News

Story writing contest on Cebuano folklore now on

A Bisaya story writing contest about Cebuano folklores is now open to individuals and schools based in Cebu.

The contest, called "Matod Pa Sa Lola Ni Noy Kulas," is a joint project of Sun.Star [Cebu] Superbalita, Sun.Star Network Exchange (Sunnex), Smart Communications Inc. and the University of the Philippines in the Visayas Cebu College-Central Visayas Studies Center (UPVCC-CVSC).

The story should be written in simple Sugbuanong Binisaya in 900 words or 5,000 characters with space, should tell about a Cebuano folklore popular in a certain place in Cebu, should have a setting or locale that uses symbols indigenous to the place, and has not been published previously.

The contest has two categories: individual and school. Five entries will be selected from each category.

In the individual category, only a current resident of Cebu province can join. He is required to submit, along with his story entry, a certification of his residency by the barangay captain.

The five winners in this category will each get P10,000 cash and one SmartBro Prepaid Plug-It.

In the school category, only a school located in Cebu province can join. The entry should be a group effort of teacher and students. Each group should only have five members.

The five winners in the school category will each get a PC for the school and a USB worth P500 for each team member.
Each participating individual or school can submit one to three entries.

The stories will be judged based on style, originality, use of symbols and appeal, and will be verified by UPVCC-CVSC for authenticity.

Entries can only be submitted by electronic mail. Entries not received by email will not be entertained. Entries are to be emailed to superstorybook@sunstar.com.ph.

Deadline for submission is on June 5, 2009. Winners will be announced on June 30, 2009.

The 10 stories that will be selected will be compiled in a book, which will be launched on October 25, 2009 during the 15th anniversary celebration of Sun.Star [Cebu] Superbalita.

They will also be posted on the websites of Sun.Star (www.sunstar.com.ph), Smart Schools Program (www.smartschools.ph) and Smart Doon Po Sa Amin (www.doonposaamin.ph).

The Matod Pa Sa Lola Ni Noy Kulas Project aims to promote the use of Sugbuanong Binisaya as a language; re-instill the love of reading among children of school age; document oral transmissions of traditional beliefs, myths, tales and practices of Cebuanos and preserve these in a book; and to develop Cebuanos' appreciation of their own folklore.

(Published 07 April 2009)