With
the 29 contestants from the province in this competition, I
wonder how this will go and have them complete the 6-minute time
allotment for each contestant. Each contestant will do the Korean
version, then the foreign one right after. The schedule is set from 1 to
6 in the afternoon. I think they started at one (we got in about 15 or
20 past one).
There
are a lot of kid from first to sixth grade competing. Most of them came
in their respective country’s national costume with fancy headdress,
caps, and hair ties to boot. It was an interesting sight to see their
outfits from countries like Cambodia, China, Japan and Philippines.
There were a couple of Russians but I don’t think they wear wearing
Russian traditional clothes. However, there are also some who came in
like it is just a regular day at school with only shorts and T-shirts.
The
speech contest turned out to be streamlined. It flowed quite smoothly
since they have two lecterns and the contestants were seated near one of
those. Every ten or so kids were moved to seat near the stage and they
go back to their originally seats after their turn. The mic was seldom
has to be adjusted for height since there were two removable blocks that
were provided just behind the lectern if the speaker needs it.
The
topics were about living here having a foreign parent, their job
ambitions (like translator, news anchors, etc.), the kids’ interest like
singing and taekwondo. The taekwondo kid also showed up wearing his
medals to boot. Another one played horn, and someone even did
cartwheels. Just to note, the ones who played the horn and did the
cartwheels were from my home country. I just find it funny.
Good
thing is that the winner, who was also from my home country, didn’t do
any of those and just a very simple content of his own family life. It
was honestly simple and short but he delivered it well, meaning he
memorized it and told it in an almost natural way.
As
for my son’s piece, he got the most laughs I’d say. Not only because he
fumbled a bit, but mostly what he was actually saying. I was quite
surprised that the audience were still awake and listening after all
those hours. Nonetheless, I was just relieved that it was all over and
done with. Even though he didn’t memorized well, he did get the audience
attention on a good note.
Almost
two long hours of sitting and listening would definitely tire anybody,
specially the judges, so there was a ten-minute break sometime around
three o’clock. There were hot teas, juice, biscuits and candies prepared
for everyone outside. I, on the other hand, headed out in the sun to
soak up the warmth since I am already feeling the airconditioned-room
effect on my system. I should have borrowed one of the kids’ headwear or
brought one of my own.
We
were called in for the remaining set and sat for another hour, I think.
My kid’s turn was at the last part so I really have to endure the
remaining hour. I rushed out after all the contestants had finished
their turn. I know that they would have to tally the judges’ scores for
each contestant.
While
we were waiting for the the tabulation to finish, there was an ocarina
group who played three songs: a Korean traditional song, an English
folk song, and Chopsticks. They also showed some gag show on the
projector screen. The show was simply played from a video site online.
Even my husband was surprised when he saw them clicking through naver
site while loooking for the video.
Everybody
started streaming out of the hall before five o’clock. It took about 30
minutes and the results were out. I missed the final awarding because I
was really nursing a very bad headache at that time and cannot afford
to stay inside anymore.
As
it turned out, my son didn’t come home empty-handed even though he
faltered a few times. I wasn’t exactly expecting much knowing that he
barely memorized his piece. He managed to get a bronze award (this is
all paper, though). The coach and his Dad were a bit disappointed but I
am just glad it’s over and we don’t have to prepare for another one for a
while. :D
Although,
as for my husband, he said we might have to start thinking up for the
next topic of his speech for next year. hahaha..And here it is right off
from the top of my head..
* his first contest experience (comparing with the Philippine ones..)
something along the lines of having to wait, grab candies, etc.
* part 2 of his snowman experience in Korea, finally (with pictures to boot)
*
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