By Chloe Cabrera
Internet search giant Google has launched its first-ever ?Doodle 4 Google? contest in the Philippines, calling on Pinoy youth to create original artistic renditions of the Google masthead based on the contest theme: ?What can I do for the Philippines??
Through the contest, the company is giving the local youngsters a chance to showcase their very own ?Google Doodle? masterpieces on the Google Philippines homepage.
Held in cooperation with the Department of Education (DepEd), National Youth Commission, BPI Foundation, PLDT-Smart Foundation, National Book Store, and local artist group WeeWillDoodle, the contest was officially launched Thursday, July 10, at The Mind Museum in Taguig.
?We look forward to inspiring the nation with a doodle that will not only reflect the beautiful synergy between art and technology, but also speak of the beautiful spirit of selflessness and service of the Filipino people through the eyes of our children?, said Ryan Morales, country marketing manager of Google Philippines.
Aside from being the country?s first Google Doodle competition, it will also be the world?s first-ever ?Doodle 4 Google? event to welcome submissions from both students and learners ? those not formally schooled but attending alternative learning programs in community centers under the DepEd.
One winning doodle will be featured on the Google Philippines homepage for 24 hours in November, showcasing the winner?s innovative and creative idea for nation building to the millions of people who access the website.
The creator of the doodle will also receive a specially designed Google trophy, a P400,000 educational grant from the BPI Foundation for any Philippine school or college, an art kit from National Book Store, an Acer C720 Chromebook, and a P350,000 connectivity grant for the winner?s school from the PLDT-Smart Foundation.
The competition is open to all students and learners aged five to 17 years old, and will be accepting entries until September 19.
Aside from allowing online and postal mail submissions, Google will also be conducting roadshows with WeeWillDoodle to help reach children who may not have access to the Internet.
?There?s a doodler in every single one of us,? said Morales, explaining how even just simple doodles can have the power to convey amazing stories and messages.
According to Morales, Filipinos are known worldwide as some of the most resilient people, constantly rising together above political, cultural, social, and natural difficulties through perseverance and an undying national pride.
With Doodle 4 Google, the company hopes to involve children in important national discussions and inspire Filipino values in a fun and ?uniquely Google? way.
Google Doodles have gained immense popularity over the years because of the fun, unique, and interactive twists they add to the user?s Google search homepage. These doodles are known for spicing up the Google logo to celebrate holidays, artists, innovators, events, and other cultural landmarks.
?Google Doodles make the search experience much more fun and are a great example of Google?s creative energy,? said Morales.
?By bringing the Doodle 4 Google competition to the Philippines for the first time, we hope to inspire our youth with our passion for art and culture, and offer them an open platform to showcase their talent.?
Interested participants may download the application form at www.google.com.ph/doodle4google.
