8-Year-Old Antique Student Goes Viral at SciMathlympics

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Cargel “Nonoy” Rubite Jr., an 8-year-old Grade 3 student from Dao Central School in Antique, has become an internet sensation after a video of him solving the Tower of Hanoi puzzle went viral.

As of this writing, the video posted* on The CentraLights has garnered 79 million views, 1.4 million reactions, and 8,400 shares, making Nonoy an unexpected social media star.

The video was filmed during Nonoy’s participation in the Division of Antique SciMathlympics, a competition where students from 18 municipalities in Antique compete in science and math challenges. The event was held from Nov. 3 to 5, 2024, at Antique National School.

In an interview with the Daily Guardian, Nonoy’s parents, Niome Gabriel and Cargel Rubite, said their son first became interested in the puzzle at age 3, influenced by his cousins who shared a passion for science and math.

“His curiosity grew as he watched them play, and soon, solving the puzzle became his favorite hobby,” they said.

To develop his skills, Nonoy practiced the puzzle regularly with his father, working together to understand patterns and develop strategies. Although he sometimes got frustrated when unable to solve it quickly, his father encouraged him to stay determined.

Nonoy shared his happiness upon learning that his video had gone viral.

“I was happy because a lot of people liked my video, and it made my school and family proud,” he said.

He added that he enjoys playing the Tower of Hanoi as a “mind game” and appreciates his family’s encouragement to keep playing.

His godfather, Jovs Joven, also noted that Nonoy is a consistent honor student.

Nonoy hopes to inspire other kids to stay curious and tackle challenges, no matter how difficult they may seem.

* Video here: https://www.facebook.com/reel/597289026210942