The Cultural Center of the Philippines is launching Kanto Kultura: Baraptasan 2024, a nationwide competition that celebrates Balagtasan, a poetic joust attributed to literary master Francisco “Balagtas” Baltazar, infused with a contemporary twist.
Derived from two Filipino words, Balagtasan and rap, this competition is open to all Filipinos aged 18 and above. Interested participants need to form a group of three individuals: two as opposing sides in the verbal joust (Unang at Ikalawang Magbabaraptas), and one as the mediator (Lakandiwa).
Each group is required to submit a video of their verbal joust performance following the traditional Balagtasan format, engaging in debates on specified topics and presenting arguments using rap.
The provided topics include: (1) Sa pagsusulong ng kaunlaran ng bansa, aling paraan ang dapat gamitin – makabago o makaluma?; (2) Nakakatulong ba ang social media sa pag-unlad ng kaisipan ng mamamayan – oo o hindi?; and (3) Kailangan bang mangibang-bayan upang higit na mapaunlad ang sarili?
To promote Philippine literature and languages, the verbal joust performance must be in Filipino, Ilokano, Hiligaynon, or Cebuano.
The deadline for video submissions is on October 31, 2023. Entries can be submitted via https://forms.gle/fgxQx5j1nn7kiAS87. For inquiries, contact content@culturalcenter.gov.ph.
Among the submissions, 10 finalists will be selected and invited to perform in the national competition, scheduled on April 6, 2024, in Manila, commemorating the centennial anniversary of the first-ever Balagtasan.
Each participating group will be judged based on their effectiveness in discussing the given topic (35%), their proficiency in rap and Balagtasan (35%), and overall performance (30%).
The first prize winner will receive Php300,000, while the second and third prizes will be awarded Php200,000 and Php100,000, respectively. The other finalists will each receive Php50,000.
To learn more about CCP Kanto Kultura: Baraptasan 2024, follow the official CCP social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Additional information is available on the CCP website.
