Crissotan keti Kuliat 2012

Just recently, "Crissotan keti Kuliat 2012" was held at the Museo ning Angeles (Angeles Museum) at the Museo stage in Angeles City. "Crissotan" or the Kapampangan balagtasan featured talented secondary students of Angeles City  who debated in poetic verse.

The Kapampangan version of the balagtasan was born in 1926, or two years after its Tagalog counterpart. Named in honor of poet Crisostomo Soto, the crissotan consists of eight (8) rounds, each round with two (2) stanzas, each stanza composed of eight (8) rhymed lines, each line with 12 or 16 syllables. A variation of the crissotan is the three-way tolentinuan, named after another Kapampangan poet, Aurelio Tolentino. Amado Yuzon, who coined the term crissotan, was the Ari ning Crissotan from 1930 until his death in 1979. Jose Gallardo of Candaba was the last major proponent of crissotan. The Center occasionally holds crissotan in school to reintroduce this art form to students. (from Center for Kapampangan Studies) http://www.hau.edu.ph/kapampangan_center

The contest program is a talent showcase of culture and the arts as the students and talent awardees delivered their pieces to compete and entertain the attendees of the event.

According to Joy Cruz, Executive Director of Kuliat Foundation Inc., criteria for judging included Pangakabisa keng Paksa (Mastery), 35%; Ustu Pamigale (Delivery) 30%; Lindayug king Pamigale at Kimut king Entablado (Stage Presence)    25%; Pamananggap ning publiku 10%, total of 100%.

The judges for the prestigious competition were Rey Tanjoco, Frank Guinto and Adora Ferrer. Organizers of the event  were Parnasung Kapampangan headed by Hari Renato B. Alzadon represented by Amado Higante; JDN Center for Kapampangan Studies headed by Robby Tantingco represented by Myra Lopez; Kuliat Foundation Inc. headed by President Sallie Naguiat  represented by Joy Cruz; and Angeles City Tourism Office headed by Christine Nunag.

Cash prizes, trophies were given to deserving students after the program.
The event was spearheaded by ACTO - in partnership with Center for Kapampangan Studies (CKS) of Holy Angel University, Parnasong Kapampangan and the
Kuliat Foundation.

List of Participants for Crissotan Keti Kuliat 2012:
Holy Angel University 
    Regina David
    Ramon Garcia
    Yvonne Candelaria
    Ms. Irish dela Cruz – teacher /  Ms. Lizabelle Gamboa - Principal

Christian Charismatic Ecumenical Ministry International (CCEMI)  Academy
    Jerome Elijah O. Ang    
    Angel Ricaela B. Dela Cruz    
    Cristelle Joy M. Mendoza   
    Mrs. Ligaya M. Garcia – Officer-in-Charge

Rafael L. Lazatin Memorial High School – 2nd Place
    Leife Ericson P. Tubig
    Abegail B. Baluyut
    Camille O. Evaristo
    Mr. Edgar John M. Ocampo - teacher

Holy Family Academy  - 1st Place Winner
    Paulo Adrian Malonzo
    Kim Russer Santos
    Joshua Mae Chantengco
    Mr. Ryan Sarmiento – teacher / Sr. Josefina Nepomuceno - Principal

Angeles City National Trade School
    Ma. Cassandra Z. Agapito
    John Paul  B. Torres
    Rusty O. Cortez
    Belinda P. Gozun - teacher  /  Ms. Aida T. Galura - Principal

Bonifacio Romero Memorial High School – 3rd Place
    Ms. Elvira Marquez - Principal