By Edward Alipio • April 30, 2025

Remontados: The Ateneo de Naga University Debate Society goes all out with their wit and rhetoric to bag the championship for the fourth time, after sailing through uncharted waters during the past four days of the 17th installment of the most prestigious regional debate tournament, the Raul Roco Cup, hosted by Remontados themselves, and Plenum Debate Society, last 25 to 28 April 2025, at Ateneo de Naga University.

The tournament with the theme Debate Odyssey held the team ADNU SG champion of the college finals, composed of BS Psychology student Emilia Mari Goyena and BS BA Legal Management student Justine Sio, making them back-to-back titleholders.

In addition, Goyena was also awarded as the College Overall Finals Best Speaker. The team went through 10 rigorous rounds and competing against approximately 51 debate teams from various institutions across the Philippines. This milestone marks a continuation of the legacy that Remon has built over the years in the Raul Roco Cup, in consideration of the Debate Society's consistently making it to every final round for the past 16 years.

“Competing with the pressure was a heavy feeling. It felt as if we couldn’t make any mistakes and we had to be strong on behalf of our organization. However, as we went on, we realized that the most rewarding feeling beyond winning rounds was to give speeches that meant something to us," Goyena said.

"After the finals, we were proud that no matter what, we delivered speeches throughout the tournament that were soul-filled and intentional. We hope that this victory becomes a symbol of our organization’s legacy and a humbling reminder that debate is beyond medals and trophies, its about speaking our truths,” Goyena added.

Aside from this, two other Remontados teams reached the semifinals, while two more teams were in the same finals room as Goyena and Sio. Additionally, two Remontados adjudicators received the Best Judge award. These individuals include John Josper Clores, Cedric Cortez, Crystal Dominique Resari, Jhanina Sophia Bermas, Eizza Nicole Rapi, Pilip Dolor, Vincent Reis, Braine Syedwin Panes, Mark Laurence Reyes, Trishia Pauleen Ruta, John Paul Barrosa, Jerard Benedick Caguicla, and Angeline Mae Blasa.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Edward Alipio

Layout Artist

Ed has been an integral member of ThePILLARS Publication since 2020, having joined during his first year. With three years of dedicated service, from being a Layout Artist to a former Art and Design Director, he now holds the esteemed position of senior editor. Renowned for his versatility, Ed effortlessly adapts to any role, making him an invaluable asset to the publication.

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