Draft:ALAMAT
ALAMAT is a nine-member sing-dance-rap boy group by VIVA Entertainment that debuted in February 14, 2021 with their single, Kbye. They take pride as a multilingual boy group- singing 7 local languages in the Philippines (Ilokano, Kapampangan, Tagalog, Bikolano, Bisaya, Hiligaynon, and Waray). The group consists of Taneo, Mo, Tomas, R-Ji, Kin, Valfer, Alas, Gami and Jao.
Members
The group is composed of nine members aged 18 to 22 years old. They came from different provinces in the Philippines and were put together through an online audition held by their company.
| NAME | BIRTHDATE | POSITION | ETHNICITY | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taneo | May 31, 2000 | Leader, Main Dancer, Sub-Vocalist, Visual | Ilocano/Kalinga |
| 2 | Mo | January 30, 2000 | Leader, Main Rapper, Main Vocalist | Half-Filipino (Zamboanga), Half-Black American |
| 3 | Tomas | June 27, 1998 | Main Vocalist, Lead Dancer, Center, Panganay (Eldest) | Bicolano |
| 4 | R-Ji | November 8, 1999 | Lead Vocalist, Visual | Waray-Waray |
| 5 | Kin | June 17, 2000 | Visual, Lead Vocalist | Tagalog |
| 6 | Valfer | June 21, 2000 | Lead Rapper, Sub-vocalist | Hiligaynon |
| 7 | Alas | March 28, 2001 | Lead Rapper | Mindanawon/Bisaya |
| 8 | Gami | January 28, 2002 | Main Vocalist | Bisaya |
| 9 | Jao | December 26, 2002 | Main Dancer, Sub-vocalist, Visual, Bunso (youngest) | Kapampangan |
Group Concept, Fandom Name, Official Color, Mascot
Group Concept
The group was formed by renowned director JP Laxamana with the goal of "normalizing the use of regional languages in mainstream music". [1] From this vision, the idea of a
multilingual boy group was created. The group's name also has its own meaning. If translated to English, 'ALAMAT' means 'Myth' or 'Legend'. These are stories about one's culture that are either passed down from generation to generation to be preserved, or to simply just spark a child's imagination. Another meaning behind the group name is its aim to become a master or an idol (as the word 'alamat' is often used to describe a figure who greatly impacted a field or made a name). These two things are the things behind their group name. [2]
Fandom Name
In November 26, 2020, the group announced through a Facebook Livestream their official fandom name which is 'Magiliw'. In Filipino, the word means 'affectionate'. Significantly, the word is often associated to the national anthem of the Philippines (Lupang Hinirang) as the word 'magiliw' is used to describe the nation on the song's first line ("Bayang Magiliw"). The group mentioned during the live that they believe Filipinos are naturally magiliw to one another, regardless of color or race. They aim to use their infuence through their music in spreading the act of being 'magiliw'.[3] To further show their appreciation and love to their fans, they also performed a song "Alam N'yo Ba?" (English: "Do you know?") live during the broadcast.
Official Color
The official color of the fandom is brown. This represents the natural skintone of the Filipinos.
Mascot
Unlike other pop groups, ALAMAT has its own mascot named Aki Alamid. Aki is based from a local animal called 'musang' or 'alamid', also known as the Asian palm civet which is
native to the country and its South and Southeast Asian neighbors. Aki carries three significant items representing the three major island groups of the country (Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao). [4] For Luzon, Aki wears a tabungaw hat-- a hat made of tabungaw vegetable and used by the farmers of the Northern Luzon. Visayas is represented by Aki through the Bahag (garment) of Lapu-Lapu as seen in the Statue of Sentinel Freedom in Rizal Park. Mindanao is represented by the Waling-waling, a flower endemic to Mindanao and is called the 'Queen of Philippine Flowers'.
Discography
Pre-debut
Prior to their debut, ALAMAT has been active in their Youtube channel and social media accounts. The group released web series following their lives as trainees, daily lives, and how the group was formed. These videos are posted on their official Youtube channel [5]
| Title | Number of Episodes |
|---|---|
| Balay Alamat (on-going) | 5 |
| Alamat ng Alamat | 14 |
The group also released a series of performance videos showcasing some members' individual talents. [6]
| Title | Performance | Member | Date Released |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Take It Off" | Dance | Taneo | January 12, 2021 |
| "Racial Discrimination" | Rap | Mo | January 6, 2021 |
| "Proud Ilonggo" | Rap | Valfer | December 29, 2020 |
| "Rude Gyal Swing" | Dance | Jao | December 23, 2020 |
| "Mindanao Rap" | Rap | Alas | December 17, 2020 |
They released two cover videos[7][8] featuring their take on two popular OPM hit songs.
