QUEZON CITY (PIA) - Ten rap groups will clash at 2024 BaRaptasan in commemoration of the Balagtasan centennial on April 6, Saturday, 3 pm, at the Rizal Park Open Air Auditorium, Manila.

BaRaptasan is free and open to the public.

Organized by the Cultural Center of the Philippines Kanto Kultura and sponsored by the National Parks Development Committee, BaRaptasan is still Balagtasan but with rap and spoken world incorporated. 

Balagtasan, coined by Tagalog poet and fictionist Jose N. Sevilla in honor of another famed poet, Francisco Balagtas, is a venue where Filipino poets (Mambabalagtas) test their skills in rhythmic wordplays on issues of domestic, gender, political, and social issues.

The first Balagtasan was conducted in public on April 6, 1924 which became a popular form of public entertainment during the American period.

Finalists will have the chance to win - Php 300,000 (first prize), Php 200,000 (second prize); and Php 100,000 (third prize).

The rest of the finalists will receive Php 50,000 each.

The finalists include: Rapper sa Pinas with Oliver Almidin Monindero, Ernesto Canoy, Jr., and Fernando Melencio, Jr; Harayasista Group, with John Earnest M. Evidor, Anynel L. Garino, and James Son E. De la Cruz; City of Koronadal with Jon Van Esmael T. Lapu, Angel Faith P. Leal, and Philip Jay P. Leaño; Ang Mga Supling ni Angela with Jan Carl B. Campit, Francis B. Balingbing, and Kirschen Xyvrl I. Balajadia; and Lakbay Iral with Aaron Vincent G. Jimenez, Louie Ross P. Reyes, and Gabriel Angelo Pedrosa.

Completing the list of finalists are: El Setecientos with John Arkhi Corpuz, Miguel Bardaje, and Raynald Simon; Tagapagtaguyod ng Literatura at Wika (TANGLAW) with Schulamight Kate C. Manzano, Edlyn Joy M. Baniqued, and Deprisse Andre Guco; Waraptasan with James Lorie Leala, Kenneth Cinco, and Ma. Regina Babon; BarapBida Normalista with Wally O. Concepcion, Dave Anthony C. Padel, and Ray Vincent R. Padiwan; and DMD with John Dave P. Rosimo, Marielle Lou C. Bernardo, and Reynaldo S. Bernardo. (LP)