In a bid to keep the Filipino heritage alive among migrant communities in New Zealand, Banyuhay Aotearoa, a Filipino charity organization, is sparking youthful enthusiasm with a youth speech choir competition. This contest aims to foster love for Filipino literature, using the legendary poem of national hero Jose Rizal, “Sa Aking Kabata”.
Timed to coincide with National Language Month (Buwan ng Wika) in the Philippines this August 2023, the contest underscores the significance of preserving and celebrating Filipino culture and heritage, even thousands of miles away from home.
In a recent interview with Direk Rene Molina of NetKapihan Talakayan at Chikahan, members of Banyuhay Aotearoa discussed the charity’s work within the Filipino migrant community. The organization actively promotes various activities that emphasize the rich Filipino heritage and history.
The Sabayang Pagbigkas 2023, as the competition is known, is exclusive to 7-18-year-olds. It’s a thrilling opportunity for the children of Filipino migrant families in New Zealand to deepen their connection with their cultural roots.
Sabayang Pagbigkas 2023 Contest Mechanics:
- Open to groups of children aged 7-18 years old. All participants must currently reside in New Zealand and should not be affiliated or related to any of the Banyuhay Aotearoa Trustees.
- Each group must consist of 4 to 8 participants, with no participant belonging to more than one group.
- The official contest piece is Sa Aking mga Kabata.
- Only ONE video entry per group is allowed, submitted in .MP4 format with a maximum length of 5 minutes.
- The video must be shot in landscape orientation as a single-shot/seamless video. No additional sound effects or background music should be added. Video edits are only allowed for lighting/colour/sound quality adjustments.
- While costumes and choreography are encouraged, they are not a requirement. Costumes should be age-appropriate.
- All entries must be submitted online via Google Form completed by a nominated primary caregiver of any group participant. Entry forms must include the full names and addresses of each group member, their affiliated school (if applicable), the best contact number for the group, and an attached completed consent form for all minor members of the group.
The deadline for submission is July 28, 2023, with the champion to be announced on August 31, 2023.
Find the links to the Contest Piece, Mechanics, and Google Form in this tweet:
New Zealand's Filipino charity organization Banyuhay Aotearoa @BanyuhayA_NZ is holding a language contest for children in time for #BuwanNgWika. Details in the ff links: https://t.co/xrthIgmCKg
— GoodNewsPilipinas.com (@GoodNewsPinas_) July 26, 2023
Criteria for Judging:
- Diction accounts for 40% of the total score.
- Creativity comprises 25%.
- Video & Audio Quality contributes 20%.
- Public Votes/Audience Impact, including reactions to the video entry post on Banyuhay Aotearoa’s FB page and YouTube Channel, make up 5%.
- Prize
- The prize money for the winner is NZD 1,000
By integrating elements of the rich Filipino heritage into the contest, Banyuhay Aotearoa is contributing significantly towards the preservation and propagation of Filipino culture and values among the younger generation in New Zealand. The contest also provides a platform for these youngsters to celebrate their Filipino roots and showcase their talents.
Watch the video chat at the end to experience the channel’s multicultural focus of the network with a Filipino flavor.
CHECK OUT MORE of Direk Rene’s chats with Filipino-Kiwi newsmakers here:
- Auckland’s best batchoy cooked by a Filipino from Iloilo
- Get To Know Coach David, the Pinoy guide of the Tall Blacks New Zealand for the FIBA World Cup in the Philippines
- Cabalen Ballers win Ambassador’s Cup in Auckland, New Zealand
WATCH Rene Molina’s NetKapihan show and SEND CHEERS in the comments below!
Good News Pilipinas is a Lasallian Scholarum Awardee. TELL US your good news story tips by messaging GoodNewsPilipinas.com on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or e-mailing editor@goodnewspilipinas.com
