For the fifth time, the Philippine School Doha (PSD) was crowned as the overall champion in the recently concluded 14th Order of the Knights of Rizal (OKOR) Talents and Skills Competition. The school emerged triumphant over five other Philippine schools in the Middle East in the competition that was recently held in Manama, Bahrain.
Dr Alexander S Acosta, principal of the school, spurred the PSD delegation on to reclaim the much coveted championship trophy with his words: “The ultimate victory in every competition is derived from the inner fulfilment of knowing that you have done your best and that you have gotten the most out of what you had to give. PSD OKOR delegation embraced the true meaning of victory.”
The OKOR, chartered under Republic Act 646, is a civic, patriotic, cultural and non-sectarian organisation in honour of the Philippine national hero, Dr Jose Rizal. The Middle East and Africa Region chapter annually holds an interschool, academic, talents and skills competition in Bahrain which coincides with the annual assembly of the Knights of Rizal.
The first day of the three-day long OKOR competition began at the Swiss International Palace Hotel in Manama, which also served as the venue for the following days.
Don John A Vallesteros, Researcher and Link Moderator, PSD, told Community, “The schools gathered in the hall to form the OKOR Regional Assembly. It was initiated with the floral offering by the Knights and VIP guests, followed by the Entrance of Marshall by the cadets from Philippine School Bahrain.
“Regional Commander Sir Zane M Thirwall gave his welcome address which was mainly about paying tribute to all the members of the Middle East and African Region-Knights of Rizal (MEAR-KOR). Quoting Jose Rizal, he said, ‘A life not consecrated to noble deeds is like a stone thrown into the fields and will never be a part of an edifice.’ The re-enactment of the Martyrdom of Rizal consequently followed and a fraternal sign was performed by the knights to conclude the first day of the OKOR competition.”
With the second day signalling the official start of the competition, on-the-spot painting and essay writing contests were held. Meanwhile, the ‘Search for the Young Maria Clara (the iconic heroine of a novel by Rizal) and Young Jose Rizal’ also commenced the same day.
The third and final day of the competition featured the Battle of the Brains, which pitted the mental prowess of not only the students, but also of the coaches “who never hesitated to make a stand whenever a question or answer was deemed invalid all through the event”.
At the event, the PSD delegates received awards in every category. John Manuel Esteron and Markus Golez, trained by Dr Julius Reyes and Mylene Santiago, were awarded as champion for the Battle of the Brains. Thea Astley, trained by Efren Burgos, emerged as the overall winner in the On-the-Spot Essay-Writing contest in Filipino. Maria Elise Sano was proclaimed the champion in the On-the-Spot Painting contest while Chynna Alexandra Belgica finished as the second runner-up.
The young painters of PSD were trained by Jesus Vega with the help of Jonald Ramas and Camille Balela. PSD’s Young Maria Clara Jasmine Cenil Paquibot, mentored by Wama Jorbina and Riza Constantino in Oration and Dr Julius Edrosolam in talent, attained the Best in Gown and second runner-up. Moreover, Zendrick Magboo, trained by Don John Vallesteros, was declared 1st runner-up and Best in Talent in the Search for Young Jose Rizal. Anne Maquirang, trained by Elena D. Castro, put up a good fight in the on-the-spot essay writing (English) contest.
The delegation of Philippine School Doha was spearheaded by Dr Caridad A Canete who never stopped spreading positivity in the entire duration of the competition. “Battle is the most magnificent competition in which a human being can indulge. It brings out all that is best; it removes all that is base. PSD delegation did give a good fight to its competitors and I am proud to be part of this institution,” Dr Canete said.
“The competition made the PSD OKOR delegation form a foundation to achieve the goal, which is to continue the passion for service and excellence. With the support of the entire PSD family and the assistance of the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers (IIEE) and PTA-BOD, PSD has once again proven that PSD only delivers the B.E.S.T. (Balanced Education in Science and Technology),” Vallesteros said.