Harana Singing Contest 2025
"Harana" is the Filipino tradition of serenading the person you care for. It is usually young men who sing to young women and was an especially popular pastime and form of entertainment in the rural towns of the Philippines during the Spanish colonial era until the early 20th century.
After it’s successful inaugural run at Santacruzan 2024, we’re bringing back
HARANA SINGING CONTEST at Santacruzan sa Aotearoa 2025. Let’s celebrate this important part of Philippine culture while showcasing the best of Original Pilipino Music.
REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED FOR HARANA SINGING CONTEST.
MECHANICS
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This contest is open to all performers. with or without Filipino roots, aged 10 and above.
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Additional points will be given to participants without Filipino roots.
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We will be accepting a maximum of eight (8) contestants. Registration will close either once this limit is reached or on 20 May 2025, whichever comes first.
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The performance can be a solo act or a duet.
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There is a maximum of 2 participants per entry including the person playing an instrument.
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The performance can be sung in a capella, with an acoustic guitar OR with acoustic background music only.
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There will only be one song performance for each entry.
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The song of choice should be an Original Pilipino Music Ballad in either English or any Philippine language or dialect.
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Our theme for this year is to celebrate the different regions of the Philippines. All participants are required to dress up in Filipiniana attire or in garments that best represent their respective region.
CRITERIA FOR JUDGING
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Singing Ability (50%)
This is the most critical aspect of the competition. It focuses on your vocal performance, including pitch accuracy, tone quality, vocal control, and technique. Contestants are expected to demonstrate a strong and consistent singing voice that reflects their talent and skill. Judges will also consider how well your voice suits the song you’ve chosen. -
Presence & Showmanship (20%)
This evaluates your ability to command the stage and engage the audience. It includes your confidence, energy, and how well you connect with the crowd through your movements and expressions. Showmanship involves presenting yourself as a compelling performer who can hold the audience’s attention throughout the performance. -
Overall Performance (20%)
This criterion looks at the complete package. It assesses how well all the elements—singing, stage presence, emotional delivery, and audience connection—come together to create a memorable and polished performance. The overall impact of your performance is key here. -
Audience Appeal (5%)
This measures how well you resonate with the audience. Judges will observe the crowd's reaction to your performance, including clapping, cheering, and engagement. A performer who can evoke a strong positive response demonstrates the ability to connect with their listeners. -
Costume (5%)
Your choice of costume should complement your performance and suit the theme of the event and the song. It doesn’t have to be extravagant, but it should be appropriate, creative, and enhance your stage presence. A well-thought-out costume shows attention to detail and adds to the overall visual impact of your performance.
PRIZES
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First Prize - $300 cash + Segno Music Dreamers Award worth $300 + Segno Music Dreamers Trophy
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Second Prize - $200 + Segno Music Dreamers Award worth $200
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Third Prize - $100 + Segno Music Dreamers Award worth $120
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Fourth & Fifth Prizes - Segno Music Dreamers Award worth $60 each
TERMS & CONDITIONS:
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To confirm your registration to the Harana Singing Contest, you need to complete the online form.
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All participants agree to provide for their own attire and bring their own acoustic guitar, as needed.
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Our theme for this year is to celebrate the different regions of the Philippines. All participants are required to wear Filipiniana-themed costumes or garments that reflect the participants' ethnicity as part of their performance.
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The main singing contest will be held during the ‘Santacruzan sa Aotearoa’ event at the Mt Eden War Memorial on 24th May 2025.
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All contestants agree to arrive on the agreed call time which will be confirmed after registration has closed.
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The winners of the Harana Singing Contest will be announced and awarded during the Santacruzan sa Aotearoa event.
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The winning performances may be asked to attend future events and gatherings organised by Banyuhay Aotearoa to help showcase Filipino talent to the wider community.
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By participating in the event, all contestants consent to Banyuhay Aotearoa using their photographs and video recordings taken during the event. These may be posted on our website and social media pages for event-related updates and future promotions.
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In the event that a contestant decides to back out of the Harana Singing Contest, a $50 cancellation fee may apply.