KALAM - the first Kapampanganovela in Philippine broadcasting history

Kapampanganovela returns to UP Diliman

2008-12-02T05:06:00.000-08:00

Forum on language problems to be held
(By Peter Sengson)
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SALiGAN SA CSSP is a college- wide organization based on the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy at the University of the Philippines - Diliman. Throughout its years of existence, it has been one of the staunchest advocates of alternative education and the advancement of students’ rights and welfare. With its belief in collective action, it has successfully spearheaded activities that serve not only the students of the College but the entire University as well.

In light of this, we will be holding a forum entitled "Ing Kalam ning Amanung Sisuan," in cooperation with UP Aguman, UP Samahang Linggwistika, and STAND-UP. It will be held on the 9th of December, 2008 from 1pm to 4pm at Palma Hall 400.

Ing Kalam ning Amanung Sisuan
A Closer Look at Philippine Language Problems

CONCEPT PAPER

At present, there are more than a hundred languages spoken in the Philippines. A number of these are in the brink of being wiped out and it is said that some of the languages of the country of the world are about to die without even being studied or documented. Just what are the conditions that cause language death?

In the Philippines, the Kapampangan language, which is one of the major languages of the archipelago, has been experiencing a decline in its number of speakers. Current speakers of the language are also gradually abandoning it and it is feared that death would be its fate. What are the internal problems that led to this situation? What is being done by the Kapampangans to salvage their mother tongue? What kind of Kapampangan are they trying to revitalize: purist or liberal?

According to some language advocacy groups, the appointment of Filipino as national language is a major cause in the hazard faced by other languages in the Philippines. How did the Filipino language affect the perception of Kapampangans in their own tongue? Is there really a conflict between Filipino and the languages of the regions? What is the possible future of the Philippine languages given the government's campaign for using English as medium of instruction?

These are the questions to be answered in this forum. It aims to introduce linguists, as well as scholars from other disciplines of social science, to the country's language predicaments. Professors in the field of linguistics, Filipino, and Kapampangan will share their analysis in this issue. Resource speakers from groups attempting to revitalize Kapampangan will also be invited to share their experiences.

The highlight of the program is the screening of the first Kapampanganovela, "Kalam." After the discussions, an open forum will follow. Linguistics students, especially those enlisted in Sociolinguistics, are expected to attend, as well as other students from the college, professors, and other organizations. The forum is open to everyone who is willing to take part.

'Kalam' Episode 2 Trailer

2008-11-28T20:27:00.000-08:00

Episode 2 screen captures

2008-10-21T05:45:00.000-07:00

Episode 2 now in production phase

2008-10-18T08:50:00.000-07:00

After what seemed like a "production standstill" due to minor obstacles, 'Kalam' is once again on the works, as the production of its sophomore episode titled Tagimpan Da Ring Makariking (Ambition of the Secondary) is now halfway done.

In the second episode, the character of Rhodskie, played by Raco Del Rosario will be introduced. He is the ex-boyfriend of Dette -- played by Reachel Mucho and also making her first appearance in the show after her foreshadowing in the first episode -- in the story and is bound to add color to the Kapampanganovela.

The ‘Kalam’ Pampanga Campus Tour

2008-10-09T16:55:00.000-07:00

The ‘Kalam’ Pampanga Campus Tour
Where Showbiz is Educational
Jason Paul Laxamana
Urban Kamaru
Central Luzon Daily

Budget constraints, never-heard-of actors and staff, lack of equipment, and other nightmares an ambitious director could have… given all these conditions, what kind of TV drama could possibly come out?

This has been the regular question of the ‘Kalam’ team, with yours truly as the main speaker, to the student audiences before showing the pilot episode of ‘Kalam’ in their recent Pampanga Campus Tour, which has so far covered the University of the Philippines Diliman (with the aid of UP Aguman), University of the Philippines Extension Program in Pampanga (through Dr. Juliet Mallari), Angeles University Foundation (through the Institute of Kapampangan Studies), Asian College of Science and Technology (through Mr. Jim Jimenez), Chevalier School (through its Social Science Club), Pampanga High School (through Fe Cailao), and Holy Angel University (through Prof. Ed Sibug).

“Gúnútan, mipanampaling, drama,” some would answer. A few would say that they expect it to be unique because of its being Kapampangan. Some predict it to be funny, not because of the witty script, but because to them, speaking in Kapampangan is naturally hilarious.

‘Kalam’ and Language Issues

Last August, the ‘Kalam’ team—composed of Kalalangan Kamaru, a creative group of Kapampangan youth behind productions such as the RocKapampangan album and GVFM 99.1's weekly youth-oriented Kapampangan show Frequency K; and Infomax 8, the sole Kapampangan cable channel existing in the province, visited UP Diliman to deliver a lecture, in line with the school's occasional Alternative Classroom Learning Experience or ACLE, where regular classes are suspended in order to give way to various workshops and symposia.

UP Aguman, an organization of Kapampangans in UP, decided to invite the people behind the first Kapampanganovela (Kapampangan telenovela), to discuss about the emergence and challenges of regional broadcast media, particularly those of Kapampangan.

Knowing UP as a center of aggressive nationalism, I, writer and director of ‘Kalam,’ tried to speak about the ideology of uniting the Philippines through respect for its cultural diversity (not uniting the country by imposing one culture or language over another). I expected violent reactions from the typical nationalists of UP, who insinuate, in my opinion, that the regions are less important than the Philippine nation—which is more often than not, Tagalog-centric—these nationalists are trying to build.

On the other hand, Mau Aquino, General Manager of Infomax 8, together with Marketing Director Jomel Cruz, told the story of how and why their station decided to package themselves as a Kapampangan channel employing the use of the Kapampangan language.

Present also were Diego Marx Dobles, Asst. Director of Kalam; Nhoel Austria, Set Designer; Aries Yap, Reachel Mucho, and Peter Danganan, main actors; and the technical team of Infomax, who covered the lecture for its daily news program, ‘I-Max News.’ Approximately 60 members of the academe, Kapampangans and non-Kapampangans, attended the lecture, including fellow Kapampangan Prof. Nilo Ocampo, a Filipino teacher in UP Diliman.

The issue of language preservation and development versus nationalism through the Filipino language—which I, using the mutual intelligibility test of Linguistics, called just a mere dialect of Tagalog—was raised and the issue, as usual, like in language advocacy e-groups, was left unresolved.

As Ms. Aquino and I kept stressing, people should learn as much languages as they can. Kapampangans and non-Tagalogs alike are not asked to un-learn Tagalog (after all, trilingualism is their advantage over Tagalogs who are mostly only bilingual); they are asked to master their native languages—to love them with pride—and not feel inferior upon using them. What should be battled is the phenomenon of language shift, when people abandon their native languages in favor of the national language or the English language.

The Extra-Entertainment Magic of ‘Kalam’

In spite of the heat of the argument, after the English-subtitled screening of the first episode of ‘Kalam,’ which prides itself for being culturally rooted and for being in the Kapampangan language, not one person in the UP Diliman screening was left dissatisfied, to the point of some even claiming they prefer to patronize it over the mainstream Pinoy TV dramas.

’Kalam’ tackles the life and adventures of a new generation of witches and healers (gifted people, or in Kapampangan, ding ating kalam) born in urban Pampanga and how they struggle to fit in a skeptical, discriminating, and fearful society. It’s an exciting mix of urban fantasy, action, romantic comedy, drama, and social relevance, while using Kapampangan culture—both past and present, folk and modern, rural and urban—as canvass.

Prof. Nilo Ocampo said that the folk Kapampangan elements and modern culture were smartly fused, thereby creating a beautiful synthesis that makes the Kapampanganovela interesting. A Waray Mass Communication student, on the other hand, disclosed his wish that hopefully, someday, he could start something like ‘Kalam’ in his province. Kapampangan students were amazed, too, saying that ‘Kalam’ not only makes them prouder to be Kapampangan, but inspires them to love their Amanung Sisuan.

Other Reactions

The audiences in other schools involved in the Pampanga Campus Tour have not been disappointed as well. While they admit that ‘Kalam’ has still a lot of flaws, especially on the technical side, they still see it as at par with what they see on national media.

To high school students, the character portrayed by Alex Tiotuico (Kulubasa Kularyut or Kool), is most entertaining. Not only could they relate with his punk-emo character, they also find his punchlines comical, such as when, amidst the seemingly folk, gegege Kapampangan he uses, he suddenly says, “Makanyan na ka man; ala kang… appreciation (in American accent).”

When we do a screening in one school, we always ask for feedbacks written on paper before adjournment. What melts my heart often is when I read reactions such as “Kapampangan ku, pagmaragul ku!”

Which is exactly one of our main reasons for creating ‘Kalam.’ To bring honor to our kabalen, especially the urban youth, who are beginning to think that Kapampangan is hopeless in contending in the savage realm of pop culture in a modern world.

Random Reactions

[Some comments have been delivered to us anonymously]

“Masanting ya, lalu na patye pelage de king TV. Alben keng pasibayu at abangan ke iyan!” –arbie-boy_28@yahoo.com

“Ang galing nung emo [Kool], pati si Aries [Yubs], kaso parang bitin. Ituloy pa sana ang Kalam, ur the best!” –Lady Ann Vino

“Nuko, mebitin kami! Pero kesantingan ku, interesting ya ing patutungkulan na. Gamitan tamu ing kalam tamu king mayap!” –Evalyn Suarez, PHS

“Keep up the good work! Masanting ya. Keng sobrang santing, ala kung asabi nung ali ASTIG. Mebitin ku. Ante ing next episode!” –PHS student

“It is very creative and fun, at kailangan talagang mapanood ito sa buong Pampanga at sa buong Pilipinas.” –Angelita Juico

“Fantasy yet interesting. Great! I like the ambiance and the sense! Keep it up!.”

“Masanting ya ing kuentu. Para kaku, istung-istu ya at king lawe ku, pumatuk ya ini. Proud to be Kapampangan!”

