Africa, Tan & Vitug are Adelante Debate Cup champs; Tan is Overall Best Speaker and Best Finals Speaker

On February 4, 2018, the team composed of Ateneo Senior High School debaters Matti Tan (11-Realino), David Africa (11-Tsuji), and Mikko Vitug (12-Pro) was crowned champion of the Adelante Debate Cup 2018 open category, besting 30 other teams. More than a hundred debaters nationwide participated in the tournament which was organized by the Josenian Debate Varsity and held in the University of San Jose- Recoletos in Cebu. Tan, Africa & Vitug won the grand final defending the motion, "Upon the request of immediate relatives (i.e. spouses, children, parents), THBT states should subsidize the creation of AI substitutes of individuals who have passed away." On a 7-0 unanimous decision, the team won the motion on government side. This victory capped the team's 8-0 run for the tournament, a rare feat in debate competitions. Tan was also named Best Speaker of the Final on a 4-1-1-1 split and the tournament's Overall Best Speaker, ranking 1st among 102 debaters. Vitug and Africa were named 2nd and 4th best speakers, respectively.
 
The ASHS team composed of Johann Javier (12-Denn), Pep Danguilan (12-Walpole), and Miguel Yulo (12-Walpole) were ranked 12th in the open break and proceeded to the open octofinals. Danguilan and Yulo also tied for the tournament's 8th best speaker award. 
 
Adjudicating for the team was Benj Dy Quiangco (11-Borgia), who broke into the elimination rounds and judged the open quarterfinal of the tournament.

 
The debaters extend their gratitude to Ms. Amyrrha Estolloso, moderator of the ASHS Debaters, for accompanying them to Cebu for the competition. They also thank the ASHS administrators for continuing to support the debaters in their various competitions.