Toastmasters slug it out in ‘Word War’

RIYADH, 6 April — Males may wear female attire, if they so wish. This ruling comes from judges of a debate held on March 29 at the International Philippine School in Riyadh (IPSR).

Dubbed "Word War at IPSR," the contest pitted two teams of toastmasters over an unlikely topic: whether males should wear skirts.

Declared winner was the affirmative team composed of Jamie Nava Cruz II, Ace Allen Gabriel, Edgar P. Guerrero, Edu Quizon, Felicitas Guerrero and Antonio C. Fernandez.

The losing team was composed of Dr. Lito Astillero, Isabelo Billy Castor, Marilyn M. Bularon, Paterno C. Obmerga, Renato Enriquez and Rodolfo A. Magdaraog.

Nava Cruz, who was the summation speaker, unleashed convincing arguments, and easily won the best debater plum.

PICPA Toastmasters gurus Norberto Rondario and Rufino I. Jacobe acted as chief judge and moderator, respectively.

The debate was one of the highlights of the induction ceremonies of Toastmasters Club 6374-U, one of the leading Toastmasters clubs in Riyadh.

As part of the ceremonies, area governor Nawawi M. Mabaning inducted the new set of officers for the first term of Program Year 2002-2003.

The officers are: Marilyn Molina-Lavina, president; Wilro A. Siose, vice president for education; Rodolfo A. Magdaraog, VP for membership; Marilyn M. Bularon, secretary; Ace Allen Gabriel, treasurer; Paterno G. Obmerga, sergeant-at- arms; and Antonio C. Fernandez, parliamentarian.

Another the highlight of the affair was the Recognition Night where Christopher Marlowe Laviña was awarded the most coveted "toastmaster of the year" title.

Receiving special awards were: Gabriel, most dependable, Magdaraog, most improved; Guerrero, most promising; Castor, most versatile; and Molina-Laviña, most enthusiastic.

Also known as Knights Toastmasters Club, the group meets every Friday at 6: p.m. at the IPSR.

Toastmasters clubs composed mostly of Filipinos have been expanding fast in the Kingdom, the Gulf countries and in Jordan over the past years.

They all belong to the California-based Toastmasters International, whose avowed mission is to help bring about civility and peace through effective communication.