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National Super Quiz Bee
Quiz Bee (1977–1992)
National Super Quiz Bee (1993–2005)
National Quiz Bee (2006–2013, 2015–2016)
Created byQuiz Bee Foundation
Developed byRasty Tayag
Presented by
Country of originPhilippines
Original languagesEnglish
Filipino
No. of episodes210
Production
Camera setupMultiple-camera setup
Running time1 hour (including commercials)
Original release
NetworkIBC
(1996–2001)
Studio 23
(2005–2013)
TFC (worldwide)
(2009?-2010?)
Release1996 (1996) –
2013 (2013)

The National Super Quiz Bee[1][2][3][4] was a long-running Philippine television quiz show and academic competition organized by the Quiz Bee Foundation. Established in 1977, it transitioned through several titles, including the Quiz Bee (1977–1992) and the National Super Quiz Bee (1993–2005), and National Quiz Bee (2006-2016).

The program holds the record for the longest-running national academic contest in the Philippines, spanning 39 years, and was the country's longest-running televised quiz show with 15 years of broadcast history.

The televised version of the competition aired on various networks, including Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation (IBC) from 1996 to 2001, Studio 23 from 2005 to 2013, and internationally via The Filipino Channel (TFC). Over its history, the program featured a rotating cast of hosts, including: Lea Salonga, Atom Araullo, Rowena Zulueta, Anthony Suntay and Spanky Enriquez.

Originally launched as a national spelling bee, the competition expanded into a multi-disciplinary event. Annual championships were awarded in categories such as:

  • Philippine History and Culture
  • Mathematics
  • Science and Technology
  • General Information and International Affairs

The National Quiz Bee was organized by the Quiz Bee Foundation. The program received support from the private sector, which mostly provided for the prizes and TV coverage. The National Quiz Bee was also endorsed and assisted by various agencies of the Philippine government, including the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Senate of the Philippines, and the Office of the President.

History

[edit]

In 1976, Rasty Tayag and the Philippine Department of Education (as the erstwhile Department of Education, Culture, and Sports), launched a nationwide elementary spelling contest dubbed the "1976 Spelling Bee Contest". It was known as the Quiz Bee the following year.

Since 1977, the Quiz Bee has been an annual event. In that same year, Rasty M. Tayag registered the term "quiz bee" as a copyright and trademark with the Philippine Patent Office.[5]

During the ASEAN Super Quiz Bees in 1979 and 1996, the category of Philippine history and culture was expanded to include ASEAN history and culture.

In 1983, Rasty and Gay Tayag, in collaboration with several prominent figures in the field of education, established the Quiz Bee Foundation, with Carlos P. Romulo as founding chairman and Rasty M. Tayag as president.[6] Apart from the organizers, the Founding Trustees were composed of:

With the passing of Carlos P. Romulo in 1990, Rasty Tayag assumed the position of Chairman of the Quiz Bee Foundation.

In 1993, in consonance with the Philippines 2000 program of President Fidel V. Ramos, the competition now included high school and college students, and the name was changed to the National Super Quiz Bee.[7]

In 2005, the Philippine Daily Inquirer awarded life-sized masterpiece Guyito (carabao) fiberglass statues, sculpted by artist Juan Sajid Imao and decorated by the country's foremost painters, to 20 public high schools that ranked highest in the 26th National Super Quiz Bee.[8]

Each artist was free to interpret that year's theme, "The Power of Knowing". The awarded schools and the painters who designed their Guyito were:

  • Malang
  • Ben Cabrera
  • Soler
  • Kidlat Tahimik
  • Rex Tatlonghari
  • Steve Santos
  • Jack Salud
  • Ernesto Patricio
  • Lydia Velasco
  • Fernando Sena[1]
  • Salvador Convocar
  • Caa
  • Bing Siochi
  • Roel Obemio
  • Tres Roman
  • Wilfredo Offemaria
  • Bin Samonte
  • Jef Samonte
  • Romeo Forbes
  • Anton Balao

At the Ayala Museum, the student awardees, their teacher-coaches, school officials and parents also mingled with the country's top industry leaders (Fernando Zobel de Ayala, Teresita Sy, Robina Gokongwei, Manny Pangilinan, Rico Tantoco to name a few) and had front row seats to a concert with Lea Salonga (former Quiz Bee host) and the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra.

