RIYADH, 19 March — Norberto U. Rondario, a financial analyst of Olayan Financing Company bested 7 other contestants in the recently concluded Riyadh Area 3 Toastmasters international speech and evaluation contests held last Friday at the International Philippine School in Riyadh (IPSR).

A member of PICPA Toastmasters Club since 1996, Bert, as he is fondly called, is a competent toastmaster (CTM) and has been a consistent winner in Club, Area, and Gulf Contests.

His winning piece, “A Gift from my Dad,” brought down the house.

Other winners in the international speech contest were Rufino I. Jacobe, Jr. second place; and Saidali M.Malik, 3rd place.

Completing the list of winners for the evaluation contest were: Rufino I. Jacobe, Jr., 1st place; Luz F. Escobido, 2nd place; and Saidali M. Malik, 3rd place.

Riyadh Area 3 is composed of 5 Toastmasters clubs namely: PICPA, Ranao, Knights, IPSR and Maharlika Advanced Club.

Knights Toastmasters Club headed by Marilyn Molina-Lavina hosted the event.

“Area Contest,” she said, “has a threefold purpose: to provide an opportunity for proficient speakers to gain contest experience; to provide an interesting educational program for toastmasters and the general public; and to provide a learning experience to non-competing toastmasters by observing proficient speakers in competition.”

Knights’ singing couple Tony and Nits Fernandez, Menchie Barnido, Pat Obmerga, Alex Cansino and Enrico Abad of Mabuhay Toastmasters Club entertained the audience while Ma. Isabel Guansing, Menchie Barnido, Rene Enriquez and Edu Quizon acted as receptionists.

Ramsay G. Tabing donated 6 handsome trophies. Ace Allen Gabriel and Rudy A. Magdaraog designed the beautiful backdrop of the stage while Bart Escorial provided the sound system.

Other clubs that graced the occasion were Mabuhay, Toast of Comsofil, Sand Dunes, Serindin and First Arabian Advanced Toastmasters.

Molina-Lavina urged other Filipinos to join the Toastmasters as this will develop one’s communication and leadership skills.

“There are 15 Clubs in Riyadh to choose from” she added.