The winners in the regional contests went on to become the finalists of the Grand National Finals which were to be held in Manila. The first Grand National Finals was held in 1997 at the RPN Channel 9 Studio with Senator Orlando Mercado as quizmaster.
Those who triumphed in the regional competitions then moved on to become finalists of the Grand National Finals, which were set to be held in Manila. The first-ever Grand National Finals took place in 1997 at the RPN Channel 9 Studio with Senator Orlando Mercado as the quiz show host.