The Pilipinas Rotaract Multi-District Information Organization (MDIO) concluded its premier virtual public speaking development program, Speech Quest 2025, with resounding success. This initiative was strategically designed to empower young leaders across the ten Rotary International Districts in the Philippines, focusing on enhancing their skills in public speaking, critical thinking, and effective communication.
Held virtually to ensure wide reach and accessibility for Rotaractors nationwide, the program served as a vital platform for equipping future leaders with essential professional and interpersonal skills.
Building upon the achievements of its inaugural year, the 2025 edition sought to offer a more engaging and comprehensive experience. Organizers emphasized that in today’s dynamic global landscape, effective communication is a cornerstone of leadership. The program fostered a competitive yet supportive environment where young leaders could hone their oratory skills, develop confidence, and articulate their ideas with impact.
Key to the program’s success was the collaboration of its core partners: the Rotary Club of Laguna Bel Air, the Rotaract Club of Pakil Baybay Premier, and the Mabuhay Toastmasters Club—each contributing expertise in mentorship, leadership training, and public speaking excellence.
The skill-enhancement webinar attracted participation from over 180 Rotaractors nationwide. From this significant pool of talent, ten (10) Rotaractors distinguished themselves and advanced to the final rounds.
Finalists:
- Kyle Angelo Diciano, Rotaract Club of Tuguegarao, RID 3770
- Johnmar Joseph Lagrimas, Rotaract Club of Holy Spirit, RID 3780
- James Lanquino, Rotaract Club of Holy Spirit, RID 3780
- Eliona Loureyn Hernandez, Rotaract Club of Luntiang Maynila Prime, RID 3830
- Mia Cassandra Castro, Rotaract Club of Parola, RID 3830
- Ruzzel Santos, Rotaract Club of Zamboanga City North, RID 3850
- Nurkisa Asanji, Rotaract Club of Zamboanga City North, RID 3850
- Chrisnel Caipang, Rotaract Club of Metro Cebu CIT Chapter, RID 3860
- Nichole Gimeno, Rotaract Club of Dadiangas, RID 3860
- Shaira Marie Campilan, Rotaract Club of Carmen Valley, RID 3870
The competition featured a three-stage elimination process, designed to test the finalists’ adaptability, composure, and clarity of thought under pressure.
During the Semi-Finals held on October 4, 2025, all ten finalists delivered one Table Topics speech, after which the bottom five were eliminated. The Final Round then saw the remaining top five contenders deliver a second impromptu speech on a new topic to determine the final rankings.
Winners:
- 🏆 Champion: Kyle Angelo Diciano, Rotaract Club of Tuguegarao, RID 3770
- 🥈 1st Runner-Up: Chrisnel Caipang, Rotaract Club of Metro Cebu CIT Chapter, RID 3860
- 🥉 2nd Runner-Up: Nichole Gimeno, Rotaract Club of Dadiangas, RID 3860
The successful execution of the competition was made possible through the combined efforts of the co-presenting and supporting clubs, including the Rotaract Club of San Antonio De Padua (Technical Team), the Rotary Club of Bagumbayan-Manila, the Rotary Club of Pakil, and KAD Productions and Events (Technical Support). Additionally, the event was co-hosted by 18 Rotaract Clubs across the Philippines, showcasing the power of nationwide collaboration.
Champion: Rtr. Kyle Angelo Diciano (Rotaract Club of Tuguegarao, RID 3770)
1st Runner-Up: Nichole Gimeno (Rotaract Club of Dadiangas, RID 3860)
2nd Runner-Up: Chrisnel Caipang (Rotaract Club of Metro Cebu CIT Chapter, RID 3860)
The formal awarding ceremony for the winners is set to take place at GEAR 2026, with the official venue to be announced at a later date.
Speech Quest 2025 stands as a testament to the transformative power of communication—proving that when young leaders find their voice, they not only speak for themselves but also for the future they seek to build.
