Varona is crowned Best Speaker of Asia in Bangkok debate tourney; Carlos is named Asian Public Speaking Champ

Representing the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila Senior High School debaters Matthew Varona (HUMSS/12-Kibe), David Africa (STEM/12-Xavier), and CJ Carlos (STEM/12-Sullivan) swept the top three best speaker awards in the recent Asian Schools Debating Championship 2018 held in Bangkok, Thailand. Varona was hailed as the Best Speaker of Asia, while Africa and Carlos were awarded as 2nd and 3rd Best Speakers of Asia, respectively, in a field of 66 speakers. In addition, Carlos also clinched the title of Asian Public Speaking Champion. The team of Varona, Africa and Carlos made it to the semifinals of the debate competition, but lost to eventual champion De La Salle Zobel (DLSZ). The Asian Schools Debating Championship 2018 was held at Panyarat High School in Bangkok from September 30 to October 5, 2018.