Battle of the Brains (Philippine game show) explained

Camera:Multiple-camera setup
Genre:Quiz show
Director:Jose Chito Cabatuando
Runtime:90 Minutes (1992-2000)
60 Minutes (2000-2001)
Narrated:
  • Andy Santillan (1992-2001)
  • Beng Chua (2001)
Theme Music Composer:Yanni Chip Lewis / Middle "C" Productions
Opentheme:Santorini
Country:Philippines
Location:Broadcast City, Quezon City (1992-2001)
PTV 4 Broadcast Complex, Quezon City (2001)
Num Episodes:460+?

Battle of the Brains is a Philippine quiz show[1] that aired on RPN and PTV from July 18, 1992 to July 14, 2001. Considered one of the most culturally influential locally produced shows of the 1990s,[2] Battle of the Brains was open to all elementary, high school and college students nationwide.

It was hosted for almost all episodes by David Celdran, with various alternates (including Chiqui Roa-Puno, Cathy Santillan, and Anthony Suntay) taking over in his absence. It was primarily sponsored by Uniwide Sales, Inc.—a major budget retailer of that time—from Years 1 (1992–1993) to 7 (1998–1999).[3] It was then sponsored by AMA Computer College from Years 8 (1999–2000) to 9 (2000–2001).

Hosts

Main host

Alternate hosts

Tournament format

Episode format

Name of Judge Affiliation Subject Expertise Years Active
Mathematics 1992-1999?
Chemistry 1992-?
Manuel Dy Jr. Philosophy 1992-1999?
Marcelino Foronda History 1992-?
Oscar Evangelista[5] History ?
Lou Bolinao History 1994-?
Rechilda Villame ? Mathematics ?
Doris Montecastro[6] ? ? ?-?
Francis Ted Limpoco[7] Science 1998-2000
John Bulaong[8] Arts and Culture ?-?

Mechanics for elimination rounds prior to Grand Finals, year 3 onwards:[9]

Difference in mechanics for elimination rounds prior to Grand Finals, Years 1-2:

Mechanics for the Grand Finals and the ASEAN Invitational Finals are modified as follows:[10] [11]

In the 3-ring pattern board, the contestant chooses 1 of 3 concentric rings to accomplish, with the questions in each ring having a common theme (such as all answers beginning with the same letter, or of people from a particular field). Rings with more questions are found at the outermost portion of the set, and are generally easier to answer per question, while rings with fewer questions are at the center of the set are usually harder per question. Each question adds points to the total, while completing a ring merits extra prizes from show sponsors.

Eligibility rules

Venues

All rounds prior to the Grand Finals were recorded in Broadcast City, Quezon City. However, the Grand Finals were usually held at different venues, including the following:

Year Number Years Covered Venue
1 1992–1993 Philippine International Convention Center, Pasay[12]
2 1993–1994
3 1994–1995
4 1995–1996
5 1996–1997
ASEAN Invitational 1997-08-08
6 1997–1998
7 1998–1999 Teatro Aguinaldo, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City
8 1999–2000 Broadcast City, Quezon City
9 2000–2001 Due to the change in competition format, no Grand Finals event was held

Prizes

For all rounds prior to the Grand Finals, points earned were paid out in Philippine peso for all contestants.

From Years 1 to 6, Grand Champions were awarded the following (in units of Philippine pesos, before 20 % tax on prizes):

Level Student/s School Coach Total
Elementary 300,000 100,000 100,000 500,000
High School 400,000 100,000 100,000 600,000
College 500,000 0* 0* 500,000

In Years 7 and 8, the Grand Finals total prize for each level was PHP 500,000 (combination of cash and in kind (household appliances, encyclopedia sets and other books, and travel packages to destinations within the Philippines. The travel destination for the students may be different from that of the coaches (except again for College Level, which has no awards for school or coach)).

From Years 1 through 7, all Grand Finalists were awarded plaques prior to taping, with the eventual Grand Champion getting another trophy at the conclusion of the Grand Finals. On Year 8, certificates were given for each round win prior to the Grand Finals, and a Grand Champion trophy was given at the conclusion of the Grand Finals.