“Wow, the best! Bitin ku! Galing! Bisa ku rin mika-Kalam, wahahahaha!” –Marvin

“Galing, sobra. Now I’m proud to be Kapampangan. Keep up the good work at sana mipalage ne king TV ing Kalam. Mebitin ku. Cute ya mu rin i Aries [Yubs].” –Jhane Lapira

“Kalam is a very interesting teleserye. I like the story (fantasy) and it proves that Kapampangans can produce a beautiful teleserye. The use of our language makes it interesting, too. Bitin ke pu! Ituluy ye pu, please!” –Chevalier School student

“OMG! Cool! Kagaling yu naman! Cute la ring cast yu lalu na i Yubs! Sana mibalik kayu kening school mi, agyang graduating na kami! Keep it up!” –Jerra Lee, CS

“Ing asabi ku mu, sana ayari yo ring 13 episodes… Masanting ya kasi para kekaming Kapampangan a maibug nang sumuku keng pamagtaguyud king Kapampangan.” –Mr. Sotto, UP Pampanga

“Kalam is a must-see TV show! Grabe! Ang ganda ng production kahit hindi pa masyadong kilala yung mga gumaganap. Bilib ako! Kung susuriing mabuti, tila mga professional na yung lumikha ng Kalam.”

“Masanting ya, dakal ku abalu tungkul keng kultura tamu. Pogi ya itang magkukulam.” –CS student

“Napakaganda ng theme song. Gwapo yung bida, hehe. Magaling silang umarte. May aral. Sana maging hit ang Kalam. Makatula ya! Migkasuelu kung menalbe, ike ngan mikakaklasi.”

“Makayagnan ya king agus ning biye/panlawe ring kayanakan. Ikua na ing ‘kirot ng damdamin’ da ring manalbe. Makasake ku king pulayi ning istorya. Masanting ya, promise.” –ACSAT student

“Masanting ya, kayi makapagpalaganap ya pang Kapampangan. Atin yang purpose.” –CS student

“Effect ya ing kuentu! Amazing! Makabitin! Wish namin mapanood namin lahat ng gawa ninyo! Mabiye ya ing Kapampangan! Ang ganda ng music video ninyo, yung Oras. Dian nang copy!” –Tanya, Teatro Artist, PHS

“Whoo! Astig ya itang emo! Comedian. Atin yang future. Yubs, atin yang talent. Nice one!” –Cecilia Therese Patawaran

“Regarding the opening music video [Alang Anggang Sugat], I didn’t expect that you guys can produce something that is outrageous! Closing [Oras], I like the song. Very catchy. Ayus ya ing episode 1, par! Abangan ke pa.” –Pea, UP Clark

“Cheers to the project and to the people behind it. Keep upholding the Kapampangan culture! Is the song ‘Oras’ in Imeem? I want it on my player. God bless sa mabuting hangarin!” –Charlotte Salunga, UP Clark

“Kudos! Sana mipalage ne. Good story. Galing ning idea na ayisip yu to capture the attention of the youth.” –UP Clark student

“Salamat a dakal king pamamunta yu keni, at ngeni, uli yu, melino kekami o kaku na dapat ipagmaragul ta ya ing salitang Kapampangan. Ing kanta, sobra ya santing, dakal ya kabaldugan. Sana maging successful ya ing project.” –Kath, ACSAT

“It was nice. Okay yung characters, hindi boring. Sana meron din madistribute sa Manila since okay naman ang show. I think ma-e-enjoy ng ibang mga tao, di lang mga Kapampangan.” –UP Clark student

“Very surprising kasi parang dun sa main topic, hindi akalain na maipapakita ang kalagayan ng kabataan ngayon sa ganoong ka-imaginative na context.”

“E ku isipang agawa yu ing makanyan agyang kapus king budget. The music is awesome, a-appreciate ke ing meaning na. Go go go!” –ACSAT student

“Para king 1st time a Kapampangan telenovela, masanting ya. Maghit ya ini kareng kayanakan. E ya karaniwang Pinoy telenovela. E ya heavy drama. E ya baduy!” –ACSAT student

“Meg-enjoy ku. E ya boring. I’m sure metung ya ini kareng apagmaragul tamu bilang Kapampangan.” –ACSAT student

If you wish to invite us for a forum/screening in your campus, please get in touch with me.

Email me at sisig_man@yahoo.com.ph

'Kalam' campus tour!

2008-10-05T19:30:00.000-07:00

For further and more intimate promotion to the youth, the Kalam team is currently on a Pampanga Campus Tour, where a lecture about the developing Kapampangan mass media will be delivered, along with the screening of the first episode and other videos of interest.

Keep visiting this blog for updates.

September 12 - University of the Philippines Pampanga
September 16 - Angeles University Foundation
September 18, 19 - Asian College of Science and Technology
September 24 - Chevalier School
September 29 - Pampanga High School
October 7 - Holy Angel University

More to come.

'Kalam' star is finalist in Auctionista modeling contest

2008-09-25T05:13:00.000-07:00

Jayvie Dizon, AB Mass Communication student from the Angeles University Foundation (AUF) and one of Kalam's main actors, is one of the finalists in a certain modeling contest called Auctionista.

Dizon acts as Kenneth in Kalam, the mirage making (uple) sidekick of the powerful sorceress Albina.

Please support our kabalen by going to this link, registering, and voting for Jayvie:
http://events.auction.ph/index.php?module=ModelContest

Launching of Kapampangan TV drama

2008-09-02T19:20:00.000-07:00

Launching of Kapampangan TV Drama
A highlight of Aldo Ning Amanung Sisuan
By Jason Paul Laxamana
Urban Kamaru
Central Luzon Daily

Last 27th of August, the public—including the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Sangguniang Panlungsod of the City of San Fernando and Angeles City, Pampanga Mayors and Vice Mayors, the media, and civil society and business groups—became witness to the Grand Premiere of 'Kalam,' the first ever Kapampanganovela in the history of Philippine broadcasting. It was held at the Event Centre of SM City Pampanga.

The event, however, is more than a presentation of the pilot episode. Rather, it is Kalalangan Kamaru's and Infomax 8's way of celebrating the recently-appointed Aldo Ning Amanung Sisuan (Mother Language Day), the two entities being aggressive advocates in the promotion and development of the Kapampangan language through media arts.

The event begins with the University of the Assumption President's Choir singing the Lawiwing Pambansa (National Anthem) in the Kapampangan language, followed by our very own Imnu Ning Kapampangan and then Fr. Ronnie Cao's invocation. The kabalen energy begins when the performers from the Angeles University Foundation danced to well-known Kapampangan folk songs, then segueing to an enchanting trilingual (Tagalog, English, Kapampangan) choral version of the popular O Jo, Kaluguran Da Ka.

In between guest speeches, Kapampangan musical numbers of diverse genres were presented. The list includes the boy group K4ad (read 'Kapatad'), Tarlac-City based Kapampangan band Mernuts, ArtiSta. Rita, and the Kapampangan novelty sensation Ara Muna.

A surprise announcement, which garnered a loud, long applause from the audience, was made by hosts Rey Yumang and Mau Aquino of the Kapampangan talk show 'Personalan'—that 'Kalam' will also be aired through G-SAT in 40 Asian and Middle Eastern countries, including Malaysia, Taiwan, Japan, Indonesia, Viet Nam, Korea, and Hong-Kong.

After the projector screening of the first episode of 'Kalam' titled Panyatang King Salapungan (Arriving at the Fork Road), the following people had these to say (interviews care of Jenna Lumbang of 'I-Max News'):

“Masanting ya talaga. In fact, me-inspire kung gamitan ya ing Amanung Sisuan tamu. But really, to me, it's really perfect. From the script to the camera shots, angles, values na pinalalabas niya at ini-impart niya. Napakagaling. Saludo ako. It's really something both the young and old should watch.” -Dalsa Montalban Hizon, TV personality / ArtiSta. Rita Foundation, Inc.

“Congratulations! This is a first for the Kapampangans. Ing 'Kalam' pu, atneng kasanting. Agkatan ko ring kayabe tamung Kapampangan, sana pu tangkilikan ye pu. The best ya pu.” -Chris Navarro, President, Pampanga Press Club

“Beyond expectation ya ing ikit kung primerung telenobelang Kapampangan. Ding eganaganang linage magaling la. Deng king behind-the-camera magaling la. Sana dakal la pang mag-sponsor bang kanita sumulung ya aliwa mu ing telenobela nune pati ing kulturang Kapampangan. Pagmaragul kung Kapampangan ku.” -Engr. Rosve Henson, Kambilan

“First ya pa mu ini at very interesting neng tambing.” -Oca Rodriguez, Mayor, City of San Fernando

“Masanting ya pu! Sabi ku pin, ati yu itang suporta tamu para karing kayanakan ampo para king kultura. Asahan yu pung ing PML sumuporta ya king 'Kalam'.” -Mayor Dennis Pineda, President, Pampanga Mayors' League

“Metung yang masanting a proyektu. Mai-inculcate ya ing kulturang Kapampangan, oneng ing metung pang achievement keni, ing identity ning Kapampangan siguradung lunto ya.” -Eduardo Guerrero, Mayor, Municipality of Floridablanca

“Aku, mesorpresa ku. E ku isipang makanyan ya kasanting. Mániwala kung maging yang launching pad ding future Kapampangan stars ing 'Kalam' uling papakit na ing gelingan ding Kapampangan. Atna kanyaman daramdaman ing sarili mung lengguayi king metung a telenobela. Sana lalu yang mamayagpag ing 'Kalam' at makapamiye yang oportunidad karing Kapampangan bang sumikat la king field ning arts.” -Alex Patio, Councilor, City of San Fernando

“Masaya ku bilang Kapampangan uling atin kalupa na nini. Atin tamu talagang talentu. Parati tamung mág-excel. Dian teng masanting a bukas ing Kapampangan at dian ulaga ing kekatamung Amanung Sisuan.” -Reden Halili, Councilor, City of San Fernando

“Dios ko, kasanting na! Sana aldo-aldo ne kanyan. Ngeni, once a week bang pantunan de pa mu ring tau. Pero king tutuki, dapat aldo-aldo ne. Masaya ku na meging kamin dálan bang mag-materialize ya ini anya suportan mi ya ini. Ipagmaragul ta ya pu.” -Catalina Bagasina, Board Member

“Pupugayan ku la kening proyektung ini. Sana dakal pa ing anti kanini bang milimbag ya ing kekatamung kaugalian at mapreserba in kekatamung pibatan.” -Atty. Zenaida Ducut, Chairwoman, Energy Regulatory Commission

“Very historical. Dapat iikot sa buong Pilipinas itong nagawa dito sa Pampanga to inspire other language communities to do the same. I've been talking to the director, willing kami na i-assist sila. Iikot natin ang experience na ito.” -Ricardo Nolasco, PhD, Head, Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino

Also present were the main cast of the TV drama, namely Edith Chu, Raco Del Rosario, Jayvie Dizon, Nicolette Henson, Aries Yap, Reachel Mucho, Alex Tiotuico, and Peter Danganan; Kalalangan Kamaru members Diego Marx Dobles (Asst. Director) and yours truly (Writer-Director); the whole team of Infomax 8, including Joven Mallari as the director of the Grand Premiere; Andy Alviz of ArtiSta. Rita; Roland Quiambao, Ben and Deng Escasa, and Peter De Vera of ASLAG Kapampangan; Vice Mayor of Masantol Bajun Lacap; Vice Mayor of Angeles City Vicky Vega; Bicong Del Rosario of the Academy of Performing Arts (APA) and family; and Abong Tayag, President of the Advocacy for the Development of Central Luzon (ADCL), and some members.

