28/09/2026
DMTS Songwriting Competition
Theme: “Raise a Hallelujah”
Mechanics:
I. Eligibility
1. The contest is open to all amateur songwriters, regardless of age or church affiliation.
2. DMTS faculty members and the first-place winner of the previous DMTS Songwriting Competition are not eligible to join the competition.
3. Participants may join individually or as a team, with a maximum of three (3) members per entry.
II. Contest Theme
1. All submitted songs must be relevant to the theme “Raise a Hallelujah.”
2. Songs may be written in English, Filipino, Cebuano, or a combination of these languages.
III. Originality and Submission
1. Entries must be the participants’ original work. AI-generated lyrics are not allowed.
2. Songs must be unpublished and not previously submitted to another competition.
3. Songs must not violate any copyright or intellectual property rights.
4. Each participant/team may submit only one (1) entry.
5. Submit your entry with your song lyrics and a brief explanation of your composition through the Google Form on or before October 28, 2026.
IV. Entry Fee
1. A ₱100 non-refundable entry fee is required per submission. Entries are considered official upon payment and submission of all required materials. (Please see the comment section for the QR code for payment)
2. Registration will automatically close once the maximum of ten (10) registrants has been reached.
V. Event Day
1. Participants will perform their original songs live on November 3, 2026 at Davao Music Theological Seminary.
2. Participants may use 1–3 acoustic instruments (e.g., piano, guitar, ukulele, or beatbox).
3. Full-band, pre-recorded, and backing tracks are not allowed.
VI. Judging Criteria
| Criteria | Percentage |
| Theme Relevance & Message | 30% |
| Melody & Musicality | 25% |
| Lyrics & Songwriting Craft | 25% |
| Originality & Creativity | 15% |
| Overall Impact | 5% |
| TOTAL | 100% |
VII. Prizes
🏆 Champion – ₱1,500 + Certificate
🥈 1st Runner-Up – ₱1,000 + Certificate
🥉 2nd Runner-Up – ₱500 + Certificate
Winners will be announced on the same day of the live performance event. The winning entries will be featured on the school’s official page.
Online Registration Form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf7UAfueqSlGiZnIWLFoGt0XIT51gh9gOHZjcd9klHhex6Lfw/viewform?usp=dialog