Special editions/portions

Grand Champions and Finalists

Year Number Dates Covered Elementary Grand Champion Other Elementary Grand Finalists High School Grand Champion Other High School Grand Finalists College Grand Champion 2nd and 3rd College Grand Finalists
1 1992–1993[14] [15] Georgie Anne Liad
Aimee Marie Alcera
Javier Gil Montemayor
Aurora Aragon Quezon Elementary School, Manila
Jay Kim Del Mundo
George Ongkeko, Jr.
Carlo Lopez
St. John's Academy, San Juan, Metro Manila

Jerome Senen
Eugene Cunanan
Harold John Santos
Notre Dame of Greater Manila, Caloocan
Novito Magsino
Froilan Mendoza
Pasig Catholic College
Christian Vasquez
Christopher Quilalang
Roosevelt College, Marikina

Leila Castañeda
Allan Carlos Hizon
De La Salle Santiago Zobel School, Muntinlupa
Ferdinand Makalinao
1st Year INTARMED
University of the Philippines Manila
Orion Perez Dumdum
2nd Year B.S. Computer Science
Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City


Leonardo Gapol
2nd Year B.S. Nursing
Pamantansan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Manila
2 1993–1994[16] [17] John Paul Bayhon
Patrick Libranda
Faith Victory Mejor
Colegio San Agustin, Biñan, Laguna
?
?
?

?
?
?
Garry Ng
Rommel Go
St. Stephen's High School, Manila
Bernard Chan
Allan Yu
Grace Christian High School, Quezon City


?
?
St Mary's Academy, Baliuag, Bulacan
Alfonso Gonzales III
1st year B.S. Applied Mathematics
University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna
Oliver Tungol
4th year B.S. Electronics and Communications Engineering
Polytechnic University of the Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila


Giovanni Archibal Claveria
3rd year B.S. Electronics and Communications Engineering
Don Bosco Technical School (now Don Bosco Technical College), Mandaluyong
3 1994–1995[18] [19] Germaine Lisa Ang
Ellyson Ting
Philippine Academy of Sakya, Quezon City
?
?
?

?
?
?
Paulo David Javier
Joseph Joemer Perez
San Jose Academy, Navotas
?
?
?

?
?
?
Richard Pante
5th year Electronics and Communications Engineering
Polytechnic University of the Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila
Jessie Antonio
Technological Institute of the Philippines Manila

Christian Vasquez
University of the Philippines Manila
4 1995–1996[20] [21] Ma. Ailil Alvarez
Rosemarie Amodia
St. Paul College of Parañaque
Christian Paolo Pestelos
Edward Jay Salao
La Consolacion College - Caloocan

?
?
?
Mel Anthony Cruz
Jasper Hendrick Cheng
Chiang Kai Shek College, Manila
Andrie Jeremy Formanez
Bobit Gaviola
Cebu City National Science High School

?
?
?
Jose Rizal Coteng
4th Year Physical Therapy
University of Santo Tomas, Manila

?
?
?


Emmanuel Simbulan
Polytechnic University of the Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila
5 1996–1997[22] [23] [24] Mark Anthony Salud
Anthony Jefferson Atienza
Holy Rosary Academy, Sta. Rosa, Laguna
Sir Martin Cortez
Jerome Canlas
Notre Dame of Greater Manila, Caloocan

Melina Mel Moran
Christina Anne Hernandez
San Geronimo Emiliani School, San Pedro, Laguna
Marie Grace Mappala
Ron Emil Castro
Bloomfield Academy, Las Piñas
Allen Perez
Jonil Julian Bautista
St. Mary's Academy, Baliuag

Sharon Lyn Jalac
Alexis Ryan Razon
Rizal High School, Pasig
Pierre Cantillero
B.S. Industrial Psychology
Polytechnic University of the Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila
Joebert Ramos
University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City

Edric Andrey Cruz
Lyceum of the Philippines
ASEAN Invitational[25] [26] 1997-08-08 Mark Anthony Salud
Anthony Jefferson Atienza
Holy Rosary Academy, Sta. Rosa, Laguna
Theodric Lee Jun
Pates John Richard Pau Yi
?, Singapore

Nguyen Thu Tang
Nguyen Linh Dan
?, Vietnam

Bhawin Sirithanaratanakul
Karan Bhuripanyo
?, Thailand
Marie Grace Mappala
Ron Emil Castro
Bloomfield Academy, Las Piñas
Lila Kurniasari
Mellisa Efiyanti
?, Indonesia

