Anti-poverty group launches rap contest

MANILA, Philippines - The Global Call to Action against Poverty (GCAP)-Philippines has launched a "Rap against Poverty and Inequality" competition. The contest is open to Filipino youths, from 15 to 35 years old who may have an original rap composition on the theme, "Stand Up, Take Action against Poverty and Inequality." "We want to drum up awareness on the state of poverty and inequality in the country," said Joel Saracho, GCAP-Philippines coordinator. "What better way to do it than to use the language of our youth, this country's future," he added. Competitors may do a solo performance or perform as a group. They are required to submit their demo CD of their orginal rap composition, a hard copy of the lyrics and a duly accomplished and notarized entry form. Interested individuals or groups are also required to gather signatures for GCAP's "50-50" campaign (20 for individual entries, 50 for group entries). Entry forms are available at the GCAP Office, Room 130 Alumni Center, UP Diliman and/or from GCAP-Phils member organizations. Entry forms can be photocopied. Each entry should be no less than three minutes and not more than 5 minutes; The entries will be judged according to musicality and content. From the entries, a screening committee will select 10 finalists. The top 10 finalists will be required to attend a two-day training to fine tune their entries before the finals night. The top 10 entries will be included in an album of rap music on poverty to be released in 2009. GCAP Philippines will share the rights to the final entries for three years, and reserves the right to record and perform the pieces as part of its advocacy work. Winners will be awarded trophies and cash prizes – P30,000 first prize, P20,000 for 2nd prize and 10,000 for the 3rd prize. Each finalist will be awarded a certificate of participation. Deadline of entries is at 10 p.m. on September 30, 2008. - GMANews.TV