Wong brothers dominate Double Time Bacolod 2025 with hometown wins

Bacolod-grown siblings Ace Christian C. Wong and Aaron Josh C. Wong shone among 28 cubers as they topped multiple events at the Double Time Bacolod 2025  at the City Mall Goldenfields, September 20.

The Double Time Bacolod competition is part of the World Cube Association’s official circuit, drawing speedcubers from across the Visayas and neighboring countries. For the Wong brothers, the event offered more than hometown bragging rights.

“Competing with my brother always brings a sense of comfort and ease. We treat it like a shared adventure rather than a high-pressure event. The vibe in Bacolod is super relaxed and friendly, which makes the whole experience more enjoyable. We focus less on chasing medals and more on having fun, learning, and growing together,” said the 17-year-old Josh Wong in an exclusive interview.

Ace Wong, who placed second in the 2x2x2 cube category of the 2024 Philippine Championship, topped the same classification in Bacolod with the only one-second average to secure the top spot.

Visayas Championship 2025 clock-category runner-up Josh Wong showed his skill by logging the only five-second average to win that event. He also broke into the skewb category, taking second place.

Ace-d it

Ace Wong, who set a national record for the 2×2 cube at the 2025 Philippine Championship, clocked a swift 0.85 best, the only sub-second solve of the competition, to lead the category with a 1.46-second average.

He bested 2x2x2 cube Central Visayas Championship 2025 first placer Miguel Gonzaga, who settled for second with a 2.84-second average, and the tournament’s only Malaysian, Marcus Yeow Ka Lok, who finished third at 3.10 seconds.

Drubbing prominent cubers in the familiar 2×2 cube, the 15-year-old Bacolod native said recent tournaments helped him maintain composure during his solves.

“My recent experiences in the 2×2 category helped me achieve a fast record by controlling my nerves,” Ace said.

Displaying versatility, he also reigned in the 3x3x3 cube, finishing with the only seven-second average at 7.57 seconds. Malaysia’s Kay Lok placed second, while Gonzaga trailed with 9.13 and 9.22 averages, respectively.

Aaron-ic performance

Kyub sa Kapistahan 2025 first placer Josh Wong led the clock category with a steady 5.74-second average in his Bacolod stint.

“Preparing for the clock event, I focused on mastering the seven-simul method, which really helped sharpen my performance. I’ve also learned to manage my nerves during solves, especially when facing a DNF. I stay calm and focus on finishing strong. Winning first place in Bacolod was incredibly rewarding, knowing how much effort I put into improving,” Josh stated.

Gabriel Angelo V. Hidado looked poised to threaten after matching Josh’s five-second average in the second round, but slipped to a 6.25-second average in the final, placing behind Josh, who remained steady.

He also bested his brother Ace, who finished third in the clock bracket with a 6.47 average.

Facing his sibling, Josh said, reminded him of their past practice sessions.

“Facing him in an official event felt exciting but also calming because it reminded me of those playful moments we’ve always shared,” he said.

Josh also clinched second place in the skewb category with a 3.92-second average behind QC Speedcubing 2025 third placer Kenneth Carlos, who recorded a 3.54-second average to lead the event. Gonzaga followed with a 4.80-second average.

The Wong brothers plan to continue their streak when they compete next at the Masskara Cubing Festival 2025 in Bacolod on October 12.