The Adventist University of the Philippines (AUP) Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) team delivered an inspiring and exemplary performance at the 43rd Philippine Association of Medical Technologists (PAMET)-Philippine Association of Schools of Medical Technology and Public Health (PASMETH) Inter-School Quiz Show. Held on September 20, 2024, at Manila Central University, the team—composed of Sherwin Palaad, Allen Leoncito, Zynth Sullano, and Nico Andrei Cordial—competed against 67 other schools, the highest number of participants in the event’s history.
Despite facing stiff competition from top institutions such as the University of Santo Tomas (UST) and Far Eastern University (FEU), the AUP team persisted scoring 28 out of 30 points across three challenging rounds placing them in strong contention for the championship.
However, as sunset approached, signaling the beginning of the Sabbath, the team was faced with a crucial decision. Despite their strong standing, they chose to forgo the tie-breaker round and stood firm in their faith to honor the Sabbath.
Sherwin Palaad, reflected on their decision: “Our prayer was for God to be glorified, and we believe He was.” Zynth Sullano added, “God is the source of our answers, and He deserves to be praised on His day.” Their choice, although it meant stepping back from a potential victory, resonated with the values of the AUP community and the MLS Department.
“While our team did not bring home the trophy, they brought home something far greater: faith and honor,” remarked Yanna Yvonne Macayan, the Chair of the MLS Department. “We could have stayed and competed but they chose to honor the Sabbath. Three schools were poised for the top spots, but by putting God first, we affirmed that the day belongs to Him. In spirit and faith, our AUP-MLS team are true champions.”
Karen Faith Fumera, one of the MLS Department faculty and the team’s coaches, shared her admiration for the students’ faith. “Working at AUP, I never expected to have to stand for the Sabbath. Given the circumstances, the contestants’ faith made it easier for me to hold on to mine. Had they insisted on staying to finish the championship, it would have been much harder for me. Like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego–, Zynth, Allen, and Sherwin’s faith is a reminder to stand for God, though the heavens fall. It is always God over worldly glory; with that, we proudly say, ‘To God be the glory!”
The AUP MLS team’s decision to forfeit the tie-breaking round in observance of the Sabbath set them apart as champions of faith, even without a trophy. Their experience in the competition speaks of their belief that accolades do not measure success but their commitment to faith and honoring God in all they do.
Congratulations to these champions of faith and knowledge for glorifying God and representing AUP with integrity and excellence.
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The original article is published on the AUP website.
[Photo courtesy of AUP]
