Song Writing Contest for the Apostolic Visit of Pope Francis to the Philippines

Song Writing Contest for the Apostolic Visit of Pope Francis

to the Philippines

It is a known fact that the University of Santo Tomas (UST) is a Pontifical University, and as such, carries on a special relationship with the Pope and the Vatican. On the three occasions that two popes visited the Philippines -  in 1970 by Pope Paul VI, and in 1981 and 1995 by Pope John Paul II, UST was also visited by these two popes. Thus, in the midst of the country’s preparations for the official and apostolic visit of Pope Francis to the Philippines in 2015, UST, as a pontifical University joyfully anticipates this event, and organizes activities to honor and pay respect to the Supreme Pontiff, and at the same time serve as the institution’s contribution to the visit. One of these activities is a song-writing contest.    

The University of Santo Tomas Song Writing contest aims to come up with a banner song for the celebration of the visit of the Apostolic Visit of Pope Francis to the Philippines in 2015.

Mechanics and Guidelines:

1. The contest is open to all Thomasian alumni, faculty members, employees, students including immediate family members of the Thomasians. Members of the song writing contest Screening Committee are disqualified from joining. 

2. Entries may be individually or collaboratively authored. However, only one prize will be awarded in case of collaborative composition. 

3.     Each participant may submit as many entries as he/she can.

4.     The theme of the song is Mercy and Compassion.  

5.     The song duration must be at least two minutes but not more than three minutes.

6.     The song may be in English or Filipino.

7.     The song must be certified original by the contestant. UST shall not be held liable should complaints arise due to similarities or likeness of the song to already existing compositions. The contestant has the sole responsibility to prove its authenticity. 

8.     Submitted articles must be sung by a solo singer/artist with or without instrumental accompaniment. 

9.     Application forms may be obtained from the Office of Public Affairs or may be downloaded from the UST website: www.ust.edu.ph

10.  Contestants must submit the application form together with one recent 2”x2” colored photo to the Office of Public Affairs.  

11.  Entries must be submitted in CD format together with hard copies of the lyrics and the accomplished application form in sealed brown envelopes. Contestants may also send their entries via email provided that they indicate their name, address, and contact numbers. 

12.  Submission of entries is from October 14, 2014  to November 14,  2014  at the Office of Public Affairs or at opa@mnl.ust.edu.ph International and regional entries may be submitted through mail or courier and must be postmarked not later than  November 17, 2014. 

13.  The criteria for judging  are as follows:

Music – 70%

Lyrics – 30%

             100%

14.  The Screening Committee shall choose five finalists who will be informed through courier or email on December 1, 2014.

15.  The finalists shall choose their own interpreters, preferably professional singers. 

16.  The Grand Finals will be on  December 8, 2014 as part of the  Paskuhan program at the UST Grandstand. The winners will be announced on this date. The decision of the Board of Judges is executor, not appealable and final. The judges may also reserve the right not to declare any winner in case entries fall short of the standards.

17.  The winners shall receive certificates and cash prizes

First place:       PhP   20, 000.00

Second place:   PhP   15,000.00

Third place:     PhP   10,000.00

18.  Submitted entries shall become the property of the University of Santo Tomas. Thus, the composer waives all fees arising from royalties, publication, performances whether live or mechanical, through radio, television, internet or any other media, within or outside the campus and jurisdiction of the University. The copyright of the winning entries shall exclusively belong to the University of Santo Tomas.