ASHS Debaters are NAsHDC 2025 Novice Grandfinalists

Ateneo de Manila Senior High School (ASHS) debaters achieved one of their most successful performances in recent memory at the prestigious National Asian Schools Debating Championship (NAsHDC) 2025. The ASHS contingent showcased outstanding consistency across the competition's tough elimination rounds: 

ADMU SHS C—composed of Mico Siosana (12-Denn), Sam Dionisio (12-Anchieta), and James Arzaga (11-San Vitores)—emerged as the National Novice Grandfinalists. 

ADMU SHS B—featuring Dior Gothong (12-Walpole), Josh Ong Ante (12-Solinas), and Charlie Cariño (11-Hoyos)—distinguished themselves as National Semi-Finalists, securing an official podium finish in the main division. 

Advancing to the Octofinals (Top 16) were the members of ADMU SHS A: Chloe Magsalin (12-Grodecky), Jesu Manzano (12-Grodecky), and Xyza Dazon (11-Hoyos). 

The team's individual talent was also recognized with top speaker awards: Jesu Manzano was named the 8th Best Speaker of the Philippines, and Mico Siosana was recognized as the National Novice Finals Best Speaker. 

The debaters extend their heartfelt gratitude to the following for their unwavering support: Mrs. Patricia Lorica-Rivera, Mr. Franz Jan S. Santos, and Ms. Eunice F. Mina, along with coaches Pio Ventura, Luigi Alcañeses, Kristen Rivera, Aki Delos Santos, Sam Tango, Jasmin Ang, and David Bejarin. 

Organized by the La Salle Debate Society, NAsHDC is one of the Philippines’ most competitive national debate tournaments. It follows the Asian Parliamentary format and attracts top secondary school teams from across the country. The tournament structure includes seven preliminary rounds per division, after which the highest-ranking teams advance to the elimination stages, culminating in the semi-finals and finals. 

The 2025 edition attracted 186 debaters and was held online from September 24 to 27. Originally scheduled to take place onsite at De La Salle University in Manila, the tournament was successfully moved to a virtual platform due to inclement weather that weekend.