The global craze for the cube puzzle continues to grow since the Hungarian architect Erno Rubik invented it in 1974. The proliferation of cheaper clones of the Rubik’s cube and websites devoted to spreading its secret has contributed to its recent popularity.
In Cebu, a group of internet-savvy Carolinians helped establish the Philippine Cubers’ Association, a pioneering national organization of Rubik’s cube fans affiliated with the World Cube Association. The group held its first national “speedcubing” competition last year in Manila. In April 19, this year, the University of San Carlos hosted the Rubik’s Cube Cebu Open 2008 at the Wrocklage Yard.
Thirty one speedcubers—including a Korean and a Taiwanese—joined the contest. In the end, Carolinians JB Cañares, Norman Mijares, and John Cañares won in different categories, including the blindfolded event.
Blindfolded? Is that even possible? Well, we’ve seen Fine Arts major John Cañares demonstrate that in the video documentary on speedcubing he made for his TV Arts class. So we cornered him recently to get him to reveal how exactly this is done and the other secrets of the “magic cube.” Here are excerpts:
Do you have to be a math wiz to be able to solve the Rubik's cube?
No. All you need is time, patience, interest, and determination. Everyone can do it.
Does the cube actually help you learn your math?
I don’t think it has helped me with my math. There is a mathematical side of Rubik’s cube, but I don’t delve on that. But it does enhance your analysis skills. In speedcubing you make a lot of decisions and they must be economical in time and movement. Imagine if you are a speedcuber averaging 13 seconds, how quick your analysis is.
Does learning the formula spoil the fun?
No, actually that’s where the fun begins. Speedcubers do not look for ways to solve the cube. In fact, solutions are everywhere. The question now is: how fast are you going to solve it?
How do you actually do blind speedcubing? Do you mark the squares with certain textures so you can tell?
No, we do not mark the colors with certain textures. We memorize the scramble and the way to do it is to plan what to do, like where the colors go and what algorithms we should use to solve it. There are different methods in solving the cube blindfolded, and the they are different from the ones you use with regular solves with your eyes open. Imagine it like this: When you are on your way to your house from a certain place, try memorizing each turn and count each step until you get there; and then go back to that certain place and try walking back to your house with your eyes closed.
Does the magic cube provide any clue to the meaning of life in general?
No, but it does tell what life is in some way. In life we are given problems and we have to solve them with one or more solutions. It doesn’t matter how you came up with that solution or where you got it. It is all up to you. In speedcubing you are also confronted with a lot of decision making. You race against time, so you should not hesitate or doubt right decisions or else a lot of time will be wasted. Experience and frequent practice sharpens the decision making skills. The difference is that reality can be a matter of life and death but cubing is not. Life’s solutions are not always there, but cubing solutions are everywhere. In life, there are a lot of volitional factors outside yourself that may tamper your solution. In cubing, it’s all up to you.
For a complete list of the winners please click here.
