As the prestigious British Parliamentary National Debate Tournament makes its return, the Remontados clinched a spot among the top teams. ADNU SG, composed of BS Psychology student Emilia Mari Goyena and BS BA Legal Management student Justine Sio, secured 20th-ranked team in the Octofinals, marking the society's second national break this season.
In addition, two Remontados teams excelled in the Union Cup. ADNU CB, represented by AB Philosophy, Foreign Service, and International Relations students Cedric Cortez Jr. and Jhanina Sophia Bermas, emerged as the 2nd Breaking Team. Meanwhile, ADNU RC, composed of BS Accountancy student Vincent Reis and BS Psychology student John Josper Clores, topped in the same category.
"One of the biggest challenges was competing against more experienced teams from well-established institutions, which could feel intimidating at times. Josperās creative, calculated approach and my classical take on issues often required nuanced adjustments for each round, but we turned those differences into diverse strengths. We pushed forward by focusing on our preparation, relying on each otherās skills, and reminding ourselves why we chose to debateāfor the joy of learning and engaging with ideas," according to Reis.
The tournament featured seven preliminary rounds, followed by out rounds and final rounds, with sixty teams from across the Philippines competing. NDC Hermosa is considered one of the country's biggest debate tournaments, making this a significant milestone for the Ateneo de Naga University community and highlighting the growing prominence of the Bicol Debate community, as the Remontados continue to represent the region on the national stage.
"Debate is a very unforgiving sportāwith every win, the thought of losing becomes a lot more terrifying. Our week-long stay in Zamboanga taught me not to mull over what I couldāve done better but to take pride in every win. Iāve learned to value the grit and love Iāve poured into the craft and the community that allowed me the space to dream big despite the odds.
I share the same sentiment as others that it is truly frightening to dream, as it is an uncomfortably revealing act. But we are never truly dreaming if we are afraid of the risks of trying and the pain of disappointment. Thus it requires courageāto lean into the discomfort of wanting something so bad. The risk of loss must not prevent us from wanting, becoming, or at least trying, to be who we aspire ourselves to be," according to Sio.