“Ateneo de Davao College of Law debate Team brought home the bacon”

(From left to Right) Karina Ana Bote (3^rd Year), John Frederick Derije (Fresh Graduate), Ria Danielle Lumapas (2^nd year)
(Photo Credit: Team Acosta)

Ateneo de Davao College of Law successfully bagged the championships for the ANC Square Off: The Firm Debate Season 10 last March 27, 2015 at the ABS-CBN Dolphy Theatre. The last two teams standing were Ateneo de Manila and Ateneo de Davao University arguing the motion “LIBRT the TRO issued by the Court of Appeals to restrain the preventive suspension of Makati Mayor Jun Jun Binay is not moot and academic.” The AdDU Law Forensic Team argued for the affirmative side while AdMU took the negative. In the end, Ateneo de Davao College of Law made history by winning the season’s championship.

Members of AdDU Law debate team are Ria Danielle Lumapas (2^nd year), who was the Judges’ choice of Best Speaker, Karina Ana Bote (3^rd Year), who was also awarded as People’s choice of Best Speaker and John Frederick Derije (Fresh Graduate).

Asked about their debate experiences prior to the championships, Ana said she started doing debate way back High School and shared that “It’s actually my third time in the competition nung nanalo kami”. John also shared that debate has always been part of him but just until practices. “Yun yung first competition ko”- referring to the ANC season 10 championships. 

Talking about their Square Off journey, “I just need 4 minutes not to screw up. Nung natalo kami ni Ria nung season 8, umiyak kami sa balcony. Sinabi naming ni Ria na di kami magququit  dito. Magiging champions kami.” Karina shared. John also spilled his thoughts during the competition, “First round pa lang nung season 10, eliminations pa lang kini-claim ko na na magiging champions kami.” This positive mindset of John brought laughter to the group. 

The Sqaure Off is not just any debate competition. During the interview Ria described it as, “Ang square off kasi you really have to research for it, not just for your side but also the opposing side kasi you need to preempt kung ano yung pwede nilang sabihin. Yung lagi naming sinasabi na “No stone left unturned” so hindi kami papasok dun sa round na meron pa kaming questions regarding the motion so dapat lahat ng pwedeng angle at atake (we are prepared for it).”

The team is utterly very thankful to all those who have been with them before and during the competition. To all their teachers, mentors and advisers that made them competent as they are. But the team made mention the huge contribution of their coach Atty. Vincent Juan for their success. 

According to Karina, “Pero yung coach naming talaga is si Atty. Vincent Juan, grabe every night talaga kasama naming siya, pati sa Manila, hindi na natutulog. Kahit nga sa dreams nag.si sleep talk siya about the debate.” Adding to this Ria said that “Kasi si sir Vince siya yung first na nagchampion sa Ateneo debate 7 years ago beating Ateneo de Manila as well.”

This has truly been very significant and historical for the Ateneo de Davao College of Law as well as for the City of Davao. Kudos for these very brilliant individuals! We are very proud of you.