'Kalam,' a Kapampangan word which means gift or blessing, is a co-production between Kalalangan Kamaru and Infomax 8. It bases its story from Kapampangan folklore, but situates folk elements in an urban setting. Consisting of 13 episodes (one season), it will air very soon. Keep visiting http://kalamtv.blogspot.com and reading this newspaper for updates.

Photos: Primerung Pasinag ning 'Kalam'

2008-08-30T18:02:00.000-07:00

News about the Grand Premiere soon. For the mean time, check out some photos from the event.

Infomax. 8 team

Dr. Ricardo Nolasco, Head of the Komisyon Sa Wikang Filipino (KWF)

Asst. Dir. Diego Dobles, Jayvie Dizon (Kenneth), Reachel Mucho (Dette), Nicolette Henson (Albina), Alex Tiotuico (Kool), Peter Danganan (Joy)

The main cast minus Alex Tiotuico. L-R: Jayvie, Reachel, Nicolette, Peter, Aries Yap (Yubs), Raco Del Rosario (Rhodskie), Edith Chu (Puring)

Marketing Director Jomel Cruz and wife, Nicolette, Reachel, Executive Producer Mau Aquino, and co-host Rey Yumang

Having a Kapampangan TV drama and what it implies

2008-08-25T18:13:00.000-07:00

URBAN KAMARU
Jason Paul Laxamana
Central Luzon Daily

This Wednesday, Infomax-8, a Kapampangan cable channel based in the City of San Fernando, and Kalalangan Kamaru, a creative team of multidisciplinary Kapampangan youth, will be presenting to the public the latest offering of Kapampangans to the rest of the world—Kalam, the first ever Kapampanganovela (Kapampangan television drama) in the history of Philippine broadcasting. It will take place at the Event Center of SM City Pampanga, 5 PM, and is bound to be a grand Kapampangan event as it will feature not only various Kapampangan performances, but also the public screening of the pilot episode.

Making the Kapampangan youth as its target audience, Kalam tackles the life and adventures of a new generation of witches and healers (gifted people, or in Kapampangan, ding ating kalam) born in urban Pampanga and how they struggle to fit in a skeptical, discriminating, and fearful society. It will be an exciting mix of urban fantasy, action, romantic comedy, drama, and social relevance, while using Kapampangan culture—both past and present, folk and modern, rural and urban—as canvass.

A clear history of the development of Kapampangan mass media is not yet available, albeit, inspired by the so-called Kapampangan cultural renaissance happening in the province, several mass communication students in and out of the province are beginning to take interest in outlining our media history as their thesis. Nevertheless, the production of Kalam is certainly a milestone.

Just what does having a Kapampangan TV drama imply?

Panyulung Pangkultura (Cultural Development)

First of all, we see a huge leap in what we call cultural development, as having a Kapampanganovela means that Kapampangans now officially know how to make a TV series, the process of which requires diverse skills from a well-coordinated team of people.

These skills include: research, story conceptualization, scriptwriting, directing, camera operation, cinematography, acting, talent management, production design, makeup and costume design, audio editing, and video editing. But television is more than a creative effort. Production management, location management, marketing, programming, publicity (which involves graphic design and large-scale printing, coordination with the press, and public relations), sales, advertising, financial management, budgeting, broadcasting, to name some more, are also involved, and Kalam boasts of an all-Kapampangan staff, cast, and crew. This means that all the skills I've mentioned and have failed to mention are now part of the growing Kapampangan culture.

Whether Kapampangans are bound to excel in the field of TV drama production and cause a “Kapampangan wave” (synonymous to the recent “Korean wave” phenomenon) is something to look forward to. Looking at our past achievements, however, we can conclude—not necessarily meaning we can be complacent—we can excel. Look at our lanterns compared to the rest of the Filipinos'.

Sagisag Kapampangan (Kapampangan Symbol)

Second implication is the growing awareness of Kapampangans that they, indeed, are a people who have their own identity apart from their Filipino and Asian brothers, and this road to cultural self-determination has extended to the field of TV drama production.

Kapampangans used to and still rely on the Tagalogs, the Koreans, the Taiwanese, the Mexicans, the Japanese, and the Americans when it comes to satisfying their television entertainment needs. If a Kapampangan wants to watch a TV drama, he tunes in to ABS-CBN, GMA-7, TV-5 or other channels. Or perhaps, he would run to the nearest bangketa to find the vast array of pirated DVDs of Korean, Japanese, and Chinese TV series. But what do we see in these foreign productions but foreign culture where Kapampangan is nowhere to be found, except probably in lousy cases like the Kapampangans in ABS-CBN's Kokey (where Kapampangans are exaggeratedly portrayed as letter H-deficient people) and the divine character Sinukuan in Dyosa (where Sinukuan is an Arabian-looking princess).

Such lack of Kapampangan symbols cause the alienation—inferiority complex, even—of the Kapampangans, particularly the youth who are heavy media consumers, to their own culture, including language, and identity. Now that we have a TV drama of our own, expect familiarity, as various symbols are bound to make Kapampangans see themselves more in the boob tube—not as “colored people,” but as diverse people who think, feel, face problems, come up with solutions, excel, fail, cook, eat, photograph, love, hate, philosophize, obey the law, break it, dream big, dream small, etc.

It's time to determine who we really are using television instead of relying on others to portray us, for if we remained in the level of dependence on Manila media, we will forever be H-deficient, gegege people who excel only in domestic work and pamagmais. We will never be portrayed as lawyers, philosophers, scientists, matinee idols, modern activists, political leaders, doctors, etc.

The presence of Kalam, however, is a symbol itself. It is an addition to the symbols that unify us as a separate ethnolinguistic community, which include the Kapampangan language, Kapampangan cuisine, Kapampangan literature, Kapampangan heroes, Kapampangan history, Kapampangan landmarks, Kapampangan icons, and Kapampangan songs and hymns.

I wonder when the time will come when Kapampangans cease importing entertainment from outsiders (including territories outside the Kapampangan region) and start making their own media products for export in other parts of the world.

Primerung Pasinag (Grand Premiere)

Given these two big implications, we hope you would support Kalam, as its success will be the success of Kapampangans. It's also a nice way to celebrate the Bulan Na Ning Amanung Sisuan (Language Month). Please review the first paragraph for the event details. Visit http://kalamtv.blogspot.com for more information about the series.

'Kalam' on KWF website

2008-08-23T16:57:00.000-07:00

The Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (Commission on the Filipino Language) or KWF acknowledges Kalam and its national significance. Taken from their official website:

Inaasahang dadagsain ng mga Kapampangan ang naka-iskedyul na Engrandeng Pagbubukas ng Kalam, ang kauna-unahang Kapampanganobela na gaganapin sa SM City, Lungsod ng San Fernando, Pampanga sa darating na Agosto 27, 2008.

Binigyang-diin ng mga producer ng Kalam na ito’y higit pa sa isang palabas pantelebisyon lamang. Ito anila ay isang advocacy project na naghahangad na itaguyod ang kultura at wikang Kapampangan sa ibang panig ng mundo, habang ipinamamalas at pinagbubuti ang kaugnay na mga kasanayang pang-media ng mga Kapampangan. Pinapangarap nila ang araw na ang iba-ibang mga grupong etnolingguwistiko ay magsimulang magpalitan ng mga teleserye sa isa’t isa sa halip na umangkat pa ng mga palabas sa ibayong dagat. Ang gayong palitang kultural sa pamamagitan ng broadcast media ay mag-aambag sa malaon nang pagkaantala sa pagsasakatuparan ng pambansang pagkakaisa para sa mga Pilipino.

Ang lahat, mula sa mga artista hanggang sa mga producer, mula sa mga camera man hanggang sa mga production designer, mula sa mga production assistant hanggang sa mga technical director – na sangkot sa produksyon ng telenobelang Kalam ay pawang Kapampangan lahat mula sa pinakamataas hanggang sa pinakamababa. Ang Kalam ay isasahimpapawid gabi-gabi maliban sa araw ng linggo sa Infomax-8, isang cable channel sa Pampanga bagamat wala pang eksaktong araw at oras kung kailan ito isasahimpapawid.

'Kalam' visits UP Diliman, wows audience

2008-08-17T17:02:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday, Kalalangan Kamaru, a creative group of Kapampangan youth behind productions such as the RocKapampangan album and GVFM's weekly youth-oriented Kapampangan show Frequency K; and Infomax 8, the sole Kapampangan cable channel existing in the province, visited the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman to deliver a lecture, in line with the school's occasional Alternative Classroom Learning Experience or ACLE, where regular classes are suspended in order to give way to various workshops and symposia.

UP Aguman, an organization of Kapampangans in UP, decided to invite the people behind Kalam, the first Kapampanganovela (Kapampangan telenovela), to discuss about the emergence and challenges of regional broadcast media, particularly those of Kapampangan.

Jason Paul Laxamana of Kalalangan Kamaru, writer and director of Kalam, spoke about the ideology of uniting the Philippines through respect for its cultural diversity (not uniting the country by imposing one culture or language over another), while Mau Aquino, General Manager of Infomax 8, together with Marketing Director Jomel Cruz, told the story of how and why their station decided to package themselves as a Kapampangan channel employing the use of the Kapampangan language.

Present also were Diego Marx Dobles, Asst. Director of Kalam; Nhoel Austria, Set Designer; Aries Yap, Reachel Mucho, and Peter Danganan, main actors; and the technical team of Infomax, who covered the lecture for its daily news program, I-Max News. Approximately 60 people, Kapampangans and non-Kapampangans, attended the lecture, including fellow Kapampangan Prof. Nilo Ocampo, a Filipino teacher in UP Diliman.

Members of UP Aguman with Kalam's Dette (Reachel Mucho)

Members of UP Aguman with Kalam's hero Yubs (Aries Yap)

The issue of language preservation and development versus nationalism through the Filipino language—which Laxamana, using the test of Linguistics, called just a mere dialect of Tagalog—was raised and the issue, as usual, was left unresolved.

