The Embassy of the Philippines in Seoul will launch the Filipino Language Speech Contest on Saturday, 7 September 2013 in celebration of the National Language Month (Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa) in South Korea, in accordance with Presidential Decree No. 1041, s. 1997. It is open to children of mixed parentage aged 12-16 years old. Interested and qualified pupils are all welcome to participate actively in this event.

OBJECTIVE
This contest is being organized to encourage multicultural children of mixed parentage (one parent being Filipino or former Filipino) to maintain and improve their knowledge and ability to speak and express themselves in the Filipino language and to share their personal experiences of coming from a bicultural household.

Filipinos comprise the third largest group of multicultural marriages in South Korea. As residents of Korea, the offspring of these marriages speak Korean, English or another language more often and have little or few opportunities to use the Filipino language or interact with their peers from the Philippines in the language of their Filipino parent. However, the few opportunities that are available need to be encouraged in order to ensure that these children do not lose completely their Filipino heritage as they enter adulthood.

CONTEST DESCRIPTION
Filipino children of mixed parentage (e.g. Filipino-Korean, Filipino-American), aged 12-16 (in natural age, not Korean age, by the date of the deadline) and living in South Korea (residence in South Korea or elsewhere should be longer than residence in the Philippines in order to qualify), may participate by submitting an entry.

• Requirements
1. Printed speech of 3-4 minutes in the Filipino language;
2. Translation in either English or Korean language (as reference);
3. MP3 recording of the speech to be sent by email;
4. Duly filled-up application form; and
5. Copy of passport data page.

• Topics:
1. How can I promote friendship between the Philippines and Korea?
2. How can I promote Filipino culture and tourism in Korea?
3. My personal experience living/traveling in the Philippines;
4. Reflections on Philippine participation in the Korean War; or
5. Why do I think that it’s more fun in the Philippines.

• Time limit: 3-4 minutes
• Evaluation: One round delivery of the speech, plus response to one question from the panel of judges
• Evaluation criteria:
o Enthusiasm for learning Filipino
o Filipino language proficiency
o Emphatic ability with audience
• Props: Contestants can use props or make a power-point presentation if they so desire.

Deadline: 23 August 2013
List of Finalists: Notice will be made on 29 August 2013 by email.
Time: Saturday, 7 September 2013.
Venue: Multipurpose Hall, Embassy of the Philippines in Seoul
Prizes:
• Two (2) economy-class tickets courtesy of Philippine Airlines;
• Two-night stay in a hotel in Cebu;
• Other prizes to be confirmed;
• Small gifts for all participants

For more inquiries, emails may be sent to seoulpe@philembassy-seoul.com or via the Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/PhilippineEmbassy. The application form can be downloaded from the FB page.