PROPOSITION starts a good conversation. Then, it flares up into merciless debate and psych war. Only the emotionally and intellectually calloused can get out alive. Oh, dear, no! Your knight in shinning armor can’t save you now.
The ace of Josenian Debatista, the official debating team of the University of San Jose-Recoletos: Arnold Castro, Carmi Cavanlit, and Emelito Torres have been in all parts of the country to join debate tournaments. And certainly, they have gotten out alive. Call it a correlation among their initials, which spelled ACE, but they say it’s pure hard work.
“The issues to be debated are not announced a week (or so), but thirty minutes before the contest proper. We have to work harder to achieve goals,” Torres shared. “And motions range from pop culture to politics—from Sam Milby to Condoleeza Rice. We all talk about them.”
Collecting awards seems to be a routine in every round. Recently, the trio emerged as the champion over Silliman University in the Visayas Universities Debate Championship 2007 in Dumaguete. They opposed the motion: This house regrets the Philippine involvement in the U. S. led war against terrorism.
Why are these three brilliant (at times catty) dubbed “most feared” in Vis-Min universities? Could intimidation be an edge? Or, is home court still an advantage?
Hush now! There’s nothing to argue about. Just read on.
Why are you labeled “most feared” debating team?
A: Because we got the top three best debaters award in Visayas. Jaylord Zafra (also from USJ-R) was the first, Emelito Torres and I shared the second place. At one point of the preliminary round, one debater from the opponents told us that we are the “most feared” team.
E: We feel that we don’t deserve the fear. We didn’t think that way. If we did, we might lose focus. There’s nothing to prove anyway.
Being in a comfort zone adds confidence. Was there a “home court” advantage on the opposing team?
A: With the conduct of the tournament, no. The Ateneo Debate Society is responsible for running the entire event. But if we’ll talk about audience support, of course, it’s normal for the majority to support their colleague.
C: Yes. The crowd belongs to our opponents. But I understand why.
E: Home court advantage is what the tournament inherently has. But it also works for us because the hosting institution has also a pressure to win.
How did you prepare for the championship?
A: Everyday was a preparation. I have to keep myself informed of everything debatable. And I just have to be an average reasonable person.
C: Matter loading—I read, read, read.
E: A debater must read. I read the newspapers, international magazines (even fashion magazines), and journals day after day. From there, I look for probable motions.
Describe your strategy during the grand match.
A: One thing I like about our team is dynamism; we give each other the liberty to think to develop one’s case. Our training contributes greatly. And when we’re in a tournament, we remind ourselves that this is just another debate practice…nothing to prove. We also pray before starting.
C: Teamwork is important. I’m thankful to my teammates.
E: I agree with Carmi; it’s teamwork. We need the team to be creative, dynamic, and cooperative. We don’t sit idle in the tournament. We continually speak to each other.
When did you feel the tension among debaters?
A: The tension was evident during the semi (finals). It was head to head battle to get in the final round. I must admit we lose a slight margin. Debate is theatrics; you pretend that you’re not affected. It’s even a psych war.
C: The moment I stepped inside Silliman University.
E: All rounds are full of tension. We are pressured to come up with brilliant argument, defend it and then rebut.
Where would this victory take you?
A: There is a national tournament this April in Tarlac—Philippine Intercollegiate Debate Championship (PIDC). The victory we hold is also a personal achievement. I have been so blessed with my debate career since it has taught me a lot, from critical thinking to character development.
C: To more national tournaments, hopefully. I also look forward to more debate education programs.
E: Debate builds character. This victory gives us more responsibility to teach, to share to fellow debaters. By incoming weeks, we will organize with more debate seminars and probably, an interschool debate practices.
Arnold mentioned about the PIDC in April. Win or lose—what are your back-up plans?
A: We will still conduct debate education programs to other schools. UP Cebu and USC will host a Vis-Min Debate Championship this June or July. We hope we can bring stronger teams from Cebu.
E: I will be a speaker in debate seminars, adjudicator for the next Visayas Universities Debate Championship, in Bohol this time.