As Aquino and Laxamana kept stressing, people should learn as much languages as they can. Kapampangans and non-Tagalogs alike are not asked to un-learn Tagalog (after all, trilingualism is their advantage over Tagalogs who are mostly only bilingual); they are asked to master their native languages—to love them with pride—and not feel inferior upon using it. What should be battled is the phenomenon of language shift, when people abandon their native languages in favor of the national language or the English language.

In spite of the heat of the argument, after the English-subtitled screening of the first episode of Kalam, which prides itself for being culturally rooted and for being in the Kapampangan language, not one person was left dissatisfied, to the point of some even claiming they prefer to patronize it over the mainstream Pinoy TV dramas.

Kalam tackles the life and adventures of a new generation of witches and healers (gifted people, or in Kapampangan, ding ating kalam) born in urban Pampanga and how they struggle to fit in a skeptical, discriminating, and fearful society. It will be an exciting mix of urban fantasy, action, romantic comedy, drama, and social relevance, while using Kapampangan culture—both past and present, folk and modern, rural and urban—as canvass.

Catch the Primerung Pasinag (Grand Premiere) of Kalam in Pampanga. It will take place on the 27th of August, 5 PM, SM Pampanga Entertainment Plaza. Aside from the screening of the first episode, various Kapampangan groups will also be performing.

UP Aguman members, Nhoel Austria, and three of the main actors

Kapampangan Theme Songs for a Kapampangan TV Series

2008-08-15T18:18:00.000-07:00

Another press release.

Infomax.8, a Kapampangan cable channel based in the City of San Fernando, and Kalalangan Kamaru, a group of multidisciplinary Kapampangan youth cultural workers, are seeking to revolutionize Kapampangan mass media by crafting the first ever Kapampanganovela (Kapampangan telenovela) in the history of Philippine broadcasting.

"Kalam" tackles the life and adventures of a new generation of witches and healers (gifted people, or in Kapampangan, ding ating kalam) born in urban Pampanga and how they struggle to fit in a skeptical, discriminating, and fearful society. It will be an exciting mix of urban fantasy, action, romantic comedy, drama, and social relevance, while using Kapampangan culture—both past and present, folk and modern, rural and urban—as canvass.

The dialogues in "Kalam" are in the Kapampangan language, except in special cases where English and Tagalog are realistically the fitting languages. With that mentioned, it will be a sin to not get Kapampangan songs to serve as as the opening and closing theme songs of "Kalam," which were recorded at Kid's Place Recording Studio in Salapungan, Angeles City.

Pamuklat a Dalit (Opening Song)

Ing likuan mu kanaku
E ne agyu ning nanu mang panulu

Four members of 2007 Angeles City San Miguel Beer Battle of the Bands champion 5 Against The Wall (Jon Tanganco, bass; Jaynard Bengo, drums; Nhoel Austria, guitar; Arnold Espino, vocals), the vocalist of Guagua-based Red Horse Muziklaban finalist rock band Nora Aunor Fans' Club (Ramcos Nulud), and a Mabalacat-residing teenage violinist John Canlas collaborate to create the opening theme song of "Kalam." 5 Against The Wall and Nora Aunor Fans' Club were both participating bands in Kalalangan Kamaru's and Holy Angel University Center for Kapampangan Studies' RocKapampangan project, with the former doing a reggae version of 'Sibul Na Ning Arayat' and the latter composing a blues version of a hilarious Kapampangan children's song they titled 'Kaplas.'

The lyrics written by "Kalam" writer and director Jason Paul Laxamana, the title of the song is Alang Anggang Sugat (Eternal Wound) and it talks about the dark betrayal of a person whom one used to trust deeply. Such betrayal causes one a traumatic and deep wound bound to last for eternity. To give the song a spin, the genre of the song is metal—in spite of 5 Against The Wall known locally for its reggae sound—fused with a bit of classical, thanks to the violin of Canlas, who is a college senior from the Holy Angel University and a member of its Theater Guild.

To honor two of the great Kapampangan poets, the song used excerpts of poems by Jose Gallardo (one of his Malikwatas or 'Magic Poems' and 'Ing Biye Alang Bakas') and Mariano Sigua ('Aduang Curan') in its rap parts.

Panyarang Dalit (Closing Song)

Mibalik na ka kaku / uling e ku agyu
Ibalik ta ing oras / na ning pamiyabe tamu

Tarlac City-based Kapampangan band Mernuts—popular through YouTube for rendering Kapampangan translations of songs such as Rihanna's 'Umbrella' and Beyonce's 'Irreplaceable'—made their original composition 'Oras' to serve as the closing song of "Kalam."

The song, penned by vocalist Jhaye Arzaga, is their second original Kapampangan composition after 'Aliwa Kang Talaga,' their contribution in the RocKapampangan album released last February. 'Oras' is a love song of longing, inviting a loved one after a serious fight to turn back time, when love was still pure.

Music Videos: Fusion of pop and local culture

The Kapampangan youth, who have been part of the so-called MTV generation, will not be disappointed when they see the music videos created for the theme songs, which are regularly aired on the Infomax channel. They may also be viewed by checking out the YouTube account of 'sisigman.'

In spite of the pop culture theme of the music videos, Kapampangan culture enthusiasts will not be disappointed as well, as the creative team made it a point to fuse pop culture and local culture.

Shot in the City of San Fernando, the music video of 'Oras' features not only a number of the main cast of "Kalam," but also Roland Quiambao, Pampanga's giant lantern master, and some of his beautiful works.

Shot in the Henson-Hizon heritage mansion care of Corito Panlilio-Lim, the music video of 'Alang Anggang Sugat' could serve as an independent short film, as it boldly shows the experience of a girl raped by her trusted male friends and how the loss of her virginity caused social stigma, until she decided to end her torment by committing suicide. The non-conservative treatment of the video has caused some to brand it "too dark and gory," while some reacted in awe and called it a "piece of art" and "at par with international music videos." Maleldo (Holy Week) icons were used as well to poetically show emotions of regret and suffering.

Yubs, the lead character in "Kalam" played by Aries Yap, and his Kularyut sidekick, Kool, albeit played by a different person, are also in the video.

Both videos were directed by Laxamana, with the aid of Kalalangan Kamaru members Diego Marx Dobles (Asst. Director), Jon Tanganco and Nhoel Austria (Set Designers), and the technical team of Infomax. 8 including Joven Mallari (Technical Director), Ashly Nunag (Camera Man), Martin Reyes (Asst. Camera Man), and Teri Dela Pena (Production Assistant). Editors: Laxamana and Dobles.

Catch the bands behind the theme songs, together with the public screening of their music videos, on the 27th of August at the Entertainment Plaza of SM City Pampanga. It will be the Primerung Pasinag or Grand Premiere of "Kalam," where the first full episode of "Kalam" will be screened in advance. Visit http://kalamtv.blogspot.com/ for more info and text 09186992459 for inquiries.

Episode 1 Preview

2008-08-14T20:00:00.000-07:00

Watch this mini trailer of the first episode of "Kalam."

Don't you wish to be there on the 27th of August at the SM Pampanga Entertainment Plaza to watch the first episode? :)

A new Pinoy TV series and its seven catches

2008-08-12T05:45:00.000-07:00

Press release ya ini para keng Punto.

There is a new Pinoy TV series that tackles the lives of kulam practitioners, gayuma makers, and people who casually contact with local horror characters like the kapri and the tikbalang. As children, we have often heard and imagined their adventures happen in the rural areas, in places where nightlife belongs to characters of horror and diseases are believed to be caused by bewitchment or elf-made magic. Not in the upcoming fantaserye (if you're a Kapamilya) or telefantasya (if you're a Kapuso) aptly titled Kalam.

Below, we present seven major catches why Kalam is something to watch out for.

It's set in the city

Even though its genre is fantasy, it's urban fantasy. Imagine the local witches, monsters, and elementals living with us in the city as seemingly normal people who dress up like us, listen to the same songs we patronize, watch the latest concerts, keep Friendster accounts, occupy seats in the government, and acquire jobs in call centers and malls. This is the universe of Kalam, where folkloric fantasy meets contemporary drama. Which brings us to the costumes and special effects. If you're a fan of the mascot-like characters you see in the primetime fantasy TV dramas, which range from mermaids to humanoid horses, Kalam could serve as an alternative, as the characters, in spite of holding magical abilities and some being innately supernatural like the aswang, do not sport out-of-this-world clothes. Witches come in school uniforms, corporate attires, tees, and jeans.

It's intellectual and entertaining

Gender, cultural, racial, moral, intellectual, and sociological sensitivity -- how much of these have you found in your local soap operas? In between the entertaining waves of action and fantasy, Kalam either subtly or aggressively tackles gender issues, cultural and philosophical issues, and social problems the youth most likely encounter everyday but fail to sense because they have been greatly institutionalized in the society to the point of blindly accepting them as "normal" already. Take for example the lead female character, Dette, who, aside from having an opened third eye (she is able to see ghostly images through the lenses of her cameras), is also a feminist. One of the main characters is the potions chemist John Joy, who is a single father proudly declaring his "greed" for money amidst the Filipino's bad (and hypocritical) attitude toward wealth. Them, and more.

It's weekly, it's one-hour

Unlike the mainstream Pinoy TV dramas, Kalam will be shown weekly in one full hour. Even though it is a series, every episode has its own subplot that generally ends within that episode as well. Each episode is distinct enough to leave the viewers something to remember, which is something not usually practiced by your favorite primetime TV dramas. If you are to be asked what happened in the sixteenth episode of Marimar, will you recall? How about the fifth episode of Kampanerang Kuba? Do you have a favorite episode, or just favorite scenes?

It's filled with new faces

If you're the typical person whose TV viewing is dictated by the popularity of the cast (e.g. "I shall watch Iisa Pa Lamang because Gabby Concepcion and Claudine Baretto are in it"), then Kalam could either disappoint you or serve as an alternative. It boasts of the appropriateness of the actors in and their ability to give life to the roles, as the story and characters were imagined first, and then the auditions. No role was created just to boost the career of a certain cast member. Aries Yap, Reachel Mucho, Alex Tiotuico, Nicolette Henson, Jayvie Dizon, Peter Danganan, Edith Chu, Raco Del Rosario -- do you know them? You might not, but we're sure you'll love their colorful characterizations. Watch out for a feature on the main cast of Kalam and the characters they animate.

