The UP Debate Society (UPDS) ended its Pearl Anniversary Week (PAW) with a grand celebration on Dec. 7, marking 30 years of fostering critical thinking, eloquence, and camaraderie.
Held at the Shangri-La Complex, the event served as a fitting tribute to the society’s rich legacy and bright future.
The evening’s elegance was matched only by its vibrant energy, as attendees, dressed to impress in chic cocktail attire, gathered to honor three decades of excellence.
Current members and distinguished alumni, including founding member Jonathan Malaya, now serving as the assistant director general of the National Security Council (NSC), came together to reminisce and celebrate the society’s storied history.
The night’s program was a mix of heartfelt speeches, lighthearted games, and a showcase of debate prowess, embodying the spirit of UPDS.
With the guidance of faculty adviser Prof. Ramona “Monette” Flores, Malaya and a group of passionate debaters laid the foundation for what would become the UPDS.
In his keynote address, Jonathan Malaya reflected on the society’s beginnings in the early 1990s.
“Debate was not just an end in itself but a means to discover truth and the right course of action,” Malaya said, recalling the society’s guiding philosophy.
He also paid tribute to the late Anna “Bong” Alfaro, UPDS’s first president, whose vision and leadership helped establish the organization’s legacy.
From its inception, UPDS has been a force in the debate circuit, winning national and international accolades.
Highlights of its history include pioneering the introduction of parliamentary debate in the Philippines and representing the country on the global stage at the World Universities Debating Championship (WUDC).
“UPDS’s achievements have exceeded our wildest dreams,” Malaya added, expressing pride in the society’s enduring impact.
Hear, hear
UPDS President Jaed Bengzon provided an update on the society’s recent accomplishments.
From reaching finals at the Australasian and Asian championships to clinching top awards at local tournaments, UPDS continues to uphold its tradition of excellence.
“Debate is consuming,” Bengzon acknowledged, “but the people who understand and support us are here tonight, making it all worthwhile.”
The event also spotlighted the contributions of current members and the tireless efforts of the PAW Project Head, Cara Maminta.
“Organizing Pearl Anniversary Week was hectic yet fulfilling,” Maminta said. “Although the Board of Directors was in its first year, we rose to the challenge of celebrating UP Debate Society’s founding anniversary, showcasing the dedication of new members.”
Despite the challenges of balancing responsibilities, Maminta and her team delivered a memorable week-long celebration that included a historical gallery, a grand feast for UP students, and the culminating gala.
With all that and more
The culmination night was not all formalities.
Alumni and members bonded over a “Jologs Quiz Bee” that tested their knowledge of pop culture and current events, drawing laughter and camaraderie.
The night’s highlight was a mock debate featuring resident Thea Madrilejo, Nniel Pagdanganan, and Dylan Salcedo alongside alumni Lance Katigbak, Weston Lee, and Carlo Borromeo.
Tackling the motion “This House Would choose personality over looks,” the debaters blended wit and humor, showcasing their skills in a lighthearted yet engaging format.
UPDS capped event concluded with group photos that captured the unity and shared pride of the UPDS community. As the attendees mingled and reminisced, the atmosphere was electric—a celebration not just of milestones but of a shared journey.
As UPDS enters its fourth decade, it remains committed to its mission of cultivating critical thinkers and effective communicators.
Malaya’s poignant words underscored the night’s significance: “The UP Debate Society will always be our shared legacy. To those who came after us, thank you for keeping the flame burning bright.”
Pearl Anniversary Week exemplified UPDS’s enduring spirit as a society that shapes debates and changes lives. Here’s to three decades strong and many more to come.
The UP Journalism Club is an official partner of this event.
