LGU-Koronadal Honors 1st BaRAPtasan Champion
After their historic victory in the 1st BaRAPtasan 2024 Competition, the Team Bagong Koronadal Advocates were greeted with admiration and compliments by the officials and employees of the city government of Koronadal as they took center stage during the Monday convocation on April 15, 2024, at the City Hall Lobby.
The team, comprising performers Philip Jay Leaño, Gelai Faith Leal, John Van Lapu, along with their coach, scriptwriter and director Jonathan Enmanuel, emerged victorious among ten (10) finalists Kanto Kultura BaRaptasan organized by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) held at the Rizal Park Open Air Auditorium, Manila, on April 6, 2024. The team’s extraordinary performance secured them the championship and a cash award of P300,000.00.
The national competition coined as “BaRAPtasan” is a unique fusion of traditional balagtasan (debate done in rythmic verse, popularized by Francisco “Balagtas” Baltazar) and modern rap (characterized by rhythmic, rhyming speech over a musical beat pattern).
With their exceptional talent and dedication, the Bagong Koronadal Advocatesdefeated other contenders from across the nation: Ang Mga Supling ni Angela of Tabaco City, Albay; Barapbida Normalista of Tacloban, Leyte; DMD of Makati City; El Setecientos of Sta. Rosa, Laguna; Harayasista Group of Labo, Camarines Norte; Lakbay Iral of Dasmariñas City, Cavite; Rapper sa Pinas of Bocaue, Bulacan; Tanglaw of Ilocos Sur; and Waraptasan of Tacloban City, Leyte.
Their winning piece entitled “Nakatulong ba ang Social Media sa Paghubog ng Kaisipan ng Sambayanan?” resonated with the audience, earning them resounding applause and accolades.
Meanwhile, in recognition of the team’s accomplishment, the Sangguniang Panlungsod honored them with a special tribute. City Councilors Ma. Ester M. Catorce and John Rey “Chow” P. Rodriguez presented them with a copy of Resolution No. 52, Series of 2024. The resolution, crafted and authored by both councilors, congratulates the team for their monumental victory on the national stage.
The councilors also assured them additional cash incentives from the city government aside from the P300,000.00 grand prize in line with the Cash Incentives Ordinance of the City of Koronadal, which rewards winners in government-sanctioned competition in various fields such as sports, skills, academics, culture and the arts and literary competitions.
In a brief statement, Councilor Catorce announced, “For the information of all, of course, ang ating mga winners, ay tatanggap din po ng cash incentives.”
In support to the pronouncement of Hon. Catorce, Councilor Rodriguez mentioned, “That’s on top of the P300,000.00 na napanalunan nila kasi kakapasa lang ng bagong ordinansa na nagbibigay din ng insentibo sa mga talento natin dito sa City of Koronadal….[…..]tatanggap din ang ating mga kalahok ng, if I’m not mistaken, tig P20,000.00.”
Koronadal City Mayor, Eliordo U. Ogena, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the champions. He praised them for their exemplary representation of the city and for bringing honor to Koronadal. He noted how the team had successfully embodied three of the city’s eight core values during the competition.
“What are the three core values applicable dito…[..]….Competitiveness, Commitment and Discipline. Gusto kong ma-internalize ito nating lahat”, Mayor Ogena said.
The team’s triumph is a shining testament to the city’s vibrant cultural scene and the immense talent its citizens possess. As they enjoyed the admiration and compliments of their fellow Koronadaleños, the team stood as a beacon of the city’s unwavering commitment to nurturing art, culture, and excellence. Their victory has indeed set a high bar for future competitions, and a moment of pride that the city will cherish.