Canciones de Pascua, a yearly Christmas choral competition among students of different elementary schools in the city is set on December 7 at 4pm at the Centro Latino in Paseo del Mar.
The competition which features chabacano Christmas songs to promote and preserve the chabacano dialect, forms part of the annual Christmas Festival dubbed “Pascua na Zamboanga” which starts December 2.
Among the mechanics for the contest set by the City Tourism Division under the Office of the City Mayor are: the choral group may represent a school, parish, district or interest group; choral group participants must be in grade school; the Choral Group must have a minimum of 20 and a maximum of 30 members; Participating schools or groups must have only one entry; Choral Conductors may be professionals; No child conductor is allowed and that accompaniment will be at the discretion of participating choral group.
Participating choral groups shall render two song performances, all in Chavacano; choreography is allowed; the wearing of school uniforms/or display of anything (seal/lanterns/streamers) that will identify the school’s identity is strictly prohibited and costumes are encouraged.
There shall be five mayor winners- first, second, third, fourth and fifth prize winners and that the decision of the board of judges shall be final.
Deadline for the submission of entries will be on Friday, November 29 at the City Tourism Office in Paseo del Mar.
Criteria for judging includes tonal quality- 30%; dynamics-20%; harmony (blending/balance)- 20%; musicality (rhythm/tempo)- 20% and stage deportment (costumes)- 10%. (Sheila Covarrubias)