RIYADH, 26 November — A member of the International Philippine School in Riyadh (IPSR) Club virtually dominated the "Thriller and Laughter in November," a contest held among 11 Toastmasters clubs in the Saudi capital recently. The entry of IPSR member Lany May Capobres, titled "Men," was adjudged winner in the Humorous Speech category, and she also captured second place in the Table Topics category.
Members of the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Club also hugged the limelight, taking three of the six honors at stake. Bernie Vidal topped the Table Topics category, while Sam Palaganas ("First Exposure") and Tony Fernandez ("B52") won the second and third places, respectively, in the Humorous Speech category.
Completing the list of winners was Christopher Marlowe V. Laviña of Knights Toastmasters Club and Maharlika Advance Toastmasters Club, who took third place in Table Topics.
The other participating clubs were the Gavel Club, Ranao Toastmasters Club, Mabuhay Toastmasters Club, Toast of Comsofil, Sand Dunes Toastmasters Club, Riyadh Toastmasters Club and Serendib Toastmasters Club.
Event spokeswoman Marilyn Molina-Laviña (Knights) said the event was hosted by Maharlika and principally sponsored by Power Horse Energy Drink.
The panel of judges in Table Topics was chaired by Sinab M. Mabaning. Bert Rondario headed the judges for the Humorous Speech contest.
Rufino I. Jacobe, Jr. and Ramsay G. Tabing served as contest masters, while Ace Allen M. Gabriel and Nawawi M. Mabaning, the Toastmasters’ governor for the Riyadh area, were the toaster greeters.
Spicing up the event was a dance number by The Siblings, directed by Albert Bauzon, and a song by Jameela.
All the clubs are members of the International Toastmasters Club, a California-based organization whose aim is to build a pool of effective toastmasters (better known as emcees or masters of ceremonies) all over the world.