Natalie Koh Si Fa
Hong En Ping
?, Singapore

Nguyen Thi Thanh Thao
Ho Huong Giang
?, Vietnam

Chomppunut Asava-Aree
Suchanan Tambunlertchai
?, Thailand
Pierre Cantillero
B.S. Industrial Psychology
Polytechnic University of the Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila
Alfred Pang Kah Meng
?, Singapore

Le Xuan Thang or Dang Cam Tu
?, Vietnam

Wan Azrin Izani bin Wan Mohamad Zin or Rafidah bt Mohammad
?, Malaysia

Sutayut Osornprasop
?, Thailand
6 1997–1998[27] [28] [29] [30] ?
?
La Salle Greenhills, San Juan, Metro Manila
?
?
?

?
?
?
Jose Roi Avena
Rogaciano Pasion III
Claret School of Quezon City
Mark Noel Mabanglo
Jayson Arvin Salazar
Makati Science High School, Makati

Philip Kimpo, Jr.
Juan Paolo Samontañez
Lourdes School of Quezon City
Joseph Joemer Perez
B.A. Political Science
University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City
Marcelino S. Javier, Jr.
B.S. Electronics and Communications Engineering
Computronix College (now Colegio de Dagupan), Dagupan, Pangasinan


Jonil Julian Bautista
1st Year B.S. Economics
Ateneo de Manila University
7 1998–1999[31] [32] [33] [34] [35] [36] Joseph Michael Vitug
Victor Joel Ayson
Lourdes School of Quezon City
Cherry Ignacio
Renelson Alvarez
Divine Light Academy, Las Piñas City

Patricia Rimando
Rashell Cabrera
St. Scholastica's Academy, Marikina
Patrick Gerard de Guzman
Neil Tristan Yabut
Manila Science High School
Anthony Belmonte
Emmanuel Vargas
Sisters of Mary School (Adlas Campus), Silang, Cavite

Samuel Verzosa, Jr.
Michael Gerald Dealino
Angelicum College, Quezon City
Ronald Bautista
B.S. Electronics and Communications Engineering
Computronix College (now Colegio de Dagupan), Dagupan, Pangasinan
Almario Roxas
University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City

Lingwi Valguna
Polytechnic University of the Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila
8 1999–2000[37] ?
?
?
Bernard Vic Mendoza
?
Ateneo de Manila Grade School

?
?
?
Wiko Kabiling
David Dy
La Salle Greenhills, San Juan, Metro Manila
?
?
?

?
?
?
Neil Tristan Yabut
Stanley Kristoffer Cabrera VI
1st Year B.S. Molecular Biology and Biotechnology and
1st Year B.S. Business Administration and Accountancy
University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City
Christopher E. Lopez
Rey Reyes, Jr.
Polytechnic University of the Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila

Christian Anthony Reyes
Francis Rino Alegado
University of Santo Tomas, Manila
9 2000–2001 None None None None None Roy Ragutana
Rossbert Chua
Polytechnic University of the Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila
(undefeated for 10 episodes until show's cancellation)
† - a change to the returning-champion format meant that there was no overall champion at the end of the year.

Mind Master

1996 10 Weeks - Kenneth Plamenco

1996 18 weeks? - Leonardo Gapol
1997-10-? - Richie Velasquez[38]
1997 2 weeks Jose (Bong) Cruz, Jr.

1998 2 weeks - Ian Vicente

Records and notable events

Most grand championships

School

Individual

Both attended the University of the Philippines Diliman.

Youngest grand champions respective to year level

All attended campuses of the University of the Philippines System.

Most Grand Finals appearances

Years in bold denote Grand Championship

School

At different levels

Individual

Most points

In 1 Episode

Total Points School Show Year Level Taping Date
11,000 Manila Science High School 7 Weekly Finals 1999-05-22[39] [40]
10,700 Manila Science High School 7 Monthly Finals 1999-05-29[41] [42]
10,350 Lourdes School of Quezon City 7 Monthly Finals 1998-11-28[43]
10,000 Manila Science High School 7 Quarterly Finals 1999-06-05[44] [45]
9,900 Ateneo de Manila University (Orion Perez Dumdum) 1 Weekly Finals 1992-11-?

