ONE AFTER another, Remontados: The Ateneo de Naga University Debate Society achieves 5-peat as ADNU BC, consisting of Jhanina Sophia Bermas and Cedric Cortez, bags the championship in this year's recently concluded Raul Roco Cup XVIII, from 8 to 11 January 2025, which took place at Ateneo de Naga University.
After four days of intense competition against 37 debate teams and before a panel of 47 adjudicators from various institutions across the Philippines, the duo, both from AB Philosophy, Foreign Service, and International Relations students, emerged victorious in Bicol’s most prestigious debate tournament. Their championship run included seven unsparing preliminary rounds and concluded with a unanimous win in the grand finals, a feat anchored on earnestness and hard work.
Beyond the championship, Remon dominated the individual awards, securing all major speaker distinctions. Jhanina Sophia Bermas was named Overall Best Speaker of Bicol, while Cedric Cortez placed second. Braine Syedwin Panes finished third, with Eizza Nicole Rapi and Crystal Dominique Resari sharing fourth-best speaker honors.
On the adjudication side, John Josper Clores and Jerard Benedick Caguicla were also recognized for excellence, earning fifth and seventh Best Judge awards, respectively.
“The trophy comes after years and months of contemplating, dreaming, and working towards that goal. By the time Nina and I had won the championship, it felt like a grand culmination of this long journey we’ve gone through all emotions for,” Cortez said.
He shared that the win carried added emotional weight after multiple grand final losses in major tournaments and the pressure of defending a regional title previously held by Remon.
“... [M]ore important than the medals and trophies, I hope anyone who got to watch the round last Sunday was able to get something out of our speeches — may it be inspiration to continue their love for the sport, or words to live by at a time when our rights and liberties are genuinely being threatened across the world,” Cortez added.
In addition to the champions, ADNU RP, composed of Trishia Pauleen Ruta and Yuan Angelo Pacao, advanced to the semifinals, while ADNU PR, consisting of Panes and Rapi, reached the finals and faced the eventual champions. This sustained dominance by Remon is an apparent testament to their commitment and passion for the craft of debating.
Humbled to join Remon champions who showed Ateneo as center of excellence, Bermas still felt surreal after earning the regional championship.
"More than that, I hope that this victory inspires others to continue tirelessly working towards their goal. Combining previous Roco Cups, this championship was 2 years in the making for me. Nothing is ever impossible, so long as you're tenacious enough to keep going," said Bermas.
Editor's Note: Jhanina Sophia Bermas and Cedric Cortez, reigning champions of the Raul Roco Cup XVIII, are both staff members of ThePILLARS Publication.
