The Cultural Center of the Philippines brings the captivating world of verbal jousts and highlights its brilliance and profound influence on Filipino culture in celebration of the centennial anniversary of Balagtasan on 6 April, 2 p.m., at the Rizal Park Open Air Auditorium.

The first Balagtasan happened on 6 April 1924. Since then, the art of verbal jousting has continued to thrive, evolving into a verbal display of one’s mastery of the Filipino language. It also becomes a powerful tool to engage the public in informed conversations on pressing political and social issues.

Contrary to popular belief, the poetic debate known as balagtasan was not created by foremost Filipino poet Francisco Balagtas, but was named so in his honor. Tagalog poet and fictionist Jose N. Sevilla is credited for coining the word “balagtasan.” 

The CCP Kanto Kultura: Baraptasan 2024 Grand Finals will happen on the same day, as the highlight of the celebration. A program initiated by the CCP Board of Trustees, the Baraptasan will have 10 finalists who will battle it out in a modern showdown of skillful wordplay.

The finalists include: Rapper sa Pinas with Oliver Almidin Monindero, Ernesto Canoy, Jr. and Fernando Melencio, Jr; Harayasista Group, with John Earnest M. Evidor, Anynel L. Garino and James Son E. De la Cruz; City of Koronadal with Jon Van Esmael T. Lapu, Angel Faith P. Leal and Philip Jay P. Leaño; Ang Mga Supling ni Angela with Jan Carl B. Campit, Francis B. Balingbing and Kirschen Xyvrl I. Balajadia; and Lakbay Iral with Aaron Vincent G. Jimenez, Louie Ross P. Reyes and Gabriel Angelo Pedrosa.

Completing the list of finalists are El Setecientos with John Arkhi Corpuz, Miguel Bardaje and Raynald Simon; Tagapagtaguyod ng Literatura at Wika (TANGLAW) with Schulamight Kate C. Manzano, Edlyn Joy M. Baniqued and Deprisse Andre Guco; Waraptasan with James Lorie Leala, Kenneth Cinco and Ma. Regina Babon; BarapBida Normalista with Wally O. Concepcion, Dave Anthony C. Padel and Ray Vincent R. Padiwan; and DMD with John Dave P. Rosimo, Marielle Lou C. Bernardo and Reynaldo S. Bernardo.

The event, sponsored by the National Parks Development Committee, is free and open to the public.

To get 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 e-mail [email protected] for more information.