4 days ago
Atin Ito launches West Philippine Sea rap contest
"In the same way that the corridos and protest songs of our past gave voice to the people's struggles, this campaign gives today's generation a beat to march to in the fight for our sovereignty," Atin Ito said. Photo: Atin Ito
The Atin Ito Coalition on Monday announced a rap contest as part of its campaign to raise awareness about the West Philippine Sea (WPS) issue.
'Teritoryo: WPS Online Rap Challenge' calls on Filipino artists to compose and perform original rap verses in Filipino and/or English using the instrumentals of Morobeats's Teritoryo.
'The defense of our seas is not only fought on the waves, but also in our words, art, and music. Through this challenge, we turn rhythm into resistance and lyrics into a call for unity,' Atin Ito co-convenor and Akbayan Partylist president Rafaela 'Paeng' David said in a statement.
According to Atin Ito, the contest is open to all Filipinos aged 13 and above, including OFWs and diaspora communities.
Participants will create a one-minute rap on the 'Teritoryo: West Philippine Sea Online Rap Challenge' and post it publicly on TikTok, Instagram Reels, Facebook Reels, or YouTube Shorts.
Entries must include the hashtags #TeritoryoRapChallenge and #WPSAtinIto, tag @Morobeats and @AtinIto, and follow Morobeats and Atin Ito on all social media platforms.
Multiple entries are allowed but only one winning entry per person, Atin Ito said.
'In the same way that the corridos and protest songs of our past gave voice to the people's struggles, this campaign gives today's generation a beat to march to in the fight for our sovereignty,' Atin Ito co-convenor and Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM) president Edicio Dela Torre said.
The contest runs for 30 days from the date of launch. After five days, organizers will announce Top 3 winners and a Most Viewed Bonus Award.
Judging will be based on lyrical content and message (40%), originality and creativity (30%), performance and delivery (20%), and audience engagement (10%), Atin Ito said.
For his part, renowned folk singer Noel Cabangon stressed the power of music to inspire civic action.
'Music moves hearts and minds. By blending the artistry of Morobeats with the patriotic call to defend the West Philippine Sea, we are showing that art can be both beautiful and brave,' he said. — Joviland Rita/BM, GMA Integrated News
