To provide ample time for more groups to produce their video entries, the Cultural Center of the Philippines has extended the application deadline for CCP Kanto Kultura: Baraptasan 2024 to 10 December.

The competition is open to groups, with members who must be Filipinos, and aged 18 and above. Each group must be composed of three individuals, two playing as the opposing sides in the verbal joust (Una at Ikalawang Magbabaraptas) and one mediator (Lakandiwa). Groups can use Filipino, Ilocano, Hiligaynon and Cebuano languages.

To join, groups must submit a video of their Baraptasan performance, focusing on any of these topics: (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?; (3) Kailangan bang mangibang-bayan upang higit na mapaunlad ang sarili?

Groups can submit their entry through this link: forms.gle/fgxQx5j1nn7kiAS87. Zoom recordings of the Baraptasan performance are also accepted.

From the submissions, 10 finalists will be selected and invited to perform in the national competition, slated for 6 April 2024, in Manila, in time for the celebration of the centennial anniversary of the first-ever balagtasan. Travel and accommodation expenses of the finalists during their stay in Manila will be shouldered by CCP.

Winners will receive P300,000 for the first prize; P200,000 for the second prize; and P100,000 for the third prize. Finalists will receive P50,000 each.

To know more about CCP Kanto Kultura: Baraptasan 2024, follow the official CCP social media accounts on Facebook.