Back home in Iligan, though he is the youngest among his classmates, Rocky tops in his academics. He lives an extraordinary life of a bubbly and smart child who loves to play video and internet games, surf the net, and even read all sorts of books.

Having both parents as achievers, Judge Arassad and Judge Mylene Macumbal don’t regard Rocky as gifted or a genius. “His IQ is above average, but what is extraordinary about him is his inquisitiveness. He would always ask about anything he sees or reads,” Mrs. Macumbal said.

Another remarkable trait of Rocky is how he could memorize and retain information, especially numbers. Being an avid basketball fan, Mr. Macumbal shared Rocky’s dream of watching an NBA game live! “He memorizes NBA statistics, the players’ height, or who wins the most number of games in a series, and anything to do with numbers!” Mr. Macumbal said.

The Beginning of a Fruitful Journey

As Rocky started his Kumon Math Program journey right after joining the Free Trial Campaign, it was observed that he took a while to feel secure in being alone inside the Center without his mom. Nonetheless, he was given tons of encouragement to do the necessary amount of worksheets in the Center and also at home. His parents were also briefed about the importance of making him do it every day until he would eventually get used to it. And this was what happened both in the Center and at home.

Rocky Macumbal when he completed the Kumon Math Program at 6 years old in 2010.

Mrs. Macumbal shared that Rocky found the initial level easy but had difficulties when he progressed to the higher levels. Even Mr. Macumbal, whom Rocky looks up to as his inspiration and best friend, had his share of hardship during Rocky’s Kumon study. As parents, they have learned how to balance their time between work and their son’s Kumon Math Program study. “We have to be patient in making Rocky focus on the worksheets and try to work our way around it,“ he said.

Having a competitive child like Rocky, motivation works in different ways. During low times when Rocky loses concentration, Mr. and Mrs. Macumbal would gently remind him of how he is faring in his Kumon Math Program study; then instantly, he would get right back on track again. Little rewards at the end of certain levels also inspire the young spirit in Rocky.

From One Milestone to Another

Showered with support and love from the people who believe in him, Rocky proved to everyone that there was more to him that being a smart child.

“He has truly gained composure. His endurance, his focus, his determination to complete the program are only some of the transformations that he has gained. He is indeed convinced now that he can be anything he wants to be through hard work.”

Mr. and Mrs. Macumbal have high respect for Kumon.

“Kumon is a very good investment. Rocky skipped nursery and kindergarten because of Kumon. He learned the foundation of math and reading in Kumon,” Mrs. Macumbal said.

As young as he is, Rocky dreamt of being the country’s youngest Completer – and he achieved it for a period of time. More than for himself, he strived on every level for his parents, his sole inspiration.

Having no room for quitting, he advised the other students to “continue and always do your best.”