As part of the vibrant celebration of Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA) Week, “Race to the top: The JPIA Grand Prix 2026”, JPIA – Saint Louis University (SLU) Chapter conducted “Turbo Trail: Amazing Race to the Finish Line,” an academic competition that fused movement, strategy, and board-level accounting mastery of every participant. The event transformed the campus into a dynamic racecourse, with learning extending beyond classrooms into real-time decision-making on 29 January 2026.
Turbo Trail featured six strategically placed stations around the campus, each aligned with a Certified Public Accountant Licensure Examination (CPALE) board subject: Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), Advanced Financial Accounting and Reporting (AFAR), Management Services (MS), Auditing (AUD), Taxation (TAX), and Regulatory Framework for Business Transactions (RFBT).
The stations included were Station 1: Ignition Point at SQC D804, Station 2: Full Throttle Challenge at the 8th-floor veranda, Station 3: Pit Stop Puzzle at the Garden of Gethsemane, Station 4: Overdrive Obstacle at the Lobby, Station 5: Checkpoint Velocity at the Amphitheatre elevator side, and Station 6: Victory Lane Challenge at the Amphitheatre Stage. This structure challenged participants holistically across core areas of the accountancy program, testing both knowledge and strategy.
At every station, teams first completed a challenge, such as puzzles or riddles, before unlocking the questions. Upon completion, teams answered up to fifteen (15) accounting questions of varying difficulty within a maximum of thirty (30) minutes per station. Questions ranged from easy to difficult, encouraging teams to carefully plan their pace and strategy while balancing speed and accuracy.
The race demanded stamina, focus, and teamwork. Scores were determined by combining correct answers and completion time, using an official time–point conversion system. Faster completion earned higher points, while teams that exceeded the time limit still received minimal points in recognition of their effort, reinforcing perseverance under pressure.
The competition tested not only intellectual readiness but also ethical conduct and teamwork—qualities essential to future Certified Public Accountants. Team PiJoKi, composed of Jordan RJ V. Datul, John JV T. Francisco, Pinky G. Aragon, Jonathan Jr. C. Saroca, and Khearde B. Siaco, emerged as the champion. Team Ferrari Rocher, consisting of Adrienne De Vera, Lianne Ashley L. Gamido, Mark Andrei T. Ilumin, Prince Dan Michael T. Lumogdang, and John Dominic P. Reyes, claimed first runner-up, while Team Ashley and Friends, composed of Dianne Kierra P. Balcita, Reign M. Bernardo, Jhasen D. Capingian, and Ashley J. Patetico, placed second runner-up.
More than a race, “Turbo Trail” stood as a defining highlight of JPIA Week. It showcased how academic excellence can thrive in interactive and engaging formats, proving that learning can be competitive, immersive, and exciting.
The event was made possible through the partnership of Saint Louis University – Department of Accountancy, P&A Grant Thornton, R.G. Manabat & Co. (KPMG Philippines), CRC-ACE Review School, and the Institute of Management Accountants Philippines (IMA), which sponsored this academic event.
Turbo Trail embodied SLU’s commitment to the CICM advocacy of Integration of Creation, shaping students into responsible, ethical, and goal-oriented individuals. By providing access to high-quality educational experiences, this event supported SDG 4 (Quality Education). Ultimately, the event propelled students closer to the finish line, not just of the race, but of their journey toward professional competence and excellence. (Article and Photos by JPIA-SLU)
