Marc Nathaniel Servo, News, School of Debaters
Despite an abrupt semifinals halt last year, first year student Haven Mosquito of PUP BS Psychology returns with a winning momentum alongside partners Franco Novenario and Elijah Parial to conquer the 11th iteration of the Mahalta Cup at the Provincial Capitol Complex, Calapan City on August 10-11, 2023.
The Mahalta Cup is the premier debate league organized by the Oriental Mindoro Debate Society (OMDS) annually, with the participation of over 80 debaters, 27 teams, and 30 adjudicators.
“It was very fun. The experience was very tiring, but we’re very satisfied as well. Nakaabot ako last year nung Mahalta Cup X sa semi-finals lang, so this is my redemption arc siguro. I was able to make it to the Grand Finals and take the cup,” Mosquito stated.
In preparation for this comeback, he even personally trained his teammates weeks before the competition, enhancing their synergy and matter-loading possible topics of the debate which eventually led to their outstanding three wins, one loss in the inrounds.
During the grand finals, he once again faced the same team that defeated him a year ago; but unlike before, Mosquito and his team are miles away from their past selves, and with a determined grip, they clinched the championship.
“We are glad that our first-year debaters are competitive and taking every opportunity to test their mettle. We hope to see more PUPians join our School of Debaters and appreciate the art of varsity debating,” Dr. Sanjay Claudio, SOD adviser shared in an email interview.
Mosquito attributed most of his improvement came after joining SOD—with his seniors guiding his growth that bore fruit in just a year; also taking note of the debate recordings and modules he received from other debate organizations like Outspoken Ph which all took part in his triumph.
With the partnership of Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) as part of the Linggo ng Kabataan program, Mosquito and his winning team received a cash prize totalling 12,000 pesos.
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