| Title | Original Artist | Date Released |
|---|---|---|
| "Wala Na Bang Pag-ibig | Jaya (singer) | January 15, 2021 |
| "Hindi tayo pwede" | The Juans | November 18, 2020 |
Debut: "KBye"
In February 14, 2021, the group officially debuted with their self-composed digital single, "Kbye" [9]. Despite the day for lovers, "Kbye" features a phenomenon that is trending among young couples nowadays: ghosting. It tells the tale of a man who's beloved left without saying goodbye. As described in an article written by Vice Media:
P-pop group ALAMAT’s debut single “kbye” captures the universality of heartbreak with hip-hop and sounds inspired by traditional Filipino music. [10]
"Kbye" remained true to the group's unique concept- that is to incorporate traditional Filipino cultural aesthetics to modern one. The aesthetics of this debut revolved around 'fiesta' and garnered a lot of attention due to the use of ethnic costumes merged into contemporary clothing which were designed by renowned Filipino designer Bang Pineda. Likewise, the music video incorporated several Filipino symbols such as Jeepney and stylized samalamig (cool, colored juices) containers that is also used on the single's cover. The choreography also featured a famous traditional dance, Maglalatik where Filipino men put coconuts on their bodies. Lastly, the incorporation of traditional instruments such as the Kulintang and a Bandurria ensemble added more unique flavor to "kbye".
The group then released a dance practice video [11], live acoustic performance [12], and raw dance footage video [13] It debuted at the Myx Daily Top 10 chart at #10 in February 19[14] and peaked at #6 [15] The song has since then been on the chart from February 19 until this article was published.
| Title | Date Released |
|---|---|
| "Kbye" | February 14, 2021 |
Achievements
Since their debut, ALAMAT has received numerous positive impressions from both local and international Youtube personalities for their unique concept and sound; including internationally-acclaimed theatre actress, singer and performer Lea Salonga. She described the group's debut as "fabulous". [16]
Starting from February 19, 2021 up to this date, ALAMAT's "Kbye" has been consistently charted in Myx Daily Top Ten, peaking at #6.
In February 23, 2021, they debuted at the Pandora (streaming service) Predictions Chart at #2. [17]
In March 2, 2021 [18], ALAMAT debuted in Billboard's Next Big Sound chart at #2. This is the highest peak position a PPop act has debuted on the said chart.
References
- ^ Salterio, Leah C. (2021-02-18). "New boy group Alamat launches debut single, sings in seven local languages". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved 2021-03-03.
- ^ "Pinoy pride: Newest boy group 'Alamat' merges pop music and local heritage". Random Republika. 2021-02-12. Retrieved 2021-03-03.
- ^ ALAMAT on Facebook Watch, retrieved 2021-03-03
- ^ "ALAMAT". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 2021-03-03.
- ^ "ALAMAT - YouTube". www.youtube.com. Retrieved 2021-03-03.
- ^ TANEO - take it off [dance], retrieved 2021-03-03
- ^ ALAMAT - Hindi Tayo Pwede [cover], retrieved 2021-03-03
- ^ ALAMAT - Wala Na Bang Pag-Ibig [cover], retrieved 2021-03-03
- ^ ALAMAT - 'kbye' (Official M/V), retrieved 2021-03-03
- ^ "ALAMAT, the Boy Band Singing About Ghosting in Seven Filipino Languages". www.vice.com. Retrieved 2021-03-03.
- ^ ALAMAT - 'kbye' (Dance Practice Video), retrieved 2021-03-03
- ^ ALAMAT - 'kbye' (Live Acoustic Performance), retrieved 2021-03-03
- ^ ALAMAT - 'kbye' (raw dance footage from M/V), retrieved 2021-03-03
- ^ "https://twitter.com/alamat_trendsph/status/1362548300960784385". Twitter. Retrieved 2021-03-03.
{{cite web}}: External link in|title= - ^ "VOTE". MYX Global. Retrieved 2021-03-03.
- ^ Madarang, Catalina Ricci S. (2021-02-18). "'Fabulous': Lea Salonga all praise for P-pop group Alamat's performance in 'kbye' music video". Interaksyon. Retrieved 2021-03-03.
- ^ "Log into Facebook". Facebook. Retrieved 2021-03-03.
{{cite web}}: Cite uses generic title (help) - ^ "https://twitter.com/ppopbillboard/status/1366693513736318976". Twitter. Retrieved 2021-03-03.
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