From January to May 2006, Inquirer representatives visited the 20 selected schools/cities to turn over the sculptures. In addition, a one-day Inquirer Campus Journalism Workshop was held at each school.

Hosts

[edit]
33rd National Quiz Bee poster
The last poster of its last episode after the Quiz Bee Foundation closed and halted its operations.

Throughout its existence, the National Quiz Bee has been hosted by numerous people, including the following. It is common for them to share a single episode, with one acting as quizmaster, while the other recapped scores and made other announcements:

Subject Categories

[edit]
  • Unlike other quiz competitions, the Quiz Bee assigned particular subject categories for each educational level:[9]
  • For the ASEAN and World Super Quiz Bees, the "Makabayan" category was expanded to include ASEAN and world culture, respectively.
Educational Level Grade Level Approximate Age of Competitor (years) Category/ies
Elementary 4-7 10-13 "Makabayan" (Philippine History, Culture and Values)
Elementary 4-7 10-13 Mathematics
Secondary 1-4 (1-5 since 32nd Bee due to K-12 adoption) 14-17 Science and Technology (Science, Technology and Nutrition since 32nd Bee)
Tertiary 1-5 18-22 General Information and International Affairs

Eligibility Rules

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  • Any school recognized by DepEd was eligible to compete. It must field students who were enrolled at the school at the designated level at the time the season starts. Any student enrolled in the present school year from any private or public school, college or university in the Philippines.[9] Thus, Philippine schools abroad which are recognized by DepEd are technically ineligible.[10]
  • As is common in televised academic quiz formats in the Philippines, which promote the 'give-chance-to-others' concept, a student could become National Champion only once. If a student wins the elementary mathematics National Championship, they are not allowed to participate in any future Super Quiz Bee round anymore (with the exception of the Special Edition Quiz Bee, if held). This restriction also applies to teacher-coaches, even if they change students.

Summit of the Super Quiz Bee

[edit]
Summit of regional champions

Summit of the Super Quiz Bee was a multi-day camp (usually 4 days) composed with tours, seminars, and fellowships for regional champions and respective teacher-coaches competing in the National Finals.[11]

The National Finals competition was the highlight of the summit, wherein the various contestants and their teacher-coaches dressed in traditional regional attire during the stage competition. A special prize is given to the Best in National Costume. The National Finals was open to the public.[12]

Venues

[edit]

For non-NCR regions, Division and Regional Eliminations are usually in schools and DepEd offices within their region.

NCR District, Division, and Regional Eliminations are usually held in major shopping malls around Metro Manila and are televised.[13]

The National Finals and the Summit of the Super Quiz Bees, plus the Special Edition Super Quiz Bees, have been held at the following locations:

Season Number Years Covered Theme Finals Venue
1 1977-1978 ?
2 1978-1979 ? ?
ASEAN Super Quiz Bee 1979 ? ?
3 1979-1980 ? ?
4 1980-1981 ? PNB Auditorium, Iloilo City
5 1981-1982 ? ?
6 1982-1983 ? ?
7 1983-1984 ? ?
8 1984-1985 ? ?
9 1985-1986 ? ?
10 1986-1987 ? ?
11 1987-1988 ? ?
Quiz Bee
for the
Handicapped		 1988 ? Philamlife Auditorium, Manila[14]
12 1988-1989 ? ?
13 1989-1990 ? ?
World Super Quiz Bee 1990 ? ?
14 1990-1991 ? ?
15 1991-1992 ? ?
16 1992-1993 ? ?
17 1993-1994? ? ?
ASEAN Super Quiz Bee 1996 ? ?[15][16]
18 1997-1998 ? ?, Muntinlupa
19 1998-1999 ? Expo Pilipino, Pampanga
20 1999 Buzzing Towards the New Millennium[17] Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Olongapo, Zambales
21 2000 ? Development Academy of the Philippines, Tagaytay, Cavite
22 2001 ? Development Academy of the Philippines, Tagaytay, Cavite
23 2002-2003 ? Development Academy of the Philippines, Tagaytay, Cavite
24 2003[18] ? Development Academy of the Philippines, Tagaytay, Cavite
25 2004[19] ? Development Academy of the Philippines, Tagaytay, Cavite[20]
26 2005[21] ? Development Academy of the Philippines, Tagaytay, Cavite
27 2006[22][23] ? ?
28 2007[24] ? ?
29 2008-2009[25] ? Development Academy of the Philippines, Tagaytay, Cavite
30 2009-2010[26] ? Development Academy of the Philippines, Tagaytay, Cavite[27]
31 2010-2011[28] ? Development Academy of the Philippines, Tagaytay, Cavite[29]
32 2011-2012[30][31] ? Development Academy of the Philippines, Tagaytay, Cavite[32]
33 2012-2013[33][34][35][36] ? Development Academy of the Philippines, Tagaytay, Cavite[37]
34 2013[38][39][40][41] ? ?
35 2015-2016[42][43][44][45] ? ?

