Ateneo HS Debaters Sweep Inaugural Rotary Invitational Debate Championship
Debaters from Ateneo de Manila High School dominated the inaugural Rotary Invitational Debate Championship held from January 31 to February 1, 2014. The AHS Debaters claimed all major awards and distinctions from start to finish, winning more than half of the awards overall. In the Grand Finals, which was attended and adjudicated by distinguished members and officials of different Rotary clubs, Team Ateneo High School (AHS) A emerged victorious on a unanimous 7-0 decision against fellow Ateneans, AHS D. AHS A was comprised of seniors Miguel Ventura (4A), Isaac Lee (4D), and Jim Bulan (4N). AHS D was comprised of up and coming rookies Manuel Ng (2O), Renz Reyes (1A), and Luigi Alcaneses (1A). The final motion was, “In instances when civilians are used as human shields, this house believes that it is legitimate to attack them.” AHS D proposed the motion, while AHS A opposed the motion. The Best Speaker of the Final was Miguel Ventura.
The Ateneo Debaters dominated the competition from start to finish, claiming all major awards and distinctions, and winning more than half of the awards overall. In the Grand Finals, which was attended and adjudicated by distinguished members and officials of different Rotary clubs, Team Ateneo High School (AHS) A emerged victorious on a unanimous 7-0 decision against fellow Ateneans, AHS D. AHS A was comprised of seniors Miguel Ventura (4A), Isaac Lee (4D), and Jim Bulan (4N). AHS D was comprised of up and coming rookies Manuel Ng (2O), Renz Reyes (1A), and Luigi Alcaneses (1A). The final motion was, “In instances when civilians are used as human shields, this house believes that it is legitimate to attack them.” AHS D proposed the motion, while AHS A opposed the motion. The Best Speaker of the Final was Miguel Ventura.
Both teams were given large trophies to bring home for what was recognized by Rotary Members as an amazing final round. All finalists were also given a medal for debating in the Grand Finals. The champions won a cash prize of Php 10,000.00, and were also given with gift packs and certificates with various prizes.
Other AHS teams did remarkably as well. AHS B (Poch Kalagayan of 3A, Miguel Guerrero of 3A, and Adrian Padilla of 3J) reached the semifinals, while AHS H (Miguel Dela Cruz of 3G, Nicky Solis of 1B, and Paulo Valencia of 1H reached the Quarterfinals). Teams AHS C (Enrique Gomez of 4K, Tres Yap of 3B, and Josiah Encinas of 3F) and AHS E (Derrick Ampil of 3J, Mon Asuncion of 3G, and Carlos Tiu of 1A) were ranked as the top 2 reserve teams for the elimination rounds.
The debaters scored excellently to qualify for individual awards. Tied as the Overall Best Speakers of the Tournament of over 100 debaters were Miguel Ventura and Josiah Encinas. Jim Bulan and Isaac Lee were tied as the 3rd Best Speakers after Ventura and Encinas, while Tres Yap and Renz Reyes ranked as 8th Best Speakers.
Other team members who competed and performed very well throughout the competition are JJ Sagcal (3A), Chino Mendiola (3B), Raffy Dela Rosa (2A), Red Nadela (1A), Ervin Grana (1D), JC Cruz (1F), Drico Ramiro (1A), Jerome Exmundo (4D), Mico Baviera (2N), and Hari Tan (1D).
The debaters would especially like to recognize honorary members who competed for the Ateneo Debaters in the competition: Master Paulo Soller (4A) of Dulaang Sibol and Master Ralph Antonio (4A) of the Ateneo Tennis Team.
During the ceremonies, Rotary official Atty. Bon Tagum announced that the Rotary Debate Championship would become an annual event and will be turned into a National Championship beginning next year. All expenses and fees were covered and paid for by Rotary International.
The inaugural Rotary Invitational Debate Championship was hosted by the Rotary Club Of San Francisco Del Monte, Rotary International District 3780. It was co-hosted and also sponsored by partner Rotary Clubs of Acropolis, Diliman Heights, New Payatas, and Roces. The event was also known as the Gov. Prospero Crescini cup, named after the distinguished late lawyer.
The Ateneo Debaters are moderated by Mrs. Fe U. De Jesus of the AHS English Department, and were coached for the tournament by Mahar Mangahas, Henry Fernando, Inah Robles, Nick Fortuna, Ryan Abis, and Javier Pablo. The team extends its deep gratitude to the Ateneo High School for providing well-wishes and logistical support for the team in this event.
