THE TALA AWARDS

7-8PM | Yerba Buena Gardens Main Stage

The TALA Awards will continue the tradition of judging parols submitted based on festival theme, craftsmanship, concept execution & creativity, and exhibition presentation.

In the spirit of giving, we will supply each group with a 36 inch parol starter pack so that the focus can be on the concept and decoration. You will need to bring your parol’s early on December 14th, 2024 for judging. If you're interested in participating, then fill out this form (insert link). The awards honor the best overall contingent in each category, recognizing the most inspirational parol lanterns and their impactful presentations. Each award winner will receive a cash prize of $800.

We look forward to seeing your parols soon and wish you all the best!

The theme of this year’s Festival and Tala Awards is

Passing the Torch, Forward in Light 

We carry forward practices, art forms, and stories that have been passed down by our elders, families, and communities, and this year's theme, "Passing the Torch, Forward in Light ," honors the way in which our culture is preserved and evolves, informed by the values and traditions we inherit and carried forward in the homes and communities we build.

The metaphor of "Passing the Torch" serves as a powerful theme for this year’s Tala Awards as traditional Filipino Parol lanterns become beacons of light being passed forward to future generations. By “Passing the Torch” we are conscious of the importance of providing the support and guidance from one generation to the next so we can move “Forward in Light” towards progress and transformation. We honor our roots by preserving and evolving our cultural values and traditions to serve generations to come. 

FAQs:

    • Use the provided 36-inch parol starter pack as a Lantern Base.

    • Drop off Contingent Parol on the day of the Parol Lantern Festival at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, DECEMBER 14 at 1:00PM  (Points will be deducted if drop off later than 1PM).

    • Need 1-2 people from your group to talk to judges between 4:00PM to 5:00PM.

    • Performance for 30 sec. - 1min. during the announcement of the contingent after the parol stroll.



  • We have 5 category this year:

    1. College and High School Clubs

    2. Service Providers (after-school program, senior services, etc)

    3. Arts & Culture

    4. Professional association groups/organizations

    5. Individual Family or chosen family groups

  • Application is DUE on Friday, November 22, 2024.

  • 1. Craftsmanship & Attention to Detail (10 Points Total)

    This refers to effectively translating the concept and design through fine structural construction, neat craftsmanship, and compliance with the parol specification.

    • Size of the parol is 36 inches/3 feet.

    • Durability of the Skeleton (bamboo stick) of the parol.

    • Application of Materials to the parol.

    2. Concept Execution & Creativity: (10 Points Total)

    This pertains to the aesthetics and coherence of the design and the application of colors, shapes, lines, texture, and other artistic elements to create a thematic expression in the parol.

    • Visual emphasis, Placement, and Use of the materials.

    • Understanding and Application of the theme “Passing the Torch, Forward in Light” to the parol.

    3. Presentation (5 Points Total)

    The overall appearance and appeal of the parol, including the 30 sec. to 1 min. group performance.

  • Please reach out to rbonifacio@somcan.org for any questions or concerns.