It's set in Pampanga

Dyesebel and Asero shoot often in Pampanga, but you probably don't know that. Why? Because they don't mention that fact. They do not boast of it and it doesn't help the province when it comes to tourism. Kalam on the other hand is set in Pampanga and presents Pampanga proudly as a complex and developing province worth of interest. You'll see the Holy Rosary Church, the Holy Angel University, and other places in the episodes. And with the place comes the culture of the province itself with its customs and traditions -- both contemporary and folk -- Kapampangan dishes, crafts, etc. Remember: kimchi, along with other elements of Korean culture, was made popular by the Korean entertainment wave.

It's in the Kapampangan language

To the knowledge of most Filipinos, Tagalog and English are the sole languages of mass media in the Philippines. But did you know that in Cebu, they have a genre called the Cebuanovela or the Visayanovela which employs their native language (no, they're not dialects; they're languages)? With the cultural and linguistic fervor sweeping the regions, one could only be reminded that the Philippines is, indeed, a diverse country, and that its diversity is bound to extend even to the field of TV dramas. The news: Kalam, being set in Pampanga, will naturally be in the Kapampangan language. More than the me keni's and o jo, kaluguran da ka's, every episode will be in Kapampangan, some fluent, some balid, some gegege, and some in pidgin. Characters will be discussing, arguing, emoting, etc. in our Amanung Sisuan Kapampangan. As the lead antagonist, Albina, said in the first episode, Abayan mu ku at apalyari tamu ita! (Join me and we'll make it happen!)

It's a Kapampangan production

Infomax. 8, a Kapampangan cable channel based in San Fernando, and Kalalangan Kamaru, a multidisciplinary team of creative Kapampangan youth, are behind the production of Kalam, in line with their advocacy of revolutionizing Kapampangan media and living up with how we, Kapampangans, tag ourselves: excellent. The actors, if you were able to tell by their surnames, are all Kapampangan. The writer and director is Kapampangan. The producers are Kapampangan. The crew members are Kapampangan. The creative staff is Kapampangan.

What's still a lack is you, a fellow Kapampangan, who must have been used to patronizing Tagalog and foreign TV shows. Now that we have a teleserye of our own, we ask you to support this endeavor by being witness to the Primerung Pasinag or Grand Premiere of Kalam, the first ever "Kapampanganovela" in the history of Philippine broadcasting, where the first episode will be screened. It will take place at the 27th of August (the Language Month) at the Entertainment Plaza of SM Pampanga, 5 PM. Admission is free. For more information about Kalam, visit http://kalamtv.blogspot.com

Official Kalam MTVs now out!

2008-08-01T15:19:00.000-07:00

The music videos for the opening and closing theme songs of Kalam are finished! They were screened at the Francis De Javier Theater of Holy Angel University yesterday before the technical preview of the Cinemalaya 2008 Best Picture, Jay (Francis Pasion), but are aired regularly at Infomax-8.

You may also view them in YouTube:

Official music video of ALANG ANGGANG SUGAT by 5 Against the Wall featuring Ramcos Nulud (vocalist of Nora Aunor Fans' Club band) and violinist John Canlas of Mabalacat. Song written by Jason Paul Laxamana, with excerpts from poems of Jose Gallardo (Malikwatas, Biye Alang Bakas) and Mariano Sigua (Aduang Curan). DIRECTOR: Jason Laxamana, ASST. DIRECTOR: Diego Dobles, TECHNICAL DIRECTOR: Joven Mallari, EDITOR: Jason Laxamana, Diego Dobles, PRODUCTION DESIGNERS: Jon Tanganco, Nhoel Austria

Official music video of Mernuts' original Kapampangan composition, Oras. Used as closing theme song. DIRECTOR: Jason Laxamana, ASST. DIRECTOR: Diego Dobles, TECHNICAL DIRECTOR: Joven Mallari, EDITOR: Jason Laxamana, PRODUCTION DESIGN: Roland Quiambao, SET MAN: Jon Tanganco

Abangan: Kalam promotional music videos

2008-07-20T22:28:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday and Saturday, Kalalangan Kamaru and Infomax shot the music videos of the opening and closing theme songs of Kalam, which are Alang Anggang Sugat (5 Against the Wall, Ramcos Nulud, John Canlas) and Oras (Mernuts).

Alang Anggang Sugat was shot at the Henson-Hizon heritage house in the City of San Fernando. The video reveals a subplot in Kalam, where a rape victim (played by Kalam auditions semifinalist Frency Rodriquez) resorts to witchcraft to take revenge on the two boys who took away her virginity by force, which she considers to be an eternal slash in her soul. A special cameo appearance of Aries Yap as Yubs, his character in Kalam, is something to look forward to. The character of Kool is also present in the video, albeit played by Diego Dobles, Kalam Asst. Director.

Oras, on the other hand, was shot at the lantern workshop of parol master Roland Quiambao in the same city. While the characters in the story are in no way related to Kalam, they feature five of the main cast, namely Nicolette Henson, Raco Del Rosario, Peter Danganan, Reachel Mucho, and Aries Yap. Jhaye Arzaga and Chao Chua of the Mernuts band also take part in the acting part.

Wait for their airing at Infomax-8! We will also be posting the videos on YouTube. Keep visiting this blog for updates. If you haven't heard the opening and closing theme songs of Kalam, play them below.

Alang Anggang Sugat - 5 Against the Wall feat Ramcos Nulud, John Canlas

Oras - Mernuts

Don't forget to attend the Grand Premiere of Kalam at SM City Pampanga on the 27th of August. It's totally libri.

Me keni and make way for the 1st Kapampanganovela!

2008-07-16T18:44:00.000-07:00

GRAND PREMIERE
August 27, 2008
SM City Pampanga
FREE ADMISSION

Me keni and make way for the 1st Kapampanganovela!

To the knowledge of most Filipinos, only Manila has the capability of producing teleseryes in the country, while all other dramas must have been produced by Koreans, Americans, Japanese, Mexicans, or Chinese.

But did you know that in other regions, Pinoy TV dramas are also being produced and are even employing the use of non-Tagalog languages like Cebuano? With the cultural fervor sweeping the regions, one could only be reminded that the Philippines—amidst the institutionalized belief that this archipelago only speaks Tagalog as its language while the rest are mere “dialects”—is, indeed, a diverse country, and that its diversity is bound to extend even to the field of TV dramas.

Take for example the Kapampangans, the latest Filipino ethnolinguistic group to enter the field of teleserye production. This August, which is considered the Language Month, a Kapampangan cable channel (Infomax-8) and a creative pool of Kapampangan youth (Kalalangan Kamaru) will be launching Kálam, the first ever Kapampanganovela—the term introduced to refer to kabalen-produced TV dramas—in Philippine broadcasting history.

Combining the Contemporary and Folklore

Like other Philippine regional communities, Kapampangans possess a rich and colorful collection of folklore. Apart from the usual laman labuad (“laman lupa” for the Tagalogs), Kapampangans have a diverse world of folk healers and sorcerers.

Aside from the popular mangkukulam and mambabarang, there is the magkukusim, who can project his soul from his body to bewitch people across distances; the katulunan, who can channel the spirits of various living creatures; the uple, illusion makers; the ustuang, powerful witches that can make their bodies explode and incinerate the surroundings, and many other strange, magical characters that continuously add color to our local culture, but are sadly being forgotten and replaced by foreign monsters like the Bogeyman, Big Foot, and the Loch Ness Monster.

However, in ‘Kálam’ (a Kapampangan word for “grace” or “gift”) instead of portraying these magical characters in their conventional barrio setting, they will be portrayed in the modern, urban world, dissolving the gap between science and superstition, technology and magic, and the traditional and the modern. Imagine mangkukulam, ustuang, and mangguguna (potion chemist and charms maker) living with us in the city as seemingly normal people who dress up like us, listen to the same songs we patronize, watch the latest concerts, keep Friendster accounts, occupy seats in the government, and occupy jobs in call centers and malls.

This is the universe of ‘Kálam,’ where contemporary drama meets folkloric fantasy.

More than a TV show

The producers stress that ‘Kálam’ is more than a TV show. It is also an advocacy project seeking to promote Kapampangan culture and language to the rest of the world while showcasing and enhancing the Kapampangan’s media-related skills. They dream of the day when various ethnolinguistic groups start exchanging teleseryes with one another instead of importing shows from abroad. Such cultural exchange through broadcast media will contribute to the long overdue realization of national unity for the Filipinos.

Starring an all-Kapampangan cast and written, produced, and directed by an all-Kapampangan staff and crew, ‘Kálam’ will air weeknights at Infomax-8 in Pampanga. For people outside Pampanga, keep visiting this blog for updates.

First taping day of 'Kalam'

2008-07-11T06:21:00.000-07:00

Last July 10, the first taping day of Kalam was executed at the Holy Angel University. Amidst the technical limitations and weather nuisance, the crew was able to tape a couple of sequences.

Although it may not look like it at first glance, the production of the first episode is a spark of light in Kapampangan history, as it marks the very first day that Kapampangans -- from actors to producers, from camera men to production designers, from production assistants to technical directors -- engaged in the production of a TV drama that is equally kukuli king panga-Kapampangan (Kapampangan from top to bottom).

The staff and crew may have found the amount of work required in telenovela production surprising and a bit harder than usual, but in the long run, Kapampangans will get the hang of it, until we are able to perfect the craft. Then, knowing Kapampangans, once they have gotten the hang of this field, they will continually excel in it and even exceed what other peoples already deem satisfactory.

Can't get what we mean? Just look at how Kapampangans express their standard of beauty on giant lanterns. It does appear over the top to non-Kapampangans, but to us? That's just how lanterns should be.

Panyatang King Salapungan (Arriving at a Fork Road), the first episode of the Kapampanganovela, will give the viewers an idea of who Yubs, the main protagonist, is -- his being a secret magkukulam in Nursing school and how he deals with the rumors surrounding him among his peers.

Yubs will also encounter for the first time the enigmatic Albina, the mysterious ukluban who opens Yubs' eyes about his special ability and makes known to him the world of people with kalam, or gift.

Catch the premiere of Kalam on the 27th of August! Keep visiting this blog for updates! Watch this news clip (care of I-max News) about the first taping day:

Youth contribute to Kapampangan Cultural Renaissance

2008-07-08T16:29:00.000-07:00

The following series of videos is one full episode of Infomax' talk show Personalan which is shown weekly in Pampanga via Infomax-8 and ABSCBN Pampanga Channel 46.

In this episode, the creative production group Kalalangan Kamaru (creative producer of Kalam) was guested to send the message to fellow Kapampangan youth that denial of ethnicity, especially through rejection or concealment of mother language, is the most uncool thing in this period.

