The Student Piaya and Crystal Piaya Awards

In 1996 facilitators of the Production Management Workshop conjured up the idea of giving token awards to the short videos, which were the output of the graduates of the PM workshop under Lore Reyes. The course, now called Film Production Workshop, divides the class into four or more groups; each team being tasked with conceptualizing, planning, shooting and editing short projects on video. The very first Piaya Trophies consisted of a simple ceramic replica of the sweet Negros pastry mounted on a base fashioned out of burnished coconut shell.

The Piaya Awards, now a much anticipated event in the Negros Summer Workshops, has since 1998 likewise included the short videos of the Lighting and Cinematography Workshop under Richard Padernal and – on occasions that the course is offered – the video projects of the Commercial Production and Production Design Workshops of Ma Isabel Urra and Rodell Cruz. Last year the Piaya Competition included the videos of a new course that debuted in the summer of 2004, the Videography & Storytelling with the Camera Workshop. The Piaya trophies have become a coveted symbol of excellence in technical and artistic achievement in short video production.

The first Crystal Piaya was given in 1998. The Crystal Piaya is an open competition where amateur film-makers – workshoppers and non-workshoppers alike – vie for the best Short Video. Past jurors include actors Michael V, Iza Calzado, Richard Gomez, Jomari Yllana, Cherie Gil, Gina Alajar, Jaclyn Jose, Tonton Guttierez, Eric Quizon, Christopher de Leon, Mark Gil, Michael de Mesa, Epy Quizon, directors Butch Perez, Don Escudero, Mel Chionglo, Maryo J. delos Reyes, Jerry Sineneng, Jerome Pobocan, Bb. Joyce Bernal, Tony Reyes and Rory Quintos, Cinematographer Leslie Garchitorena, scriptwriter Ricky Lee, Head of the NCCA Committee on Cinema Doy del Mundo, NCCA Cinema member Teddy Co, talent managers Douglas Quijano and Ed Instrella, and entertainment journalist Ronald Constantino.

Aside from the honor and recognition of talent that goes with capturing the tall Lucite Crystal Piaya trophy, the award comes with a substantial cash prize of P25,000.00.

• Student Video Awards Categories
• Best in Costume Design
• Best in Makeup
• Best in Sound Design
• Best in Editing
• Best in Production Design
• Best in Lighting and Cinematography
• Best in Screenplay
• Champion Make-up Artist
• Best Supporting Actress
• Best Supporting Actor
• Best Actress
• Best Actor
• Best Director
• Best Video in Cinematography
• Best Video in Film Production
• Best Video in Production Design
• Best Video in Director’s Apprenticeship for Film
• Best Student Video

Competition Rules for The Crystal Piaya Video:

• The Crystal Piaya Short Film Competition is open to all interested parties, including the student films from the NSW
• There is no theme for the video competition
• The entry should have a minimum running time of 3 minutes and a maximum of 35 minutes
• The film must have been shot and produced within one year prior to the competition’s deadline.
• All submission should be in DVD format and with English subtitles; Furthermore, all entries must submit two copies per entry and one back-up mini-DV copy.
• Original musical scoring shall be used.
• The video can be of any genre or style: documentary, drama, animation, etc.
• There shall be no limit to the number of entries a person can submit.
• Videos which have been previously broadcast or entered in other competitions shall not be accepted.
• All submissions should be accompanied by the official entry form with the registration fee of P500.00.
• The winner shall receive the grand prize of P 25,000.00

The Negros Summer Workshops reserves the right to hold festivals featuring the videos without any further monetary compensation. Furthermore, the Negros Summer Workshops reserves the right to represent the winning videos in national and international video competitions.

• The Board of Judges reserves the right NOT to award the grand prize in the event that none of the entries meet the standards of the contest
• The decision of the Board of Judges is final.

For more information on how to join the competition contact:

09174382057 – Neil Colango
09081087488 – Frances Anne Goriceta

Or Visit us at the CAPC office (formerly Artist in Residence) @ University of Saint La Salle Bacolod

Office of the Secretariat
Tel # (034) 434-5998

Text and Image Courtesy of Neil Colango