In 1 Year

During this scoring run, Manila Science perfected all 3 of their bonus rounds, and exceeded the combined score (4,100 + 3,100) of their rivals in the Grand Finals.[46] [47]

Other notables

Sponsorship

Influence and legacy

Throughout its run, Battle of the Brains has become one of the most familiar and legendary quizbowl show in Philippine television, especially for students and trivia enthusiasts. In fact, the name of the show has been synonymous to any quiz competition in the Philippines, regardless of content and degree of TV coverage. Theresa Reyes Alvarez holds the copyright of "Battle of the Brains" with registration no. M 97-353.

Its level of fame during its time can be compared to those of the Kilometrico Quiz Date and Student Canteen's IQ7 in the 1960s-1970s, and the Digital LG Quiz in 1999–2004. It has also served as the model for various quiz competitions, televised or not, in the Philippines.

David Celdran's name has become strongly associated with the show. Winners at the show, especially in later stages and as Grand Champions, are known to have gotten celebrity attention within their school campuses.

The comedy show Tropang Trumpo parodied the show in a segment called Battle of the Brainless.[53] In each episode, the competitors are said to come from schools whose names sound very similar to those of actual Philippine schools. Each question given by host is usually met by incorrect and humorous responses from competitors. The episode mostly ends in a tie for all schools. The host (usually portrayed by Ogie Alcasid) is also known to wear shorts, which is revealed as he moves away from his rostrum.

In David Celdran's recollection published March 2021 he expressed surprise at how people actually remember Battle of the Brains. He initially thought it will not survive the 1990s TV ratings competition since it was serious and scholastic, lacked showbiz gimmickry, was akin to a 90-minute IQ marathon, and had 30-second math problems which he joked as "television suicide". But what made the show entertaining, he recalled, were the geniuses onstage who became stars in their own right. He described the competition as a level playing field where “anyone could beat anyone” and many lesser known schools can challenge the elite schools and win the championships, "and that made it exciting because it wasn’t one-sided. It’s not like Ateneo wins basketball every year".

