Pisay graduate celebrates 18th birthday with nearly 500 awards to his name

His accomplishments have earned international recognition. 

Most teenagers celebrate turning 18 with a debut party. For Rhensis Benedict “RB” Lofamia, the milestone comes with another remarkable distinction—nearly 500 academic awards earned from local and international competitions, making his birthday a celebration not only of adulthood but of an extraordinary pursuit of excellence.

The inspiring achievement was highlighted by Mensa Philippines in a birthday tribute to its young member, who recently graduated with High Honors from the Philippine Science High School – Main Campus. Lofamia also earned a place on the school’s prestigious Director’s List, capping off years of consistent academic excellence.

Behind the staggering number of medals, trophies, and certificates is a student whose curiosity extended far beyond the classroom. Throughout his academic journey, Lofamia competed—and excelled—in mathematics, science, research, and creative writing, proving that learning flourishes when driven by genuine passion.

His accomplishments have likewise earned international recognition. Among his most notable achievements was placing sixth out of more than 500 participants worldwide as a Top 10 Global Ambassador in the Harvard Global Case Competition: Pitch for the Future. He also received a Commendation Award in the highly competitive John Locke Global Essay Competition, alongside multiple international gold medals and championships.

His success has opened doors to some of the world’s leading universities. Lofamia received admission and scholarship offers from top Philippine institutions, including the University of the Philippines Diliman, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, and the University of Santo Tomas. Overseas, he also earned opportunities from respected universities such as the University of California San Diego, Purdue University, the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Virginia Tech, and UNSW Sydney.

While the numbers alone are astonishing, Mensa Philippines emphasized that Lofamia’s journey represents something far greater than collecting awards. It is a testament to the power of discipline, perseverance, intellectual curiosity, and the unwavering support of family and mentors.

As he enters adulthood, Lofamia’s story stands as a tribute to what Filipino youth can achieve when talent is matched with hard work and an enduring love for learning. At just 18 years old, his nearly 500 awards are not simply milestones—they are reminders that excellence is built one challenge, one lesson, and one dream at a time.

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