Team APB is first runner up in the Pi Sigma Open Debate Tournament

Team Alpha Phi Beta, composed of myself, Rain Mendoza, Ricky Sabornay, and Karl Mucho, reached the finals of the Pi Sigma Open Debate Championships.

We lost, unfortunately, to the team from the UP Debate Society, on the proposition that the reproductive health bill be enacted. We were on the negative side. We mostly argued that the bill itself contained questionable provisions which violate certain vested rights. As such, it is void for being overbroad. Alas, that wasn't enough to persuade the judges. I think the better team won. They were good, but I still think we gave them a tough match, considering we had minimum debating experience.

I didn't do as well in the finals as I did in the semis. It was probably the nerves. The Claro M. Recto room was jam-packed! I stuttered a couple of time, and I lacked the passion that I showed during the semis (where I must say I was able to impress the judges). My inexperience definitely showed during the final round.

Nonetheless, I am extremely proud of Team APB. We really worked hard for this, training till midnight, despite the insufficiency of food or transportation. Thank you team APB. My gratitude also goes out to the rest of my brods in the Alpha Phi Beta Fraternity. Thank you for your all out support. Especially during the final round. Thank you.

At least I have something to add to my lame resume. We hardly do debate in law school (foolish is the law student who tries to argue against his professor). So I'm glad I get to do this.