Awards

Year Award Category Individual Winner Citation
1994? PMPC Star Awards Best Game Show Host David Celdran
1995? PMPC Star Awards Best Game Show Host David Celdran
1996? PMPC Star Awards Best Game Show Host David Celdran
1996 Catholic Mass Media Awards Lorenzo Ruiz Award for Television Entertainment for "inspiring its youthful audience to strive for excellence in school and in everything they do"[54]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: GRANA. RHIA. Back to 'Battle of the Brains': Host David Celdran spills everything he recalls of the '90s quiz show. 2021-03-23. ABS-CBN News.
  2. News: Caña. Paul John. Feb 15, 2021. Bring Back Battle of the Brains. live. 2021-03-23. Esquiremag.ph. https://web.archive.org/web/20210215100036/https://www.esquiremag.ph/long-reads/notes-and-essays/bring-back-battle-of-the-brains-a00289-20210215-lfrm . 2021-02-15 .
  3. Web site: July 12, 1992. Battle of the Brains Television Quiz Show Launching Set. 2021-03-23. Manila Standard - Google News Archive Search.
  4. Web site: Kalat. 8 November 2008.
  5. Web site: Paano mo malalaman kung taga-UP, Ateneo, la Salle, UST, etc. - Page 71 — PEx Campus.
  6. https://twitter.com/search/realtime?q=%23BattleoftheBrains&src=hash Twitter message
  7. Web site: Member files . 2014-07-03 . 2014-07-14 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140714214012/http://nanotribology.mse.ufl.edu/member_files/limpoco_cv.pdf . dead .
  8. Web site: Weaving Sagada Stories. 6 January 2008.
  9. Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: Battle of the Brains - Monthly Finals (easy round) 1995 . YouTube.
  10. Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: Battle of the Brains High School Grand Finals 1994 . YouTube.
  11. Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: Part 2 of 3 - Battle of the Brains Grand Finals 1994 . YouTube.
  12. Web site: Battle of the Brains' ASEAN INVITATIONAL '97 . www.uni-wide.com . 12 January 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20010424151024/http://www.uni-wide.com/bob/asean.html#contestdate . 24 April 2001 . dead.
  13. Web site: Manila Standard - Google News Archive Search.
  14. Web site: limited . https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/100000547721591/269002263128029 . 2022-04-27. Polga Gapol on Facebook . Facebook.
  15. Web site: limited . https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/1106978038/10215805976758166 . 2022-04-27. Jay Del Mundo on Facebook . Facebook.
  16. Web site: History . 2013-04-30 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130608190837/http://www.csa-binan.edu.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=51&Itemid=2 . 2013-06-08 . dead .
  17. https://archive.today/20140506172333/http://www.auf.edu.ph/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=16 News
  18. Web site: Philippine Academy of Sakya Website . 2015-04-14 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20150414162028/http://www.ph-sakya.com/ . 2015-04-14 .
  19. Web site: Manila Standard .
  20. http://www.docstoc.com/docs/31121073/TEN-OUTSTANDING-BOY-SCOUTS
  21. dead. YouTube. YouTube. 2020-03-07. 2020-02-29. https://web.archive.org/web/20200229021814/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIn87ilK9us.
  22. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonil-julian-bautista-249a731a0/
  23. https://tuklas.up.edu.ph/Record/IPN-00000074695#details
  24. https://tuklas.up.edu.ph/Record/IPN-00000088511#details
  25. Web site: Battle of the Brains' ASEAN INVITATIONAL '97 . www.uni-wide.com . 12 January 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20010424151024/http://www.uni-wide.com/bob/asean.html . 24 April 2001 . dead.
  26. https://tuklas.up.edu.ph/Record/IPN-00000074693#details
  27. Web site: Makati Science High School Official Website . 2007-02-20 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20091108045939/http://www.makatiscience.edu.ph/history.htm . 2009-11-08 .
  28. Web site: Archived copy . 2013-04-21 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140903171144/http://corsarius.net/main/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/resume-phillip-kimpo-jr-2010.pdf . 2014-09-03 .
  29. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonil-julian-bautista-249a731a0/
  30. https://tuklas.up.edu.ph/Record/IPN-00000055879#details
  31. Web site: Colegio de Dagupan . 2013-04-20 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20121230212154/http://www.cdd.edu.ph/aboutus.html . 2012-12-30 .
  32. YouTube . YouTube.
  33. Web site: TV8 Media. www.facebook.com. 28 November 2022.
  34. The Nucleus, Vol. XXXVI, Jun-Nov. 1999
  35. Ang Ubod, Taon XXXVI, Jul-Oct. 1999
  36. https://dirtshed.tripod.com/about.html
  37. Web site: What can you say about the people from LSGH? — High Schools.
  38. Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: Battle of the Brains Part 6 . YouTube.
  39. The Nucleus, Vol. XXXVI, Jun-Nov. 1999
  40. Ang Ubod, Taon XXXVI, Jul-Oct. 1999
  41. The Nucleus, Vol. XXXVI, Jun-Nov. 1999
  42. Ang Ubod, Taon XXXVI, Jul-Oct. 1999
  43. Web site: Battle of the Brains 1998-1999, Monthly Finals, November 28, 1998, by Michael Dealino . .
  44. The Nucleus, Vol. XXXVI, Jun-Nov. 1999
  45. Ang Ubod, Taon XXXVI, Jul-Oct. 1999
  46. The Nucleus, Vol. XXXVI, Jun-Nov. 1999
  47. Ang Ubod, Taon XXXVI, Jul-Oct. 1999
  48. Web site: Part 1 of 3 - Battle of the Brains Grand Finals 1994 . .
  49. Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: ANC On The Money: My Money Story . YouTube.
  50. Web site: How a TV quiz show winner used his P500,000 prize. 13 December 2013.
  51. Web site: Index to Philippine Newspapers Online . 2009-11-21 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160303205327/http://www.mainlib.upd.edu.ph/ipn/details.php?id=2006101933463897 . 2016-03-03 . dead .
  52. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?ref=search&v=239765900214277&external_log_id=966a43a9-46e2-4641-a5ed-1ce0c07bc14e&q=battle%20of%20the%20brains Facebook
  53. Web site: Battle of the Brains. Nite Writer. 28 November 2022.
  54. Web site: About Battle of the Brains . www.uni-wide.com . 12 January 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20010726014907/http://www.uni-wide.com/bob/aboutbob.html . 26 July 2001 . dead.