Prizes

[edit]

Prizes for Regional Champions have been given at some point,[46] although this is not consistent every year.

Prizes for National Champions have slightly varied from year to year (depending on sponsorship). Example below is from the 28th National Quiz Bee (2007):[47]

  • Presidential trophy
  • Gold medal
  • PHP 100,000 worth of insurance
  • PHP 70,000 worth of educational plan
  • 32-volume encyclopedia set
  • Multimedia computer system
  • Mobile phone
  • Gift packages

The National Super Quiz Bee does not give cash prizes.

Special Quiz Bees

[edit]

In addition to the annual National Quiz Bee, the Quiz Bee has also organized ASEAN (in 1979 and 1996[15][16]) and World (in 1990) Quiz Bees. National Champions of the immediately previous National Quiz Bee represented the country against competitors from ASEAN-member countries and worldwide, respectively.

There has also been a Quiz Bee for the Handicapped in 1988.[48]

List of National and Special Super Quiz Bee Winners

[edit]

This list records the champions and runners-up from each category of the National and Special Super Quiz Bee. Champions are recognized first, followed by runners-up, who are acknowledged at the conclusion of the program. In later editions of the competition, runners-up were designated to assume the responsibilities of the champions if the latter were unable to represent the Philippines in subsequent contests, such as the Southeast Asia Regional Quiz Bee.

Due to limited documentation, only selected seasons and categories are currently available.

Season 1 (1977)  

[edit]

The inaugural season featured three categories. Jonas Lardizabal of Malate Catholic School, Manila (NCR) won in History. Mary Ann Vicentina of San Fernando West Elementary School, Pampanga (Region III) was champion in Mathematics. Jesus Clin Jr. of Naga Parochial School, Naga City (Region V) won in Science and Technology.

Season 2 (1978)  

[edit]

Amor Marie Reyes of St. Theresa’s College, Cebu City (Region VII) won in History. Edanili Lacar of Silliman University, Dumaguete City (Region VII) took the Mathematics title. Michelle Jover of Light Bringer School, Davao City (Region XI) won in Science and Technology.

ASEAN Super Quiz Bee (1979)  

[edit]

Amor Marie Reyes and Hanziel Rebancos represented the Philippines in History. Carina Go was the Mathematics champion, while Michelle Jover won in Science and Technology.

Season 3 (1979)  

[edit]

Hanziel Rebancos of Moises Salvador Elementary School, Manila (NCR) won in History. Carina Go of Dipolog Pilot Demonstration School, Dipolog City (Region XI) won in Mathematics. Maribel Alberto of Abano Pilot School, Daet (Region V) won in Science and Technology.

Season 4 (1980)  

[edit]

Solomon Rosario of Ballesteros Central Elementary School, Cagayan (Region II) won in History. Honorio Allado III of Ateneo University, Davao City (Region XI) won in Mathematics. Melflor Atienza of St. Mary’s College, Quezon City (NCR) won in Science and Technology.

Season 22 (2001)  

[edit]

Records for the History and Mathematics categories are unavailable. In Science and Technology, Anderson Pedroso of Muntinlupa Science High School (NCR) was the champion. Neil Tristan Yabut of the University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City (NCR) for the tertiary division - General Information and International Affairs.

