It’s over…
I admit I had a spark of hope when Scintilla Juris did not immediately show up. My fingers were really crossed when the moderator started the countdown for SJ’s default. I felt really cold…excited…yet very nervous for they could come in Claro M. Recto Hall in any moment.
I was reviewing our arguments when I finally saw one of SJ’s debaters coming in. I then prepared myself for a certain defeat. We were primarily not ready. Who the hell would have the guts to go in a debate ill-equipped, knowing that the opponents were experts in argumentation?! Only us!!! Hahaha! Funny it may seem, but it took us a lot of courage to do so.
I was truly shaking but I tried my best not to show I was intimidated. My mind was really blank despite all the words that were coming out from my mouth when I was having my first speech. I was exceedingly panic-stricken for our opponents were law students. They must know the law, right? So I thought that no matter what we do in the debate, we would still be doomed to failure.
But my senses were struck when the second speaker of the affirmative side utilized argumentum ad hominem. Instead of negating my arguments, he gave focus on the way I attacked their points…he attacked my character! I know my face went pale for he undoubtedly harassed me. Duh! Never in my life did I appear pitiable in an assembly like that. So it somehow boosted my arrogance to emulate what he did. The fright in me suddenly faded away. That gave way for me to grill him in the interpellation. Though it was quite apparent that he was avoiding my questions, I am sure I still made him concede to what I was saying. Hehehe! It was my first time to cross examine someone and to deliver a rebuttal speech without having even just an outline of what I would impart! I must be proud of that… I might look rude because of the way I spoke in all of my speeches, but no one could blame me. My ‘very respectable opponent’ initiated it. Anyway, it was just a debate…a competition… They ought to understand it.
I honestly felt relieved when the last speech was delivered. SJ crossed the house and shook our hands. With all the stress I was experiencing these past few days, I can say that the smile I exhibited was genuine.
While waiting for the results, which by the way I sincerely did not anticipate to favor us anymore, I joined my ever supportive orgmates who were watching behind us. I did not intend to look weak for we incontestably did great in the competition, knowing that we were not geared up and that our opponents have long been skilled in debating. But when some SPECers huddled to cheer us up and when Lea patted my shoulder, I unexpectedly shed tears. It was perhaps just a way to release all the pressure, and to reciprocate the warmth I feel in UP SPECA.
When SJ was already announced as the winner, I believed that we were NOT losers. Not only we were sheltered by those people who never doubt our abilities, but we have also proven that we were not abysmal debaters for the judges, themselves, announced that it was a very close fight.
We might have lost the chance to advance to the finals and be the champions of the Pi Sigma Fraternity Open Debate Tournament 2006, but this will not dishearten us. It will rather be a challenge for us to further enhance our knacks. We will keep on shining!!!
I admit I had a spark of hope when Scintilla Juris did not immediately show up. My fingers were really crossed when the moderator started the countdown for SJ’s default. I felt really cold…excited…yet very nervous for they could come in Claro M. Recto Hall in any moment.
I was reviewing our arguments when I finally saw one of SJ’s debaters coming in. I then prepared myself for a certain defeat. We were primarily not ready. Who the hell would have the guts to go in a debate ill-equipped, knowing that the opponents were experts in argumentation?! Only us!!! Hahaha! Funny it may seem, but it took us a lot of courage to do so.
I was truly shaking but I tried my best not to show I was intimidated. My mind was really blank despite all the words that were coming out from my mouth when I was having my first speech. I was exceedingly panic-stricken for our opponents were law students. They must know the law, right? So I thought that no matter what we do in the debate, we would still be doomed to failure.
But my senses were struck when the second speaker of the affirmative side utilized argumentum ad hominem. Instead of negating my arguments, he gave focus on the way I attacked their points…he attacked my character! I know my face went pale for he undoubtedly harassed me. Duh! Never in my life did I appear pitiable in an assembly like that. So it somehow boosted my arrogance to emulate what he did. The fright in me suddenly faded away. That gave way for me to grill him in the interpellation. Though it was quite apparent that he was avoiding my questions, I am sure I still made him concede to what I was saying. Hehehe! It was my first time to cross examine someone and to deliver a rebuttal speech without having even just an outline of what I would impart! I must be proud of that… I might look rude because of the way I spoke in all of my speeches, but no one could blame me. My ‘very respectable opponent’ initiated it. Anyway, it was just a debate…a competition… They ought to understand it.
I honestly felt relieved when the last speech was delivered. SJ crossed the house and shook our hands. With all the stress I was experiencing these past few days, I can say that the smile I exhibited was genuine.
While waiting for the results, which by the way I sincerely did not anticipate to favor us anymore, I joined my ever supportive orgmates who were watching behind us. I did not intend to look weak for we incontestably did great in the competition, knowing that we were not geared up and that our opponents have long been skilled in debating. But when some SPECers huddled to cheer us up and when Lea patted my shoulder, I unexpectedly shed tears. It was perhaps just a way to release all the pressure, and to reciprocate the warmth I feel in UP SPECA.
When SJ was already announced as the winner, I believed that we were NOT losers. Not only we were sheltered by those people who never doubt our abilities, but we have also proven that we were not abysmal debaters for the judges, themselves, announced that it was a very close fight.
We might have lost the chance to advance to the finals and be the champions of the Pi Sigma Fraternity Open Debate Tournament 2006, but this will not dishearten us. It will rather be a challenge for us to further enhance our knacks. We will keep on shining!!!
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