Beyond the clock: How 12-year-old Uno Magallanes learns to overcome failure in speedcubing

MANILA — At 12-years old, Juan Miguel “Uno” Magallanes has already made a name for himself in competitive speedcubing, specializing in the 2×2 Rubik’s Cube and earning a national record in the event. 

But behind the achievements and fast solves is a challenge that cannot be measured by a timer: learning how to deal with failure. 

For Uno, one of the biggest difficulties in the sport is accepting that not every attempt will go as planned. Despite the progress he has made since discovering speedcubing during the pandemic, he continues to navigate the disappointment that comes with competing.

“My biggest challenge is dealing with failure,” Uno said, describing the ups and downs he has experienced throughout his speedcubing journey, 

He recognizes that setbacks are part of competition, whether in speedcubing or other sports. Learning to move forward after a disappointing performance, however, remains an important part of his development as a competitor. 

“I just try to get over it, and work harder for next time,” he said.

For Uno, overcoming failure means finding the motivation to continue practicing rather than allowing a disappointing result to define his progress. 

Uno’s mother, Kristine Yabut, has witnessed these struggles firsthand.

From his early days solving puzzles at home to his participation in competitions, Yabut has watched her son experience both the excitement of achievement and the disappointment of failing short of his goals.

She acknowledged that Uno sometimes cries or becomes emotional when things do not go his way, describing these reactions as a normal part of competing.

“There are ups and downs in every sport, in every hobby, in everything that we do,” Yabut added.

For her, what matters is not whether Uno experiences disappointment, but how he responds to it.

“The important thing is how you will rise up from that,” she said.

Yabut explained that Uno responds to setbacks by practicing more and learning additional algorithms to improve his solving skills. These experiences have become part of his learning process, teaching him to recognize mistakes and continue working towards his goals. 

Rather than shielding him from every disappointment, the experience of competing allows Uno to gradually learn how to handle situations in which his performance does not meet his expectations. 

Uno practices for two hours daily, usually in the evening after attending to his school responsibilities. Despite his commitment to speedcubing, he makes sure his education comes first. 

“Studies always goes first,” Uno said. “But if I have extra time, I always make time for practicing speedcubing.”

His mother said Uno has become responsible for planning his own training schedule, with the family adjusting his practice around his academic workload. 

Uno began speedcubing during the pandemic after asking his mother for a 2×2 Rubik’s Cube. He later learned to solve the 3×3 through online tutorials before eventually joining competitions.

According to Yabut, Uno initially dreamed of reaching the world’s top 1,000 speedcubers, eventually achieving a career-high ranking of world No. 38. He also set a national record in the 2×2 event within his first seven months of competing, she recalled.

Despite these achievements, Uno continues to face challenges of competition, relying on the support of his family, friends and the speedcubing community to stay motivated.

For aspiring speedcubers, Uno emphasizes the importance of patience and perseverance.

“Don’t give up. Keep practicing because it won’t happen overnight,” he said.