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 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 Richard Gomez, Jomari Yllana, Cherie Gil, Gina Alajar, Jaclyn Jose, Tonton Guttierez and Eric Quizon, directors Maryo J. delos Reyes, Jerry Sineneng, Jerome Pobocan and Rory Quintos, Cinematographer Leslie Garchitorena, scriptwriter Ricky Lee, talent managers Douglas Quijano and Ed Instrella, and entertainment journalist Ronald Constantino.  Aside from the honor and recognition of talent that goes with the 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
Kara of the Year
Best Supporting Actress
Best Supporting Actor
Best Actress
Best Actor
Best Director
Best Video in Cinematography/Videography
Best Video in Film Production
Best Video in Production Design
Best Student Video

Competition Rules for The Crystal Piaya Video

• The 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.
  
  
• All submission should be in DVD OR VCD format; Furthermore all entries must submit back up VHS copies.
  
  
• Original musical scoring shall be used.
  
  
• The video can be of any genre or style: documentary, drama, animation, etc.
  
  
• A maximum of two entries per individual is allowed.
  
  
• Videos which have been previously broadcast or entered in other competitions shall not be accepted.
  
  
• All entries should have been shot within a one-year time span previous to the stated deadline. 
  
  
• 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.