulated time from five attempts, excluding the fastest and slowest runs – defeating Wong (11.62sec), and Juan Miguel Magallanes (12.39sec), who settled for second and third place, respectively.
“Actually, wala masyadong nag-change. Nervous pa rin ako, during this whole round… I’ve been better lately. I would say I overcame it… just focus on something else, do it for something,” said Arradaza, a Grade 9 student whose idol is speedcuber Sean Patrick Villanueva.
“Just get your mind somewhere and just enjoy the process… That was my goal na mag-world record sana, pero, especially before I put a lot of pressure on myself… but now I’m just trying to handle it, strive,” added Arradaza, a Roux Method practitioner.
Apart from his 3x3x3 one-handed triumph, Arradaza, a metalhead who aspired to become a member of a rock band, clinched a silver in the 3x3x3 – the inaugural meet’s main event which featured the eight of fastest cubers here in the country – as he posted an average time of 6.46sec.
In the finale, Wong, 19, proved he is still the country’s No. 1, after averaging 5.84sec – highlighted by a 5.43-sec effort – to outshine Arradaza despite the latter’s 4.66sec that got squandered by a 13-second fumble.
“Actually, ‘yong first two rounds… na-mess up ko talaga. I don’t know why, I think I was [under] pressure. Tyaka, I just want to focus on getting the win, trying to focus really, breath, and pray about. I’m just very happy I got the spin,” said Wong, a Business Management student at Ateneo.
“Actually, this is my goal, talaga, so I’ve been practicing for this… like yesterday I practiced for four hours, [because] I really want to focus… just happy to get the win, especially ‘to ‘yong first win in this inaugural event,” he added.
Aside from Arradaza and Wong, James Certeza also dazzled after winning the 2x2x2 category with a time of 1.68 seconds, while Aragon Martin (2.75sec) and John Axel Gordo (18.51sec) reigned supreme in the Pyraminx and 3x3x3 Blindfolded, respectively.
Philippine Olympic Committee president Bambol Tolentino and his son Tagaytay City Mayor Brent graced the opening and awarding ceremonies alongside Asian Mind Sports Association general director Jim Yu.
“We’re surprised too na-break natin ‘yong world record… ‘yong top five nito, papadala natin sa world championship… ‘yong mga hindi makarating from [other provinces] we will have a second round. [Hopefully] this September,” said Tolentino.

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Brenton Wong Crimson Arradaza Philippine National Speed Cubing Open. Tagaytay City Combat Sports Center
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