The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) proudly commemorates the centennial anniversary of Balagtasan, showcasing its profound impact on Filipino artistic expression, on April 6 (Saturday), 2pm, at the Rizal Park Open Air Auditorium.
Since its inception on April 6, 1924, Balagtasan has flourished as a captivating form of verbal jousting, evolving into a platform for demonstrating mastery of the Filipino language and facilitating informed discussions on pertinent political and social issues.
Contrary to popular belief, Balagtasan was not created by renowned Filipino poet Francisco Balagtas; rather, it was named in his honor by Tagalog poet and fictionist Jose N. Sevilla, who coined the term “balagtasan.”
The celebration will feature the CCP Kanto Kultura: Baraptasan 2024 Grand Finals, where 10 finalists will engage in a modern showdown of skillful wordplay. Sponsored by the CCP Board of Trustees, this program highlights the contemporary relevance of Balagtasan.
The finalists include: Rapper sa Pinas, Harayasista Group, City of Koronadal, Ang Mga Supling ni Angela, Lakbay Iral, El Setecientos, Tagapagtaguyod ng Literatura at Wika (TANGLAW), Waraptasan, BarapBida Normalista, and DMD. These finalists will compete for cash prizes: Php 300,000 (first prize), Php 200,000 (second prize), and Php 100,000 (third prize), with Php 50,000 awarded to each of the remaining finalists.
In addition to the competition, the event will feature performances by renowned groups from across the country, paying homage to the enduring legacy of Balagtasan. Sponsored by the National Parks Development Committee (NPDC), the event is free and open to the public.
For the latest updates on CCP Kanto Kultura: Baraptasan 2024 and the centennial celebration of Balagtasan, follow the official CCP and CCP Kanto Kultura Facebook pages or email content@culturalcenter.gov.ph for more information.