Season 32 (2011–2012)[49]

[edit]
Category Winners Region Institution
MAKABAYAN Mia Clarisse Gumpa Region II – Cagayan Valley
Ma. Abigail Rivero Region IX – Zamboanga Peninsula
Mathematics Farrel Eldrian Wu National Capital Region (NCR)
Dann Lawrence Labore Region XII - SOCCSKSARGEN
Science and Technology Mitzie Love C. Syjongtian[50] Region II - Cagayan Valley
Philip Christopher Cruz Region IV A – CALABARZON
General Information & International Affairs Ritchel John Arellano Region XI - Davao Region Assumption College of Nabunturan
Twinkle Imperial Mangi Region IV B - MIMAROPA Marinduque State University

Season 33 (last season 2012 - 2013)[32]

[edit]
Category Winners Region Institution
MAKABAYAN Russel Ryan Floresca NCR (National Capital Region) Comembo Elementary School
Khim Anne Gabuco Region V - Bicol Region Pawa Elementary School
Mathematics Shaquille Wyan Que NCR (National Capital Region) Grace Christian College
Genie Nicole Cortez Region II - Cagayan Valley Ballesteros Central School
Science & Technology Rainier Mendoza Region V - Bicol Region San Jacinto National High School
Judy Angela Carmela Parrenas Region VII - Western Visayas Capiz National High School
General Information and International Affairs Jissey Raye Rafanan Region IX - Zamboanga Peninsula Pilar College
Marwin de Guzman Region III - Central Luzon Nueva Ecija University of Science & Technology

Legacy

[edit]

The National Super Quiz Bee is widely regarded as one of the longest-running and most influential academic competitions in the Philippines, helping promote a culture of academic excellence among Filipino students. Through its nationwide reach and multi-level format, the competition has served as a platform for identifying and developing young intellectual talent across various disciplines.

Several of its participants have gone on to achieve distinction in international academic and creative competitions. Notable former contestants include Farrel Eldrian Wu[51][52], who later earned recognition in international mathematics competitions, and Twinkle Imperial Mangi[53][54][55], who received recognition, publication and exhibition in an international socio-political art competition.

These achievements underscore the program’s role as a training ground and recognition for high-achieving students and have been cited in various publications as evidence of its contribution to the development of academically and creatively Filipino youth. The competition also played a significant role in popularizing academic quiz formats on Philippine television, blending education with entertainment and inspiring similar scholastic programs. Its longevity and continued relevance reflect sustained support from educational institutions, government agencies, and media organizations.[56]

