An 18-year-old was praised for reaching the milestone of receiving nearly 500 local and international awards throughout his school years.
Mensa Philippines, the national chapter affiliated with Mensa International, paid tribute on June 26 to one of its members who celebrated his 18th birthday.
Mensa is an organization for people with high intelligence quotients or IQs.
It paid tribute to Rhensis Benedict “RB” Lofamia, who has earned nearly 500 local and international awards during his academic years as he reached legal age.
“Turning 18 this June 26 is a milestone for any youth, but Rhensis Benedict ‘RB’ Lofamia marks his birthday with a track record that inspires anyone striving for excellence,” Mensa Philippines said in a Facebook post.
“This Mensa Philippines member recently graduated with High Honors from the Philippine Science High School – Main Campus, earning a spot on the Director’s List,” it added.
“Driving these achievements is his relentless curiosity. Throughout his school years, RB has amassed nearly 500 local and international awards. His journey proves that passion knows no boundaries, spanning mathematics, science, research, and creative writing,” the organization said.
“On the world stage, RB placed 6th out of over 500 participants globally as a Top 10 Global Ambassador in the Harvard Global Case Competition: Pitch for the Future. He also secured a Commendation Award in the prestigious John Locke Global Essay Competition, alongside multiple international gold trophies,” it added.
The organization said that Lofamia has received scholarship offers from prestigious universities such as the University of the Philippines Diliman, De La Salle University, University of Santo Tomas and Ateneo de Manila University.
It also said RB has “global options,” including the University of California San Diego, Purdue University, the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Virginia Tech and the University of New South Wales Sydney.
“As RB celebrates his special day, his story serves as a brilliant reminder to youth everywhere of what can be achieved through dedication, hard work, the support of parents and loved ones, and a lifelong love for learning. Happy 18th birthday, RB, and here’s to more achievements to come!” the organization said.
Janneth Lofamia, his mother, described him as “naturally gifted,” saying he “could solve incredibly difficult questions mentally as if it came so naturally” despite “barely” preparing in competitions.
“There were times we wondered why you were always so chill, sleeping at 2-4 a.m. playing ML [Mobile Legends] or Valorant while everyone else seemed busy nagsusunog ng kilay. Yet despite everything, you still managed to rise, recover, compete, and excel while balancing the pressures around you,” she wrote on Facebook.
The matriarch said that RB recently graduated with high honors from the Philippine Science High School.
A look at RB’s socials indicates that, apart from being academically gifted, he is also a cat lover.