12th St. Paul National Bible Quiz Brings Sacred Scripture Alive at MIBF 2025

12 September 2025 – The Society of St Paul Philippines–Australia Province, through its St Paul Bible Ministry (SPBM), brought the spirit of Scripture to life at the 12th St Paul National Bible Quiz (SPNBQ) Championship. Held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City during the Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) 2025, the event gathered twelve finalist schools chosen from over 300 nationwide participants who joined the August eliminations and semifinals. This year’s theme, “Word Lives, Hope Grows,” celebrated the Jubilee Year of Hope.

In his welcome remarks, Fr. Angelo Paolo Asprer, SSP, ST PAULS Creative Director and SPBM Coordinator, highlighted the biblical significance of the number 12—symbolizing completeness, community, and teamwork. Drawing from the challenge of Blessed James Alberione, Founder of the Pauline Family, he urged the youth participants to become bearers of hope and agents of change: “You are the present and future of the Church and our nation; let God’s Word guide your actions and inspire your communities, for the real contest is daily life—where love of the Word must overflow into mission, into love of others, and into love of country, especially in these challenging times.”

The quiz featured three stages—easy, average, and difficult—keeping the audience in suspense as scores shifted dramatically with every round. Excitement was heightened by intermission performances from Jem Macatuno of ABS-CBN Star Music and Eumee Capile, an eight-time defending champion and grand finalist of Tawag ng Tanghalan on It’s Showtime. The quiz mascot, PABLITO, added a playful touch that charmed participants and guests alike.

Ensuring fairness throughout the contest were SSP adjudicators Bro. Hansel Mapayo, Fr. Oliver Par, and Fr. Gil Alinsangan (chair). Hosting the easy and average rounds were Michelle Sto. Tomas, educator and communicator, and Rev. Vinz Anthony Aurellano, SSP, Assistant Vocation Director. The difficult round was hosted by Fr. Miguel Ramirez of the Archdiocese of Manila and Joyce Chamorro, a marketing specialist.

All finalist schools received certificates of recognition and ST PAULS products. A special award, the Youngster Highest Scorer, was given to St. Joseph Academy of Sariaya, Quezon.

The top-performing schools were:

            •          Champion: University of Saint Louis Tuguegarao, Cagayan

            •          1st Runner-Up: St. Joseph Academy of Sariaya, Quezon

            •          2nd Runner-Up: Sisters of Mary of Banneux, Inc., Silang, Cavite

The SPNBQ and SPBM organizers also expressed gratitude to benefactors and sponsors whose generosity made the event possible: Asia Pacific College, Globo Asiatico Enterprises Inc., Felicidad Tan Sy Foundation Inc., SM Foundation Inc., Good 555 Deal Trading Corp., and Primetrade Asia Inc.