Search is on for the world's Rubik's Cube champion
MANILA, Philippines - Toys “R” Us Philippines has launched a two-month campaign in search of the country’s best player who can solve the world-famous Rubik’s 3x3x3 Cube in the shortest time possible. The over-all champion in this year’s grand speedcubing competition will be the Toys “R” Us Philippines’ official representative to the World Rubik’s Cube competition which will be held in Bangkok, Thailand from Oct. 14 to 16.
The first Rubik’s Speed Challenge semi-finals was held last July 30 at the Robinsons Place Metroeast activity area. Another semi-final leg will be conducted on Aug. 29 at the TriNoma Mall activity area. Each semi-final leg will have one first placer. All three first placers will then move on to compete against each other in the grand finals also to be held at the TriNoma Mall in Quezon City on Aug. 29.
Grand prize includes a seat among approximately 450 other participants from all over the world for a chance to compete in the World Rubik’s Cube championship in Bangkok, Thailand. Toys “R” Us will sponsor the Philippine champion’s airfare, accommodation, and pocket money. The over-all champion also gets to bring home a Sony PlayStation 3, a cell phone, Rubiks trophy, medal and certificate. The first runner-up wins a Nokia cell phone, Rubik’s medal and certificate while the second runner-up wins a Nintendo DSi unit, Rubik’s medal and certificate.
To participate in this year’s Toys “R” Us Rubik’s Speed Challenges, interested cubers are simply asked to purchase any of the specified Rubik’s item at any participating Toys “R” Us or Toys “R” Us Toybox branch from July 18 to August 29. One receipt qualifies a participant to one competition date only.
Special challenges the audience can look forward to under the 3x3x3 division of the semi-final legs are the Rubik’s One-hand solve and the Blind-fold solve. The grand finals at the Trinoma Mall also promises to be very exciting as it brings together under one roof other challenging games like the speed stacking and Wii mini competitions plus a yoyo exhibition number by yoyo masters.
Exclusive to Toys “R” Us, various Rubik’s cube formats have, so far, already been introduced to the Philippine market, some of which are the 4x4x4, 5x5x5, Mirror, Twist, and the spherically-twisted 360. The latest addition to the Rubik’s formats is the Rubik’s Slide, a unique electronic puzzle that consists of lighted panels which a player should rearrange by twisting, turning, and sliding until it matches the given pattern. The Slide is definitely a hit for those who seek a one-of-a kind challenge.
Previous Philippine winner sent to compete in the Toys “R” Us Asian Rubik’s Challenge in 2008 held in Hongkong was Chia-Wei Lu. Runners-up were John Robert Anguluan, Brian Uy, and Jan Jerome Bautista.
Toys “R” Us invites everyone to try their hand at the popular Rubik’s Cube. Tutorials will be available during the competition at the TriNoma Mall on August 29.
