Debating Toward the 46th Area Conference

MANILA, Philippines, January 20, 2026 — The JCI Manila Clubhouse came alive as members gathered for an evening dedicated to learning, fellowship, and leadership through the JCI Manila Debate Team’s Public Speaking Training, serving as an important step in the chapter’s preparation for its first debate tournament at the 46th Area Conference.

Organized by Chairmen Carlo Cruz and Levy Macaraig, the training welcomed both new and veteran members eager to strengthen one of the most valuable skills a leader can possess: the ability to communicate with confidence and conviction.

Before the sessions began, members shared a hearty dinner and enjoyed the opportunity to reconnect with brothers they had not seen in some time. Conversations flowed easily, laughter filled the clubhouse, and the evening reminded everyone that JCI Manila is built on both friendship and continuous learning.

Hosted in the Limitless Center, the training highlighted the importance of public speaking in every member’s JCI journey, professional career, and daily life. Every lesson encouraged participants to become more confident speakers and more effective leaders.

The program officially opened with inspiring remarks from SG Bobbit Castro, while the training itself was led by LSDD Vjohn Dizon and Comm Enro Mendoza. His energetic and engaging approach transformed the session into an interactive experience that kept everyone involved from start to finish.

Adding even more excitement was the playful exchange of jokes and puns between LSDD Vjohn and SG Bobbit. Their natural chemistry kept the audience laughing throughout the evening, making the training feel more like an entertaining performance than a conventional seminar.

The event was further enriched by the presence of special guest Area Chairman Kerwin Faustino, whose support reflected the collaborative spirit shared among JCI organizations.

At the same time, a second room served as the training ground for the chapter’s debate team as members prepared for JCI Manila’s first debate tournament at the upcoming 46th Area Conference. The parallel session demonstrated the chapter’s commitment to developing confident communicators and competitive debaters ready to represent JCI Manila on the Area stage.

The evening culminated in a live debate exhibition featuring:

Team A

• Carlos Mattus
• RSDD Clarence Santos
• Charles De Belen (San Beda Law Debate Team)

Team B

• Commissioner Raj Parwani
• Elika Rillera (San Beda Debate Team)
• Billy Gene Balsamo (University of Asia and the Pacific)

Both teams showcased impressive critical thinking, persuasive arguments, and confident delivery in a spirited exchange of ideas. After an engaging and closely contested debate, Team A emerged victorious, demonstrating the composure, teamwork, and communication skills that JCI Manila hopes to bring to the 46th Area Conference.

JCI Manila Pres Eds Ke delivered the closing remarks, thanking everyone who made the event possible and recognizing the chapter’s special guests. Tokens of appreciation were presented to AC Kerwin Faustino of JCI Quezon City Capitol, Elika Rillera of the San Beda Debate Team, and Billy Gene Balsamo of the University of Asia and the Pacific for sharing their knowledge and inspiring the members.

More than just a public speaking workshop, the evening marked the beginning of JCI Manila’s journey toward the debate stage at the 46th Area Conference. Through learning, laughter, healthy competition, and brotherhood, the Debate Team took another step toward representing the chapter with confidence, excellence, and purpose.