If you don't speak Kapampangan, you'll find that the videos have no subtitles but you may still want to watch to take a partial look at how Kapampangan mass media is progressing.

At the end of the show, Kalam became the topic of conversation. See the set of audition VTRs in the fifth video.

Kalam @ Friendster

2008-07-02T05:22:00.000-07:00

Kalam has a Friendster account! Please add us up! http://profiles.friendster.com/kalamtv.

Kalam: A Gift of Our times

2008-07-01T06:17:00.000-07:00

By Jade Pangilinan
IN RETROSPECT
Punto

I have always been a big fan of fantasy books and games. From JRR Tolkien’s Middle-earth to CS Lewis’s Narnia; from Magic the Gathering cards to Dungeons and Dragons role-playing; from Harry Potter movies to Arnold Arre’s Mythology Class.

And coming soon in Pampanga is an urban fantasy made for tv series that is the first of its kind: Kalam. Kalam, which means “gift” in the vernacular, is something that should be close to a Kapampangan’s heart as this telenovela will tackle the supernatural and mythological in the context of contemporary times.
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I have seen the sample clips of this Kapampanganovela on Youtube where they have been generating a lot of views, interesting feedbacks and comments, especially among the Kapampangan youth. Kalam is set to revolutionize Kapampangan tv.

It helps that the cast in itself is stellar as it brings together the freshest faces and most promising talents in Pampanga, such as the pretty and witty beauty queen and model Niket Henson and versatile theater actor Alex Tiotuico to name a few. I take pride in the Fernandinos who are part of the cast of characters, such as Reachel Mucho, Edith Chu (grew up in Guagua), KC Aldana (already replaced by Magalang's Peter Danganan; see Kalam blog for news) and Jayvie Dizon (grew up in Angeles City). More than the face value, more consideration was given to talent and Kapampangan language skills.

Add to this the continuing advocacy of Infomax 8 in producing Kapampangan shows that give us the heightened sense of belongingness and community spirit.

Knowing director Jason Laxamana and his passion for preserving Kapampangan heritage, especially in the linguistic and literary fields, expect Kalam to be well-researched and authentic. The fantastic characters we will meet will be straight out of the wealth of folkloric tradition that our noble Kapampangan ancestors have passed on through generations. For those who grew up in rural Pampanga, I am pretty sure that the characters will be very familiar although the story takes place in the urban setting.

Jason, at a very young age, exhibits an uncommonly keen understanding of Kapampangan culture and uses popular media such as rock music (for the breakthrough Rockapampangan project) and the telenovela to promote our often peripheralized intangible heritage in the mainstream and inculcate among the people, young and old alike, vestiges of our culture which we do not want to fade away or die.

Kalam shows promise to bring back into Kapampangan consciousness the nearly forgotten lore of old: mythical creatures of our ancestor’s imagination (e,g, elementals such as laman labuad) and folk beliefs that have been set aside as hear say and unscientific in these post-modern times, but are vital ingredients of what makes our culture truly Kapampangan.

Kalam gives us something to look forward to. It is a good way for non – Kapampangans to see for themselves and understand Kapampangan culture. More importantly, in this day and age when the use of the Kapampangan language is decreasing, Kalam just might be a gift that will give us a better sense of appreciation of what we have as a people before we totally lose it.

Check the Kalam sample sequences on youtube or visit their blog at http://kalamtv.blogspot.com. Watch out for Kalam at Infomax 8 this coming August.

Character pictorial

2008-06-29T18:08:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, the cast members dawned their costumes for the character pictorial held at Koolpix Photography, the photographer being Henry Sanchez. The photos are multipurpose, since they will be used in every publicity material possible, such as billboards, tarpaulins, press releases, websites, etc.

Watch out for the pictures in this blog! Meanwhile, enjoy the following behind-the-scenes and fooling-around photos:

Raco Del Rosario (escaped from thesis partners) as Rhodskie

Albina, Dette, Kool while waiting for the other props to arrive

Nicolette looking forward for a pic with snake

Jon, the Production Designer, and Nicolette... and the ubingan

Happy birthday, Peter Danganan (John Joy)! Pa-burger na ka man!

Cheng and Niket

Kularyut ampo i Bernadette

As emo as Kool; belt freshly purchased

Atsing Puring out of costume, waiting for the "daster"

Aries practicing kulam, waiting for the HAU Nursing uniform

Audience area

Bangag king thesis, ne?

Atsing Edith in costume, Cheng, and Jayvie (Kenneth) in HAU Engineering uniform

John Joy Manalang checking out a flask of herbs

Aldana to leave for Japan; change in main cast lineup

2008-06-27T19:04:00.000-07:00

Even though the main cast of Kalam has been completed already, the producers decided to make a sudden change in the lineup due to an unexpected emergency.

KC Aldana, who is vocalist of the band Freshmen, is bound to leave the country mid-July. According to him, he signed a contract with his band for Japan last November. "I thought e na kami malaus anya puru raket ku. Linual no kanu ring visa mi at ing tentative flight mi July 17."

Aldana will play with his band mates in Japan for six months.

(Aldana in rightmost lower row)

Having no power to hold back Aldana (because the cast hasn't still signed contracts with Kalam), the producers deemed it necessary to find at once a replacement for the band vocalist.

Thus, we welcome freelance model and actor Peter Danganan (Magalang), a Kalam final auditions participant who was also one of the top choices for the role of John Joy Manalang, a single father sustaining his and his son's expenses by running an underground potions and charms shop, the items of which he creates himself due to his being a mangguguna (Kapampangan potion chemist and gayuma expert).

Danganan will miss the acting workshop but will start participating as part of the main cast in Kalam by joining the rest of the actors in the character photo shoot on June 29 care of Koolpix Photography.

Kalalangan Kamaru on Sip Magazine

2008-06-24T20:36:00.000-07:00

There's this glossy magazine distributed in Metro Manila. It's Sip Magazine, the first ever magazine targeting coffee shop addicts.

Inspired by the ever-growing high-end Café market here in the Philippines, No Bounds Group - the freshest, hottest and most talented Events and Publishing team in the country today, in partnership with the largest coffee retailer in the United States and the leading per store café-coffee retailer in the Philippines – The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (CBTL)...

Our magazine targets young, dynamic yet very discerning café aficionados ages 18-35 years old in Classes A, B and Upper C (CBTL’s very solid target market – covering college students, yuppies and even lifestyle mavens). SIP hopes to represent, entertain and inspire this “restless and determined” market by featuring articles on the hottest trends in personal care, gadgets, fitness, travel, fashion, music and most importantly, youth volunteerism (in helping others and saving the environment).

This June in their Independence Day issue, they have a feature on our Kapampangan cultural development group, Kalalangan Kamaru, and our advocacy for Kapampangan. View the feature here:

In the July issue of Sip, Kalam will be featured, the first ever Kapampanganovela. It's as historical as Sip Magazine, because it's also a first in Philippine history!

Angeles, Guagua, Porac, Mabalacat musicians make 'Kalam' opening song

2008-06-23T18:07:00.000-07:00

Four members of 2007 Angeles City San Miguel Beer Battle of the Bands champion 5 Against The Wall (Jon Tanganco, bass; Jaynard Bengo, drums; Nhoel Austria, guitar; Arnold Espino, vocals), the vocalist of Guagua-based Red Horse Muziklaban finalist rock band Nora Aunor Fans' Club (Ramcos Nulud), and a Mabalacat-residing teenage violinist John Canlas collaborate to create the opening theme song of 'Kalam.'

Lyrics written by 'Kalam' head writer and director Jason Paul Laxamana, the title of the song is Alang Anggang Sugat (Eternal Wound). It talks about the dark betrayal of a person whom one used to trust deeply. Such betrayal causes one a traumatic and deep wound bound to last for eternity.

The genre of the song is metal, fused with a bit of classical, thanks to the violin of Canlas, who is a college senior from the Holy Angel University and a member of its Theater Guild.

A minus one, unmixed track of Alang Anggang Sugat may be heard keni. Watch out for the final mix of the track with vocals!

Alang Anggang Sugat
Taladtad: Jason Paul Laxamana
Tigtig: 5 Against The Wall feat. Ramcos Nulud and John Canlas

Siwala: Ramcos Nulud, Arnold Espino (rap)
Gitara: Nhoel Austria
Bass: Jon Tanganco
Tambul: Jaynard Bengco
Biolin: John Canlas

I

Lisya ka, tung, oyan na'ing patianak
Mamapi ya pa mata ing kularyut
Kabira ating sinagakgak
Talan ka kanaku, amanu mu

CHORUS

Ing likuan mu kanaku
E ne agyu, nanumang panulu
Ing likuan mu kanaku
Ing likuan mu, ing likuan mu

Sugat yang e kinayap (Sugat yang e kakayap)
Sugat yang e kumayap

II

Kaibat mu kung tiki king dalumdum
Mabilug ya ing bulan, e ka minapun
Kabang mangadi ku siping mu
Metilus ka pangil, sigpang mu ku

CHORUS

Ing likuan mu kanaku
E ne agyu, nanumang panulu
Ing likuan mu kanaku
Ing likuan mu, ing likuan mu

INSTRUMENTAL

[RAP]

CHORUS

Ing likuan mu kanaku
E ne agyu, nanumang panulu
Ing likuan mu kanaku
Ing likuan mu, ing likuan mu

The track was recorded at Aldrene Tuazon's studio at Brgy. Salapungan, Angeles City.

Watch Jessica Soho episode on 'Kalam'

2008-06-20T07:01:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (GMA-7) featured the mass media, particularly broadcast, industry of the Philippine provinces which employ the use of the local language. Because we are doing the first ever Kapampangan TV drama, they decided to feature us to represent the Kapampangans.

This is the second time a Kamaru project has attracted national television. If you can still remember, RocKapampangan was also featured months ago when they did a segment on Promdi Rock.

What's negative about Jessica Soho is that she doesn't see the distinction between a language and a dialect. She would call the Kapampangan language a dayalekto (dialect), sometimes, wika (language). Researchers should advise her on the difference of the two, and that non-Tagalog Philippine languages are, well, languages, not dialects.

Second is the constant labeling of provincial products as Promdi products. Promdi rock, promdi telenovelas, etc. It implies a centralized view of the Philippines -- Manila is Philippines, and if you come from the province, there's a special label for you.

If you failed to watch the 'Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho' episode featuring Kalam, it's now on YouTube:

Tarlac band makes closing song for 'Kalam'

2008-06-16T23:37:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, Tarlac-based Kapampangan band Mernuts -- popular for rendering Kapampangan translations of songs such as Rihanna's Umbrella and Beyonce's Irreplaceable in YouTube -- recorded their original composition Oras, which will serve as the closing song of 'Kalam'.

