Dulaang Bayan Melbourne Inc (DBMI) Initiated a poetry and song competition titled “Pasikatan sa Pag-Awit at sa Pag-tula”, on 22 November 2014, from 1-4 pm at the Filipino-Australian Multi-purpose Centre in Footscray.
Without age limits, the contestants ranged from their late ’80s to the young age of 16.
“This contest is under the spirit of fun and camaraderie. We’re not trying to compete with the X-Factor or any other singing competitions,” quipped Frisco Gutierrez, the current DBMI chairperson, in his introductory speech.
Edna Sharpe won the first prize with her emotional delivery of “Luha” (Tears) which almost moved the audience to tears. Second-placed Emma Arizza was applauded for her timeless, oratorical piece ‘Captain, My Captain.’
The audience cheered and danced when Australian Don McLeish did his happy song. He romped the first prize in the singing competition which he rightfully deserved. A young teener, Erica Padilla and Olive Benedicto won the second and the third prize, respectively.
The parents of Erica said that it was the first time that their daughter had joined such a competition and they were very proud and happy that she won.
Apart from gift vouchers, the winners received a DBMI certificate of appreciation awarded by Gutierrez. Other contestants were also given a certificate of appreciation for their efforts in joining the competition.
DBMI wishes to thank the poetry judges John Alayon (publisher and editor of Pasa Pinoy); Maridel Martinez (SBS Filipino Radyo) and Celeste Ladislao (DBMI actor). The singing competition judges were Rolly Limun (composer, musical conductor and song writer); Jennifer Limbo (singer and broadcaster of Programa sa Radyo Filipino 92.3 FM) and Anthony Crisostomo (FCCVI PAG worker).
Light refreshments were served during the course of the event.
DBMI is planning to have the poetry and singing competition as an annual event and expects more contestants in the coming years.
