“NAG shashampoo ba ang kalbo?” is a question that may sound funny, but in reality, it challenges a person’s thinking and argumentative skills. This prompt was one of the few debate topics discussed during the comeback event of San Beda Alabang Debate Society (SBADS), “Speak with Passion: Open Mic and Welcome Debate,” held on Oct. 27 in Fr. Bellarmine Hall at SBCA.

After a two-year hiatus, SBADS revived the spirit of debate and public speaking in the Bedan community. Now that we are in a culture where people freely share their ideas without thinking about their meaning or purpose, this has allowed people to refuse to have their beliefs challenged. However, debate and public speaking aim to redefine it.

Avenue for Expression

Prof. Ralfh Anthony Espiritu, the SBADS moderator, commenced the event with his welcoming remarks and expressed that it was made possible despite the event being moved to various dates. He explained that the event is a good way for the students to express themselves and take time off from the recently concluded midterm examinations. Prof. Espiritu also took the opportunity to thank the officers and members of the organization for making the event possible. 

In explaining the background of the event, Luis Marco Mendoza (IV-BSBA-FM), Captain of Trainings, indicated that the Open Mic was the brainchild of the organization’s Prime Minister, Donovan Joshua Hollanda (V-BSLM). Mendoza said that because of the challenges faced by the debate society in the past, they wanted to give the students an avenue to express themselves, showcase their talents and skills in speaking and debating, and learn from the ideas shared by the students.

Always Speak With Passion

The event’s main highlight was the creative debate wherein experienced debaters and first-timers were randomly picked to debate a certain topic. The hosts of the event, Bianca Borromeo (V-BSLM) and Joshua Grijaldo (IV-BSLM), Minister of Finance and Sergeant-at-Arms, respectively, encouraged the participants that their arguments do not have to be scientifically rooted or researched. 

 The topics that were debated are: “Ano ang na una: itlog o manok?”, “Gumagamit ba ang kalbo ng shampoo?”, “An endangered plant is being eaten by an endangered animal, which should be prioritized?” Although these were not usually used in debating competitions, these motions made the participants think critically to defend their arguments. Students who gave the most convincing argument were awarded gift certificates from Starbucks.

Sic Parvis Magna

The Bedan Herald had the opportunity to interview some of the officers from SBADS exclusively and asked them about their thoughts on the role of debate, what it means to speak with passion, and the organization’s return.  

Froilan Tiamzon (V-BSLM), SBADS Secretary, expressed that debate is a medium to unveil the abstract of a person’s thinking in discussing various topics from different perspectives. However, he emphasized that it’s important that an individual must first have a genuine love for speaking to propel him or her in achieving his or her potential. Tiamzon said, “a fruitful outcome from the permutations of debating is being realized in the process on the spot with our own voices.”  

Meanwhile, Joaquin Enrique Santos (IV-BAP), SBADS Deputy Prime Minister, stressed that in the context of today’s society, to speak with passion is to express oneself, especially when an idea becomes incongruent with other people’s ideals and beliefs. “[Debate] is the method of making our sense of justice and peace known in the presence of a reality that perpetuates fraudulence and conflict,” Santos said.  

Donovan Joshua Hollanda (V-BSLM), SBADS Prime Minister, said that when asked what the Bedan community shall expect from the new SBADS, the organization will focus on team development and fostering the relationship of the members with its officers. He also shared that the organization is still open for students who wish to be part of the debate society. “Expect a better SBADS with events focusing on team effort and events that cater to relationships within the whole CAS community,” Hollanda added.  

As SBADS returns, the Open Mic was a small step to making their tagline “Sic Parvis Magna,” or “Greatness from small beginnings,” a way to reclaim their glory. After all, the event reminded all Bedans that when participating in a discourse, people must not only use the right words but also have passion when speaking as a medium to carry out the message and create an impact on the audience.