Barangay kitefest kicks off April 22

Cebuanos will show off their creativity and skills in kite making and flying as they compete in the 3rd Inter-Barangay Kite Flying Festival on April 22 at the South Reclamation Project Open Field.

Over P150,000 in cash prizes and trophies will be given away to the winning entries, according to Councilor Eduardo Rama, Jr.

The Cebu City Youth Development Commission sees fit this activity in April as a venue for the youth to develop and show off their creativity and skills in kite making and kite flying.

Rama said that more than winning cash and the recognition, the activity would give our youth the opportunity to socialize with other kite flyers while enjoying their vacation from school.

The contest is open to all Cebu City residents. Each entry must be made by a group composed of 4 to 6 members, 13 to 18 years old.

Contestants can come up with any design, as the contest is free interpretation. However, contestants must observe the following guidelines: kite shall have a minimum height of six feet and a width of four feet, excluding the tails; entry kite shall not in any way contain the name of a person, barangay, political or commercial connotation; and entry form must be duly certified by the barangay captain.

Winners are determined based on the following criteria: originality of design - 40%; artistry and creativity - 40%; visual impact - 20%, for a total of 100%.

During the contest proper, which starts at 8:00 am, each contestant shall be given ten minutes to prepare before takeoff and must be in his or her respective areas of assignment. A one-point deduction shall be given for every minute or a fraction thereof after the lapse of 10 minutes that the contestant failed to fly the kite.

Kites are required to be in stable condition and must stay in the air for at least 20 minutes with an altitude of 50 feet or less. Judges shall give a 2-point deduction or more for every crash or falling on the ground within the given 20 minutes.

Point deductions shall be taken from the overall scores of each entry.

The winning group shall receive P15,000 and a trophy. Second placer shall get P10,000 plus trophy, while the third placer shall take home P8,000 and a trophy.

Non-winning entries shall get a consolation prize of P2,000.

Special awards shall also be given to the Most Attractive Kite and Most Creative Kite. The winners for the Special Awards shall each receive P5,000 cash prize. - Garry B. Lao