See also

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References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "1997 NATIONAL SUPER QUIZ BEE AND 6TH ASEAN SUPER QUIZ" (PDF). 116.50.242.167.
  2. ^ "26th NATIONAL SUPER QUIZ BEE - Issuances - DILG".
  3. ^ "September 27, 2006 DM 340, s. 2006 – 27th National Quiz Bee | Department of Education".
  4. ^ "Quiz Bee". 2012-01-31. Archived from the original on 2012-01-31. Retrieved 2025-05-15.
  5. ^ "Founders". www.quizbee.org.ph. Archived from the original on 2012-02-02. Retrieved 2013-04-21.
  6. ^ "Quiz Bee - Founders". www.quizbee.org.ph. Archived from the original on 2012-02-02. Retrieved 2025-07-03.
  7. ^ "History". www.quizbee.org.ph. Archived from the original on 2013-10-24. Retrieved 2013-04-21.
  8. ^ https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2154828/guyitos-journey-from-inquirer-gift-to-campus-symbol-of-excellence
  9. ^ a b "Levels/Age Groups & Subject Categories". www.quizbee.org.ph. Archived from the original on 2012-02-02. Retrieved 2013-04-21.
  10. ^ "32nd National Quiz Bee". www.affordablecebu.com. Archived from the original on 2021-08-30. Retrieved 2021-10-15.
  11. ^ "dotPH domains available portal". www.quizbee.org.ph. Archived from the original on 2012-02-02. Retrieved 2013-04-21.
  12. ^ "dotPH domains available portal". www.quizbee.org.ph. Archived from the original on 2012-04-19. Retrieved 2013-04-21.
  13. ^ "Philippine Daily Inquirer - Google News Archive Search". news.google.com. Archived from the original on 2021-10-15. Retrieved 2016-09-21.
  14. ^ "Watch a short documentary that became a finalist in the Japan Prize 2004 and Barcelona TV Awards 2004. This is what Quiz Bee® is all about! An inspiration for our QBELC students to value hard work and love of country". www.facebook.com. Archived from the original on 2025-06-17. Retrieved 2025-07-03.
  15. ^ a b slorockista (2010-09-27). ASEAN Super Quiz Bee '96 Collegiate Division. Retrieved 2025-07-03 – via YouTube.
  16. ^ a b slorockista (2013-12-21). ASEAN Super Quiz Bee '96 Awarding / Elem & HS Round / Hoy! Gising! Interview. Retrieved 2025-07-03 – via YouTube.
  17. ^ Gonzalez, Andrew (1999-06-30). "Department of Education, Culture, and Sports Memorandum: 1999 National Super Quiz Bee" (PDF). nlpdl.nlp.gov.ph.
  18. ^ "24th National super quiz bee" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2021-06-27.
  19. ^ "25th National super quiz bee" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2021-06-27.
  20. ^ "25th National super quiz bee" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2021-06-27.
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  24. ^ https://beta.dilg.gov.ph/article/28th-national-quiz-bee-7949 [bare URL]
  25. ^ https://beta.dilg.gov.ph/article/29th-national-quiz-bee-7804 [bare URL]
  26. ^ "30th National super quiz bee" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2010-09-21.
  27. ^ "Philippine Schools News". Archived from the original on 2021-10-15. Retrieved 2013-04-21.
  28. ^ "31th National super quiz bee" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2010-11-21.
  29. ^ "MISAMIS NEWS DIGEST : Armarie M. Gasalatan topped the 31st Mathematics National Super Quiz Bee Regional level". Archived from the original on 2016-07-21. Retrieved 2013-04-21.
  30. ^ "32nd National super quiz bee" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2021-06-27.
  31. ^ https://region12.dilg.gov.ph/sites/default/files/issuances/MC2011-163.pdf [bare URL PDF]
  32. ^ a b "Facebook". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 2025-07-04.
  33. ^ "33rd National super quiz bee" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-01-15.
  34. ^ "33rd Regional Quiz Bee" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2022-07-24.
  35. ^ https://beta.dilg.gov.ph/article/33rd-national-quiz-bee-6972 [bare URL]
  36. ^ https://www.deped.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/DA_s2012_563.pdf [bare URL PDF]
  37. ^ "33rd Regional Quiz Bee" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2022-07-24.
  38. ^ "34th National super quiz bee" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2021-06-27.
  39. ^ "34th National super quiz bee" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2024-11-03.
  40. ^ https://beta.dilg.gov.ph/article/34th-national-quiz-bee-6910 [bare URL]
  41. ^ https://depedcsjdm.weebly.com/uploads/7/9/1/6/7916797/m124s13.pdf [bare URL PDF]
  42. ^ "35th National super quiz bee" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2021-06-27.
  43. ^ https://www.deped.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/DA_2015_309.pdf [bare URL PDF]
  44. ^ https://depedmandaluyong.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/2288-35th-national-quiz-bee.pdf [bare URL PDF]
  45. ^ https://www.region12.dilg.gov.ph/sites/default/files/issuances/MC2015-98.pdf [bare URL PDF]
  46. ^ http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=561330867531[permanent dead link]
  47. ^ "DepEd supports 28th National Quiz Bee | Philstar.com". www.philstar.com. Retrieved 2025-07-04.
  48. ^ Dalisay, Butch. "Exfoliated". Philstar.com. Archived from the original on 2021-10-15. Retrieved 2021-10-15.
  49. ^ "Facebook". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 2026-04-11.
  50. ^ "Region 2 champs nat'l science quiz bee | RDC2". Retrieved 2026-04-08.
  51. ^ Morelos, Miko (2011-07-29). "11-year-old math whiz also plays the stock market". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved 2026-04-10.
  52. ^ Perez, Charlie Mae. "How to be Wu: Pinoy math genius spills secrets". Philstar.com. Retrieved 2026-04-10.
  53. ^ TE, Arief. "Komikus Indonesia, Ganjar H. Widodo, Raih Juara 1 Kompetisi Kartun dan Komik ASEAN 2024". Mata Bandung (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2026-04-10.
  54. ^ Rebellion, Visual (2024-11-03). "Cartoonists hit at 'The ASEAN Way'". Visual Rebellion | Real Stories from Myanmar. Retrieved 2026-04-10.
  55. ^ "Opening of the Exhibition "Cartooning the ASEAN Way of Non-Interference and Consensus", 22 October 2024". SEA Junction. Retrieved 2026-04-10.
  56. ^ "Ovaltine presents Quiz Bee grand finals". Philstar.com. Retrieved 2026-04-10.
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