A few days away from their first concert “Dagundong,” ALAMAT looks back on who they are, what they do, and how they live as young messengers of Filipino identity and culture
In the realm of folklore, myths and legends are often interchanged for their similar nature as stories being told. But while the former gravitates around gods and heroes with supernatural abilities, the latter revolves around real people with experiences. They tell tales that impart lessons to their listeners, one that the characters in the stories also learn. And that is ALAMAT, living legends for their realness, consisting of members Taneo, Mo, Alas, R-Ji, Tomas, and Jao.
RELATED: Alamat Announces 2nd Album ‘Isapuso’ on the PPOPCON Stage
A class act for representation
Apart from their well-rounded formation as a six-member team who can sing, dance, rap, write songs, produce tracks, teach choreography, and definitely more, the P-Pop group has every release weaved with a lesson on Philippine history and culture.
Their debut single, “kbye,” seamlessly tied in Tagalog verses with Ilocano, Kapampangan, Bicolano, Visayan, Hiligaynon, and Waray-Waray lines, all the while injecting the sound of kulintang. Meanwhile, the track “Maharani,” the one that reeled them into further stardom, became a melting pot of talents and tales in a number of ways. First, by incorporating moves from traditional dances such as tinikling, into their modern grooves. Second, by using musical instruments such as kanun, gamelan, gangsa, and byeon to create that fresh yet familiar R&B sound.
IsaPuso, their latest comeback LP, is loaded with references from the past and present Philippines. While there is so much to unpack from the instrumentals, lines, and symbolisms, it is the overarching personas of the tracks that resonate with a listener, much more when you share the same blood from the six members. There’s that grit of a Manila dreamer. The angst of a fighter who’s had enough suffering. A lover showing their different sides—one longing for his muse in allegro, the other an assuring and pleading promise in punching strums and a rhythmic flow of lyrics.
The heart for freedom and bond
Keeping representation in mind, IsaPuso captures the stories of many, including the group. “Marami pong involved dito,” Taneo comments, with Mo agreeing in response. “Malaki ‘yung ambag ng isa’t-isa.” Even with Director Jason Paul Laxamana guiding them through the songwriting, choreography, and even fashion, ALAMAT also has a space for their own narratives to be told.
Alas points out, “Sa ginawa naming single na ‘Noli,’ hinayaan din naman kami na gawin kung anong gusto namin sa music kasi [ilang years na rin kami sa ALAMAT] and siguro [nasasabi] nila na, ‘Kaya na nila.’”
Undeniably, it is each other’s support that makes all the difference. Jao observes, “As time passes, marami kaming na-eexperience, and because of those experiences, mas nagiging deep yung bond namin. The chemistry is there. We learn so much from each other. As time progresses, we do so much better and we improve on ourselves.”
Topping it off, Mo responds, “Siyempre, after training, may kanya-kanyang ganap, pero ‘di nawawala ‘yung amor sa isa’t-isa. Pagmamahal.”
A guide from the storytellers
For their casual listeners and diehard fans called Magiliws, each member also has some recommendations based on their personal preference. Jao starts the ball rolling by mentioning “Day and Night.” “I love the vibe and ako nag-choreo niyan!” he says proudly as the members cheer for him. Meanwhile, for Taneo, it’s “Noli.” “Kung ‘di ko alam ‘yung ALAMAT and nadiscover [ko] sila, ‘yun ang pakikinggan ko.”
On the other hand, for the tandem of Alas and Mo, “Noli” is their track of choice. “‘Dun ko nakita ‘yung potential ng ALAMAT as a group,” Alas affirms. Mo follows suit, agreeing with the other member’s statement and adding “Dayang” to his recommendation. “Kung mapapakinggan ko ‘yung ‘Dayang’ and hindi ko alam ‘yung artist, mapapasearch ako.”
For the last pair, R-Ji keeps his answer short and sweet. “Noli,” he says. Tomas, however, gives a more detailed way of choosing his tracks. “Ako, ‘yung ‘Dayang.’ Pero kasi ‘tong IsaPuso album, depende siya sa event. Kunwari ‘yung ‘Dagundong,’ pang-concert siya. Pero kung persona ko lang, ‘Dayang’ and ‘Noli’ kasi sila ‘yung pakikinggan ko araw-araw.”
The fun in redefining histories
In ALAMAT’s thoughtful concept of acquainting and reintroducing the rich culture of the country to their listeners, they also find their bond as a chance to meet and remeet each other along the way.
Delving into the group’s nature of pooling members from different parts of the country, Mo explains, “Hindi kami galing sa isang lugar lang. Magkakaiba kami ng kultura, ng kinalakihan, mga kinasanayan sa bahay. Nag-adjust rin po kami, pero ngayon, mas kilala na namin ‘yung isa’t-isa na tingnan mo lang sa isang mata…” his voice fades, looks at the members, and they all share a laugh.
In their second multi-track release, it is constructive criticism and support that strengthens their relationship. “We’re always pushing each other to give our best,” Jao adds.
With almost three years together, the members have also come to terms with the pressures in their career. “Hindi naman mawawala ‘yun,” Tomas expounds. “Kapag ang laki ng event katulad ng FIBA, sobrang nakakakaba siya, pero at least sobrang proud kami.”
“Nakakakaba siya kapag nasa backstage ka, pero kapag kasama niyo na ‘yung tao, enjoy na lang!” R-Ji comments in agreement.
Touching lightly on collaborations, the group is open to work with any artist. Staying true to their concept, they have a slight preference on Filipino talents—Sarah Geronimo, H.E.R., and Bruno Mars.
The legend that is Alamat
The truth is, legends definitely live longer than the storytellers themselves. In 10 years, the future of ALAMAT has yet to be a clear picture. But even with the uncertainty of tomorrow, they know what to say to their future selves, with R-ji and Tomas in total agreement.
Jao: We’re proud of you. Worth it lahat ng pinaglaban mo sa buhay. Pati ‘yung journey mo sa buhay, good job.
Mo: Ginawa niyo ‘yung best niyo! Solid! Proud sa’yo si Daddy!
Taneo: Just embrace what’s [going to] come.
Alas: Swabe.
The idea of legends always seems bigger than what it is. Perhaps, it is the way it is shaped and honed as an harbinger of learnings in life. But at the end of the day, what sets it apart from the rest of the narratives is the real humanity in it, actual individuals as characters who learn and live through their experiences. Beyond the stories that impart knowledge, there lie people who live to tell history for change. And for our time, these are Taneo, Mo, Alas, R-Ji, Tomas, and Jao. Alamat, handa, ‘rap.
Photography KIM ANGELA SANTOS
Creative Direction ANDREW ENCAPAS
Fashion and Grooming Direction CHLARINE GIANAN
Styling BETTINA BAÑEZ, assisted by MEL ESTILLORE and ABBEY ABAD
Hair JEFF HAPIN
Makeup SHARMS DE CASTRO
Sittings Editor PEACHES GARCIA
Special thanks to VIVA ARTISTS AGENCY and EVIE MEDINA of HAPI HABI WEARABLE WEAVES
