The Association of Universities of Asia and the Pacific (AUAP) held their 4th International Speech Competition last November 4-6, 2019 at Sias International University Zhengzhou China with the theme: “Life is not just about survival, but also realizing self-fulfilment.”

Twenty-four participants attended the said event coming from 7 different countries like China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Iran, Bangladesh and Philippines. There were 8 participants from the Philippines and two of which came from Notre Dame of Jolo College. The representatives of NDJC were Fatima Marwa A. Fadzlulkarim, a grade 12 ABM student and Fatima Myra G. Kairan, a second year nursing student and were accompanied by Mr. Rapih Jairi as their coach.

The competition was composed of three rounds. First was the elimination round where the contestants showcased their prepared speech regarding the theme and was asked a relative question after the delivery. Only the top 15 remained in which Fadzlulkarim ranked first and Kairan ranked fifth. As the 2nd round commenced on the same day, the chosen 15 competed for an impromptu in which they were asked to define happiness. They were given 5 minutes to prepare and 5 minutes to deliver their answer. In this round, only 5 participants were chosen. Fadzlulkarim made it to the top 4 and was the only Filipino Muslim among China as top 1 and 5, Iran as top 2 and 3. Kairan placed 13th on this round.

The final round was held the next day as the five survivors prepared for another impromptu challenge in which they were given 30 seconds to prepare and 5 minutes to answer the question that goes “What is the effect of internet in your daily lifestyle?” The results turned out to be: 1st and 2nd: Iran, 3rd: China 4th: Philippines and 5th: China.

After the competition, the team was granted a tour around some places in China such as the Shaolin temple in which the movie “The Last Emperor” was filmed. They were treated with an experience on the Chinese culture and lifestyle.

When both were asked about how their experience was Fadzlulkarim stated:“Pressure was actually gripping my neck. Alhamdulillah, all of the late night trainings with Coach RJ and our exhausting travel from place to place paid more than enough. The victory of actually surviving the first round ranked as top 1 made me into tears. To Allah, my family, and friends, Sir RJ and the Notre Dame of Jolo Community, Governor Tan, it was not easy, but all of them paved our way to victory. To step on an international stage, I was certain of who I was representing: Islam, Sulu, Mindanao, Philippines and the Notre Dame Community.”

Kairan stated on her Facebook post “The 4th AUAP Student English Speech Competition… taught me lots of things and made me realize my existence.” “Looking back, I never imagined that I will be given an opportunity to represent my school in an International competition. Like who else would? Right? Somehow, I doubted my capacity. I never had an experience talking in front of the foreigners. But, I realized that the people from our school wouldn’t choose me if they didn’t saw something in me. Whatever it is, I don’t know. But I am happy and thankful for the trust they have given me.” She also thanked the people who supported her, family and friends, their coach, Fr. Eduardo Santoyo and the Notre Dame Community.

Kairan, Fadlulkarim and Sir Jairi sure did not disappoint the people of Notre Dame who were in full support of their travails. The team made sure to bring home victory even though being part of the AUAP is victory itself.