The song, penned by vocalist Jhaye Arzaga, is written in Kapampangan. It is their second original Kapampangan composition after 'Aliwa Kang Talaga,' their contribution in the RocKapampangan album released last March.

'Oras' is a love song of longing, inviting a loved one after a serious fight to turn back time, when love was still pure. An incomplete, acoustic version of the song may be heard here.

Oras
Mernuts

I

Mimisip kung malalam
Nu ku wari umpisan
E na ka lulub king buntuk ku
E ku na balung sabian
Sobrang sakit ing penamdaman
Nung agawan ku mung paralan
Sana atiu ka pa siping ku
Ala na kung isipan

II

Kaluguran da ka pa
Balu mu sa ita
Ala nang aliwa king pusu ku
Nung aliwa ika
Gewa ku na ngan ing dapat
E na ku man migkulang
O't e mu akuang akit a
Maibug kung mibulang

Pre-Chorus

O't deng lalaki
E ra balu nung kapilan ka manasakit
Akakit da na
Magbulag-bulagan la pang pilit

Chorus

Mibalik na ka kaku
Uling e ku agyu
Ibalik ta ing oras
Na ning pamiyabe tamu
Uling nung lumaut ka
Ing pusu ku
Makataid ya keka
Ibalik ta ing oras
Kaluguran da ka

III

Ing masakit kasi
E ta buring aminan
Sasalikut ta ing katutuan
A mikalugud ta' naman
Maski pa dakal ta na
Kaguluan a delanan
Ing maling dapat tamu
O't e ta nea' samasnan

[repeat Chorus]

Bridge

Tatakut kung salubungan ing aslag ning aldo
Mesane na kung atiu ka mu siping ku
Nung mibalik ka man king oras a ini
Kaulan da ka't panuman
E ra na ka 'tabili, oh

Rap

Nu ke ilulan ing sarili ku nung ala ka keni
Aldo-aldo isipan ding masanting a bageng
Milyari king pamiyabe
O't nanu mo ing milyari
Arapan ta ya ing tutu
Kailangan pa waring mikawani
E ku agyung ala ka siping ku, sayang ing oras
Oras tamung adua king isip ku e ya kukupas
Pakiramdaman mu ku sana
Keka e ku sumawa
Pisabian ta'ng pasibayu
Mibalik na ka kaku

[repeat Chorus]

Coda

Kaluguran da ka
Ibalik ta ing oras
Ing oras, ing oras
Oh, ibalik ta ing oras

Main actors for Kapampanganovela unveiled

2008-06-16T05:52:00.000-07:00

By Jason Paul Laxamana

ANGELES CITY—The eight main actors of Kalam, the Kapampanganovela (Kapampangan telenovela) being produced by Infomax-8 and Kalalangan Kamaru, have been chosen out of approximately 60 hopefuls. They were unveiled last June 14 during the final auditions held at the Kapampangan Center of Holy Angel University, Angeles City.

The story of ‘Kalam’ (a Kapampangan word which means ‘gift’ or ‘blessing’) is a mixture of urban fantasy, action, romance, comedy, and social relevance featuring the struggle of modern day magkukulam (folk witches/healers) in urban Pampanga. It follows the life and adventures of Yubs, a delinquent college Nursing student who, with the aid of both normal and magical allies, reunites with his folkloric roots and enhances his skill in order to counter cases of harmful witchcraft and to prove to society that kulam is not absolutely evil, but a gift that can be used in service of the people.

Grabbing the lead role is Aries Yap of Angeles City, who became a finalist in ‘Close Up to Fame 2’ last 2006.

Reachel Mucho of the City of San Fernando, a Financial Management and Accounting student of the University of the Assumption, gets the role of Dette, a lagayan (spirit seeing) rich girl who captures images of ghosts and elementals through her camera. Mucho became a finalist in the 2008 teen model search Circle of 10.

Freshmen boyband member KC Aldana (former screen name: Roel Aldana) of the same city takes the role of John Joy, a drop-dead-gorgeous but snobbish mangguguna (potion and charm maker) who will become Dette’s object of infatuation.

Mutya ning San Fernando 2006 and Mutya ning Kapampangan 2006 beauty pageant winner Nicolette Henson of San Fernando grabs the lead antagonist’s role. She will act as Albina, the more-than-a-hundred-year-old but still young-looking and pretty ukluban (powerful sorceress) seeking to punish people who discriminate witches. Unlike the typical villainess, Albina does “evil things” in a calm and elegant but cunning and precise manner.

Jayvie Dizon of San Fernando, a Mass Communication student of Angeles University Foundation and a member of its Repertory Theater, takes the role of Kenneth, the uple (illusion master) sidekick of Albina.

Yap, Mucho, Aldana, Henson, and Dizon join Alex Tiotuico, Raco Del Rosario, and Ms. Edith Chu in the main cast.

Tiotuico, a resident of Angeles City and an Architecture student of Holy Angel University, will act as Kulubasa Kularyut, the 300-year-old loud and comic laman labuad (elemental) who serves as Yubs’ guide in the world of magkukulam. Tiotuico is a theater actor from the Academy of Performing Arts (APA) who acted as Gorio in the stage play ‘Ang Lihim.’

Taking the role of Rhodskie is Del Rosario (son of APA founder Bicong Del Rosario), a Nursing student of AUF and also a theater actor and dancer from APA. Rhodskie is the ghetto ex-boyfriend of Dette who speaks balid (twisted) Kapampangan.

Last but not the least is local businesswoman Ms. Edith Chu, who takes the role of Puring, the mother of Yubs who acts as the community’s fake faith healer.

Before the producers start taping ‘Kalam’ in July, the main actors will undergo acting workshops, personality development seminars, and photo shoots. They will also undergo a crash course on the Kapampangan language to make them more comfortable in reading and speaking Kapampangan lines.

“This is more than a TV show,” the producers said. “It is also an advocacy project seeking to promote Kapampangan culture and language to the people, especially the youth, while showcasing and enhancing the Kapampangans' media-related skills.”

‘Kalam’ is set to premiere on the final week of August, the language month. Visit http://kalamtv.blogspot.com for more information and updates.

[photos of Yap, Tiotuico, Del Rosario, Aldana, and group picture courtesy of Rachel of Enterprise school paper, College of Business Administration, Holy Angel University]

They have been chosen

2008-06-14T08:43:00.000-07:00

We congratulate the following for making it to the main cast of Kalam! They will now be joining Edith Chu (Atsing Puring), Alex Tiotuico (Kool), and Raco Del Rosario (Rhodskie) in the list of the first ever main stars of the first ever Kapampanganovela in the archipelago.

Watch TV Patrol Pampanga on June 16 (Monday), 5:30 PM (ABS-CBN Pampanga Channel 46; Channel 42 for ACCTN subscribers) for their news coverage of the final selection of actors held at the Holy Angel University Center for Kapampangan Studies.

Congratulations, 'Kalam' auditions finalists!

2008-06-08T13:21:00.000-07:00

Congratulations! In no particular order, these are the applicants whom Kalalangan Kamaru had selected to move on to the second, final screening on June 14 (Saturday) at the Center for Kapampangan Studies, Holy Angel University, Angeles City (calltime: 1 PM).

To the finalists, prepare to give your all during the final screening! Confidence, acting skills, and so-called X, or this time, K-factor (Kapampangan factor!).

[no picture]
Nigel Laxamana
Angeles City

[no picture]

Edith Chu
City of San Fernando

[no picture]

Reachel Mucho
City of San Fernando

KC Aldana
City of San Fernando

[no picture]
Maikka Rustia
City of San Fernando

Aaron Christian Rivera
City of San Fernando

Shayne Fontillas
City of San Fernando

Peter Danganan
Magalang

Frency Rodriguez
City of San Fernando

Aries Yap
Angeles City

Jayvie Dizon

City of San Fernando

Bor Ocampo
Sta. Rita

Nicolette Henson
City of San Fernando

Dennis Dizon
Angeles City

Jeramie Mendoza
Angeles City

If an applicant is not chosen, it doesn't mean he's bad. Of course, we are also taking into account factors such as: schedule flexibility, command of the Kapampangan language, and most importantly, if they match the descriptions of the characters we have in mind.

If an applicant is not chosen as part of the main cast, several supporting roles are still waiting to be occupied, and he might just fit in any of those.

As much as we would like to make everyone happy (since we are pleased that a lot of Kapampangans responded to this "call of Indung Kapampangan") by giving them a break in local show business, we, as of the moment, cannot easily make it happen, as we are still in the early, exploratory stage of television drama production.

But eventually, we'll get there, and take part in the thriving global cultural industry.

First major auditions on June 7

2008-06-05T18:03:00.000-07:00

[Note: This is not a complete list of applicants.]

Who will rise as part of history and be part of the first ever Kapampanganovela in the world?

On June 7, the first major auditions for Kalam will take place at the Academy of Performing Arts in Angeles City (in front of Villa Angela Subdivision and Carmelite Monastery) from 1 PM to 6 PM.

After the first level auditions, potential actors will be recalled for a second screening.

Jessica Soho (GMA-7) to feature 'Kalam'

2008-06-01T08:54:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendars! There will be a segment on the first ever Kapampanganovela in the June 7 episode of Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (every Saturday night, after 'Bitoy's Funniest Videos').

Last May 31, a production unit of GMA-7's 'Kapuso Mo...' monitored the first audition day of Kalam at the Kapampangan Center of Holy Angel University in Angeles City.

Infomax-8 and Kalalangan Kamaru, as well as applicants, were interviewed. A short sample sequence from Kalam involving the characters of Rhodskie (Raco Del Rosario; picture below left) and Kulubasa Kularyut (Alex Tiotuico; right) was also shot on the spot.

The second audition day is set on June 7. Applicants will be informed through the contact details they provided in their biodata regarding the venue, time, etc.

Kamaru, Infomax sign contract for co-prod of 'Kalam'

2008-05-27T06:24:00.000-07:00

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO--Last May 27, Kalalangan Kamaru guested in Infomax-8's weekly morning talk show 'Personalan,' hosted by Rey Yumang and Mau Aquino. Set in the Henson-Hizon Mansion, the episode was about Kalalangan Kamaru, its advocacy, and 'Kalam,' its latest offering not only to the Kapampangan community but also to Philippine broadcasting history. It is the title of the upcoming Kapampanganovela (Kapampangan TV series) that Kamaru and Infomax will be co-producing.

