TWENTY-NINE sets of children contestants representing the local government units (LGUs) in Cebu vied for the top prizes in the guitar duet, vocal solo and rondalla competitions of the 5th Halad sa Kabataan (Gift to Children) on Oct. 26 at the Cebu Cultural Center, University of the Philippines Cebu campus.
With the theme “Palig-onon ang kaugmaon sa batang Sugbuanon (Strengthening the future of the Cebuano children),” this year’s Halad sa Kabataan showcased children’s talents in guitar duet with seven participants, vocal solo with 12 contestants and the rondalla with 10 groups.
The guitar tandem of Kier Mata and Jaime Duterte III of Danao City emerged champion with a P10,000 cash prize and a trophy while the contestants from Ginatilan and San Remigio towns got the 2nd and 3rd prizes, respectively.
For the guitar duet category, contestants played novelty songs of Cebuano composers and singers Yoyoy Villame and Max Surban.
The winners were given cash prizes of P10,000 for the champion, P8,000 for the second and P6,000 for the third, plus trophy and a consolation prize of P4,000 each for non-winners.
For the vocal solo competition, Jenelyn Tapuyao from San Fernando town got the championship crown with a cash prize of P5,000 plus trophy and a pair of Baktas shoes.
Beverly Jane Dulay of Dalaguete and Jomar Capuyan of Danao City placed second and third. They received P4,000 and P3,000 respectively, plus a trophy and a pair of Baktas shoes. The non-winners got P2,000 each.
For the Rondalla category, the 10 participating groups played “Rosas Pandan” as the contest piece.
The Sisters of Mary Boystown Rondalla of Minglanilla town was the champion. The group received P30,000 cash prize, while second placer Argao Rondalla received P25,000 and third place winner Danao City Central School Rondalla got P20,000, plus a trophy each.
Gov. Gwen Garcia said she was elated at the children’s improvements in guitar and rondalla since the first Halad competition.
Garcia said she hoped that the endeavors of the Provincial Council for the Welfare of Children will bear fruits and that the next generation will hold the reigns of government.
“The Halad sa Kabataan is a venue for our children to love and embrace the Cebuano culture and heritage,” she said.
The Cebu province also gave P50,000 cash to Child-Friendly LGUs. Topping the list of awardees were Talisay City in component city category, Argao town in 1st-3rd class municipality category and Tabuelan in 4th-5th class municipality category.
Pilar town in Camotes Island was awarded “Hall of Famer” for being a consistent regional and provincial winner for three consecutive years and a national finalist for this year.
The three major activities — the children’s congress for the pre-school children, children’s summit for the youth and the Halad sa Kabataan — are yearly programs of Cebu province that enhance the capability, skills, talents and artistry of every Cebuano child.