Paskong Himig, a vocal and choral competition in Pasig City, now accepts applicants to its 14th edition. It is sponsored by the Pasig City government to highlight its celebration of the Yuletide.

The vocal solo is open exclusively to Pasig City residents for both Children and Open categories. Contestants under the Children category must be between 7-14 years of age. For the Open category, contestants must be 14 years of age and above.

The choral competition is open to choral groups in Metro Manila and from nearby provinces such as Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Cavite, Bulacan. It is held for two categories: Children Choir and Open. The age range for Children is 7-13 years, and 14 years and above for the Open category.

Registration is until Oct. 30.

The elimination round will be held in Pasig City Museum on Nov. 6, for the Children category; Nov. 7 for the Vocal Solo for Open category; and Nov. 8 for the Choir, Open category.

Finals will be held on Dec. 11 for the Children, Solo and Choral categories; Dec. 12, for the Vocal Solo and Open categories; and Dec. 14, for Choral Open category, at the Tanghalang Pasigueño.

Former Mayor Soledad C. Eusebio started the competition in 1994.  It has since become an annual tradition eagerly awaited by vocal-choral enthusiasts and plain music-lovers in Pasig City, as well as Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

It was disrupted in 2009 by Typhoon Ondoy. It is now held biannually.

Maribel Eusebio, wife of Mayor Robert C. Eusebio, chairs the executive committee, assisted by Councilor Lorna A. Bernardo and Noel T. Rivera, head of the Cultural Affairs and Tourism Office.

All finalists will go home with a prize. For Vocal Solo, the top three prizes are P10,000; P7,000; and P5,000. A consolation prize of P1,000 will be given to each finalist.

For the choral competition for both Children and Open categories, top three prizes are P30,000; P25,000; and P20,000. A consolation prize of P5,000 will be given to each finalist.

For details, visit Paskong Himig secretariat at the Tanghalang Pasigueño, 8 a.m-5 p.m., Monday-Friday.

Contact Zaldy Santos or Maltha Santos at 6280778 and 6280379.