'Kalam' will be the first ever TV series in the Kapampangan language, making it a milestone in Philippine mass media and a huge step in Kapampangan cultural preservation and development.

Making the Kapampangan youth as its target audience, 'Kalam' tackles the life and adventures of a new generation of witches and healers (gifted people, or in Kapampangan, ding ating kalam) born in urban Pampanga and how they struggle to fit in a skeptical, discriminating, and fearful society. It will be an exciting mix of urban fantasy, action, romantic comedy, drama, and social relevance, while using Kapampangan culture--both past and present, folk and modern, rural and urban--as canvass.

After the interview, Kalalangan Kamaru, represented by Jason Paul Laxamana and Diego Marx Dobles, signed a one-season (13 episodes) co-production contract with Infomax-8, represented by Mau Aquino, General Manager of the station, and Jomel Cruz (Marketing). The 'Personalan' episode will air on the 22nd of June.

Laxamana, Dobles, Jon Tanganco, Alex Tiotuico, Grace Dayrit, and Nhoel Austria are the core members of Kalalangan Kamaru, the most recent project of which was the successful RocKapampangan album.

Production design of 'Personalan' by Jon Tanganco and Nhoel Austria.

Kamaru is still looking for Kapampangan-speaking actors (no age limit) to star in 'Kalam.' Interested people must submit their biodata and pictures (1 close up, 1 full body) to kamaruproductions@yahoo.com on or before the 4th of June.

Infomax and Kamaru announce call for actors

2008-05-20T18:48:00.000-07:00

Here is a special news clipping from Infomax-8's I-Max News announcing the arrival of Kalam, the first ever Kapampanganovela in the country. We are still looking for interested actors. Please see previous entry for details.

Want to act for Kapampangan TV?

2008-05-16T19:53:00.000-07:00

Kapabaluan! Infomax 8 and Kalalangan Kamaru are looking for Kapampangan-speaking actors to star in the first ever Kapampanganovela (Kapampangan TV series) to grace Philippine television.

Makiabe na ka! If you are interested in becoming part of this milestone in Philippine broadcasting history, email your 1) biodata/resume and 2) photos (close up and full body) to kamaruproductions@yahoo.com . Deadline of submission is on the 4th of June.

For inquiries, contact Jason @ 0918 699 2459 or Grace @ 0916 390 2074. For news and updates regarding the series, keep visiting this blog.

Kapampanganovela Teasers

2008-05-16T17:06:00.000-07:00

Watch these teaser videos! Kapampanganovela is a term we coined for TV dramas in the Kapampangan language. It is the counterpart of concepts such as Cebuanovela, K-drama/Koreanovela, J-dorama, and the like.

Catch these teasers @ Infomax 8!

Infomax to co-produce Kapampanganovela

2008-04-29T19:09:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday, we, Kalalangan Kamaru, composed of Diego Dobles, Alex Tiotuico, Jon Tanganco, and Jason Paul Laxamana, visited the office of Infomax to pitch our TV series idea, Kalam. Aside from that, we also expressed our advocacy for the Kapampangan people and culture, that Kalam is not merely a TV series, but a project spawned by our big ambitions for our balen.

These were our five-fold advocacies:

Broadcasting. To place a mark in the ongoing history of Philippine broadcasting by introducing the first ever regionally-produced Kapampangan TV series and, in so doing, make Kapampangans prouder of their ethnicity

Amanung Sisuan. To further intellectualize the Kapampangan language by showing to people, especially the urban youth, that it is an equally competent language appropriate for use in other forms of TV shows.

Kalalangan. To further showcase and develop what the Kapampangans can offer in fields linked with TV series production—direction, acting, production design, music, and scriptwriting for television. (A lot of Kapampangans boast of their seemingly inborn artistry; but why can't we showcase these wonderful gifts? Because we have not a lot of venues.)

Kultura at Turismu. To subtly promote Kapampangan culture and the province itself by incorporating local customs and traditions, by featuring places and other popular landmarks, and by showing cultural products like Kapampangan dishes and crafts in the episodes. (Read: Kimchi was made more popular by the Korean entertainment wave).

Pambansa at Pang-Yatu. To make an attempt in showing to the rest of the Philippines and of the world, if reachable, that Kapampangan culture—both traditional and pop—is a potential player in the rising culture industry.

Our concept:

Like other Philippine regional communities, Kapampangans possess a rich and colorful collection of folklore. We, at some point in our lives, especially during our younger years, have heard of stories about the magkukutud, the Kapampangan equivalent of the Tagalog manananggal; the kapri, tree-dwelling ogre-like elementals; the patianak, miniature elementals that dwell on earth mounds; the maglalage, the untamed and unsatisfied ghosts of the deceased; and other supernatural characters.

Also, without most modern Kapampangans knowing, we have a wide range of healers and sorcerers apart from the popular magkukulam and mambabarang, each with their own functions, methods, and specialties. There is the magkukusim, who can project his soul from his body to bewitch people across distances. There is the katulunan, who can directly contact the spirits and elementals. We also have the uple (illusion makers), manlalasun (venom experts), ukluban (equivalent of the Tagalog hukluban), mamalian (spirit channels), manggagawe (herb experts), and many other strange, magical characters that continuously add color to our local culture, but are sadly being forgotten, being replaced by foreign monsters like the Bogeyman, vampires, and mummies.

In Kalam, we wish to propagate once more in detail our local folklore, which, although in the brink of dying from the minds of the people, still rings a bell for people who spent their childhood listening to the rural legends of Apu.

However, instead of portraying these magical characters in their conventional barrio setting, we will be portraying them in the modern, urban world, dissolving the gap between science and superstition, technology and magic, the contemporary and folklore, and the traditional and the modern.

Imagine mangkukulam, magbantala, and mangguguna living with us in the city as seemingly normal people who dress up like us, listen to the same songs we patronize, watch the latest rock concerts, occupy seats in the government, attend in well-known schools in the province, fall in love with the heartthrob next door, and occupy normal jobs in banks and malls.

This is the conceptual world of Kalam, where contemporary drama meets folkloric fantasy. END

Infomax, the station manager of which is Maureen Aquino, said they are more than willing to produce it. According to them, they have long been dreaming of making a Kapampangan TV series, but they were just waiting for the right concept/story and people to come along, and Kalam seems to be interesting enough.

Like any other television production, the challenge here will be, as you might have guessed, money. Budget. Capital. Calculating the least possible amount, at least 140,000 pesos will be needed for every episode's production and airing (assuming nothing is free, including airtime and technicals) to make them appear decent in spite of their being low budget. Much of the cost will go to the talent fees of the cast and crew, food, transportation expenses, production design, and probably location-related contracts.

Infomax might not be able to sustain our budget per episode, so guess we have to look for corporate sponsors in order to be able to tape.

The production of this series will require the team to know a lot of things simultaneously in order to deliver. This roots from the lack of "media creatives" in Pampanga. One will find a small number, if not zero, lighting directors, screen writers, professional actors of diverse ages, production designers, etc. That's one challenge. We hope Kalam will start the ball rolling and convince Kapampangans to consider Kapampangan broadcast media, especially TV, as a possible career path.

An immediate problem right now is the unestablished pool of Central Luzon-based Kapampangan actors. The circle of zarzuela actors of old had not been sustained, so what we have today is an emerging circle of teenage actors such as members of the Academy of Performing Arts and ArtiSta. Rita. We don't have adult/old Kapampangan actors like Caridad Sanchez, Lorna Tolentino, and Eddie Garcia.

For commercial viability, we also lack "perfect actors." That is, actors having them all: good looks, impressive acting skills, professionalism, and most importantly, fluency in Kapampangan. Let's not deny that they are essential in making the TV show more desirable. The whole cast doesn't have to be all pretty and gorgeous; but at least, the main protagonists have to be.

It's not wrong to look for actors with these qualities; what is pathetic is relying on such actors to pull the ratings up without looking at the quality of the story, script, direction, and even the acting of the talents, and this often happens in Manila TV.

Kamaru doesn't want the first ever Kapampangan TV series to resemble the Visayanovelas (search "Kapalaran ABS-CBN Cebu" on YouTube). No offense to Visayans; we admire their ethnic fervor, but they should really strive for global quality in their media-related cultural products. That is how we, the subordinate non-Tagalog regions, can challenge the media-related cultural products of Imperial Manila.

Actually, we don't want Kalam to resemble even the Manila teleseryes we see on TV every evening (where fantaserye characters look like children's party mascots). We want Kalam to be locally appreciated and at the same time, globally exportable. We want Kalam to take part in the global cultural industry, and we do believe it's not impossible.

The Kapampangan stereotype of being mapanyisti (mean critics) will be a challenge here. We don't see it as something negative. It somehow pressures us to do our best in everything we do. Imagine if we make a mediocre Kapampangan TV series. Not only will Kapampangan children hate and feel inferior with their ethnicity, Kapampangan screen actors, being newbies in the field, will also be traumatized. If the TV series turns out to be corny or baduy, these actors probably won't ever want to be known in public for a long time, and we have to find a new set of actors again!

We know not if it's the same with other regions but Kapampangans don't necessarily support everything that is Kapampangan. If a Tagalog or Visayan TV series is better, they will choose to support those instead of that of Kapampangan.

That's how mean and hard-to-please most Kapampangans are, but it's better to turn that seemingly negative trait into something positive and productive.

Will Kalam--the first ever Kapampangan TV series--create a shift in the long-existing Kapampangan culture of Tagalog and foreign TV series patronage, even just for a small number of people? That, we have to look out for.

These are our main characters. Who will take the roles once we start producing Kalam? (If you know Kapampangan people based in Central Luzon who have had acting experience, or are bibo enough to pursue acting for TV, have them submit their biodata/resume and photos through email: kamaruproductions@yahoo.com ).

Yubs, the Nursing student who discovers that he has healing skills (positive kulam).

Dette, the smart, wealthy, and feminist photographer/filmmaker who can see supernatural entities (lagayan) through the camera lens.

Kulubasa a.k.a. Kool, the comic and punky Kularyut (tree elemental) who serves as Yubs' guide in the cryptic world of people with Kalam.

Albina, the more than a hundred year old ukluban who seeks to regain the buried glory of witches; maintains her youth through magic and human sacrifice

John Joy, the mangguguna who makes a living out of selling potions and charms; his suave moves and cool personality make Yubs insecure, especially since Dette has a huge crush on him

Rhodskie, Dette's non-magical ex-boyfriend (a Kapampangan who grew up in Germany) who loves hiphop and street dancing; sees Yubs as Dette's reason why she broke up with him