Are you the talk of your hometown because of your exceptional flair for singing, dancing, painting, playing a musical instrument, whipping up stories or simply being creative in your craft? Would you like to hone your talent to perfection and share it with the rest of the world? If you are a graduating Grade VI or Grade VII pupil, and you believe that you've got the wits, the gift and the heart for ART, then you are the talented Pinoy that we are looking for.

This year, we invite you to show what you got in the Nationwide Search for Young Arts Scholars (ANSYAS). It is a yearly screening conducted by the Philippine High School for the Arts (PHSA) to identify and develop artistically gifted children.

The PHSA is a government-run secondary school for artistically gifted and talented children and adolescents. It implements a special secondary education curriculum and support programs committed to the conservation and promotion of the Filipino artistic and cultural traditions. Located in idyllic Mt. Makiling , PHSA provides its students with opportunities to develop their social skills that will contribute to their development as socially responsible artists.

The successful applicant is awarded free tuition fee, board and lodging, classes with master teachers, a monthly stipend, plus the chance to represent the country and the school in international festivals, competitions and exchange programs.

PHSA students take Basic Education subjects prescribed by the Department of Education plus specialized studies for creative and artistic expressions in Creative Writing, Dance, Music, Theater Arts and Visual Arts.

Aside from their day to day academic activities, the PHSA students regularly participate in extramural events such as outreach projects in other communities, recitals, educational and exposure trips, interactions and master classes with well-known artists and other co-curricular activities.

To ensure a more individualized and differentiated academic and arts training program, the PHSA accepts only a limited number of freshmen (from 40 to 50 students) every year.

If you want to be part of the next crop of world-class Pinoy artists and want to know more about the school and the scholarship, write or call ANSYAS at the following:

Philippine High School for the Arts,

National Arts Center,

Mt Makiling, Los Baños 4030, Laguna

Telefax: (049)-5365972

Email: phsa@laguna. net

You may also download the application form at the following websites: www.phsa.edu. ph; www.deped.gov. ph; and www.ncca.gov. ph

All applications, documents, and requirements must be received by the ANSYAS Committee on or before the following dates:

Luzon applicants               -           08 February 2010

Visayas applicants            -           22 February 2010

Mindanao applicants         -           08 March 2010