Point to Blue Phoenixes: PISQ ranks third for the QDSL Boys Division

Written by: Markel Nicole S. Salamat

Feature Writer

Date: March 30, 2021

Venue: Zoom (Online)

On the 30th of March 2021, the finals and awarding for the Qatar Schools Debate League - Boys (QDSL-B) was held via a Zoom meeting. On this momentous day, three representatives, Rhee Jeremiah S. Costan, Justin Varick S. Pacer, and Muhaimen G. Dibansa were awarded with 3rd, 6th, and 9th place respectively, a feat that can be commended by many.

Debaters Justin Varick Pacer, Jesron Tabujara, and Fritz Nathan Diaz represented PISQ in the Nationals. When asked about his thoughts on being among those awarded in the debate league Pacer stated, “Obviously, I was ecstatic. I didn't really expect that I would even reach the top spot in one of the seasons because I was just playing around with it but in the end, I was able to reach it. It was also kind of nerve-wracking at first because being awarded means holding onto a responsibility that you must continue for the future years to come. But that’s also a great thing because it would only mean that I’ll still be in the debating realm for as long as I can.” 

While the boys weren’t able to join the finals, they were all glad that they had managed to have been part of the event. They had faced many challenges to get to where they were. Dibansa in particular stated that there were times that they couldn’t even comprehend their opponents due to their muffled microphones and there were times where there were technical difficulties that lead to a few problems. 

Readers can only assume how frustrating it could have been to have to work around these issues however the students’ efforts have been rewarded with spots among the top 10, a feat any future representatives will wish to achieve as well. Pacer generously offered this piece of advice to those who wish to compete; 

“To anyone who wishes to join in the future, always remember that being a first timer is not something that you should be afraid of.” Pacer emphasized on how debating is a fun journey of self-improvement wherein teamwork is an essential aspect. He added that debating requires a wide array of skill set such as critical thinking, agility, and even how you brainstorm about your arguments. “If you are ever given the chance to join, then by all means, join. Because just like me, you will never know how far you’ll soar if you don’t even try it in the first place.”

The boys also expressed great excitement at the idea of more representatives joining them as well as being able to experience the event again. Costan specifically stated that he enjoyed the competition and that he would absolutely join again if he were given the chance to. 

To close it off, they expressed gratitude to a few people. Firstly their coaches, Ms. Lei Asis and Mr. Jaspher Tapiz, for assisting them through the event and pushing them to do their best. Next, their team members, former and current, who served as their backbone and for giving them the support they needed to give their speeches, and lastly, their parents and family members, for being there for them and supporting their careers and endeavors. 

        The QPDSL held an awarding 14 days after and the following PISQians were among the top speakers: Mark Erwin P. Pesino and Ronald Angelo M. Garcia tied as the best speaker and Walfred Wayne P. Zurbano as 10th.

The last time PISQ joined QatarDebate was year 2017. After a 3-year hiatus, PISQ is back with first-time debaters.!

It has been a long, yet fruitful journey for these PISQ students, but this only a small part of the great adventure lies ahead of them. One hopes that perhaps this will also inspire others to pick up their books, put on their coats, and begin their own journey down this fantastic path of debating.