FIRST KAPAMPANGANOVELA

the cast

There are so many stories in our country - the only problem with these "creative" people in the country are they looking outside instead of inside, for they look down on Non-Tagalog speaking people preferring to present a second rate version of other country's works. But we don't care. IF they don't, then other more capable people would...like these Kapampangan youth. Hurray for the KAPAMPANGAN YOUTH!!

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.

source

It is the Kapampangan youth spearheading this renewed cultural fervor. I'm jealous at them (the Ilonggo youth are hibernating at the moment). They are so motivated, creative and proud of their heritage. I wish them Good Luck! Hope their people would embrace their own.

There used to be an Il drama on free TV but now it is only available in cable. I'm confident that upon learning this Ilonggo youth will also be re-energized and lead in the development of our own culture like in the late 90s with Angelina. We need a revival!

In a country of diverse language and culture the best thing Manila-based writers could come up is to remake Korean dramas (yuck). They admit their creativity, the lack thereof hehehe - stick to ULENGLENG AND THE SEVEN MAIDS -whatever the shows were called. Bwahahaha...

opening video of Kalam

The Kapampangan series' advantage is its very Filipino and based on ancient beliefs and tradition of our country not a bad mix of someone else's culture. It is time for the diversity of our country to be presented in the small screen.

closing credits with English subs

I hope they sub the entire series in English and make its torrent available so it could be uploaded to video streaming sites and gain some recognition. Not just here but abroad esp. to Filipinos overseas who want to know about regional cultures in the country. The series has limitations of course but if one is used to watching indie movies, there'll be no problem. Just enjoy the ride and support the endeavor, cheers!

NAMETS - A HILIGAYNON LANGUAGE FILM IN CINEMALAYA

source: http://nametsmovie.com/home.html

NAMETS

Follows the ongoing flirtation between Jacko and Cassie, two Negrense chefs who grew up in Bacolod, and whose lives revolve around food (correction - mine). Trouble starts when Jacko loses his Italian restaurant, Puccini's to a giant cockfighting debt. The moneylender Dolpo takes control of Puccini's and hires Cassie as a consultant for a total restaurant makeover. Cassie re-visions Puccini's into a place that serves traditional Negrosanon food, and we are treated to the full panorama of Negrosanon cuisine and the idiosyncrasies of Negrosanon eating. Along the way, Jacko and Cassie find time to finally fall in love and set aside their differences.

source: imdb

show times
Tuesday, July 15 - 6:15 pm - Tanghalang Huseng Batute
Wednesday, July 16 - 9:00 pm - CCP Main Theater
Friday, July18 - 3:30 pm - MKP Hall
Friday, July18 - 6:15 pm - CCP Main Theater
Saturday, July 19 - 12:45 pm - MKP Hall

For Full Story

This is a Negrense film entry to the Cinemalaya Film Festival. Almost all the Hiligaynon-speaking actors that I know are here. IL PRIDE BABY! Man, watching it made me hungry.

(In writing reviews, take note of the large number of people dismissing Hiligaynon as a dialect. We have a long way to go - our struggle is real.)

MASSKARA 2007 - BEST EVER

October 21, 2007
Today is the highlight of the Masskara Festival. I think Masskara is better this year for me, as I have seen some events. The two giant networks sent some of their biggest stars to the Festival wowing the crowd.
The theme of this year’s Masskara is “Bacolod Icons” which are many. Notable icons include the San Sebastian Cathedral and the Provincial Capitol of Negros Occidental once branded as an “architectural wonder” by a national daily. The building is well maintained and it still retains original splendor.
Another great city icon are the people, known for their gentle nature and creativity. Creativity displayed with the inauguration of a new Masskara event – the Electric Masskara. It is a night street dancing event held in Lacson Street. Neon lights are strapped around the dancers’ bodies as they performed around the avenue. The electronic beats and the numerous spotlights gave the event a disco feel. The event energized the city’s business district last Friday. Electric Masskara was reportedly organized after some visitors would ask for more after the afternoon street dancing. To satisfy their need, the organizers came up with this idea of night street dancing. It mesmerized the crowd and judging from the response the Electric Masskara is here to stay.
Masskara would have been much better and more family-oriented had the city government eliminated the drunkard-producing kiosks which cause nothing but trouble. Beer is bad news when will they realize that. Finally, there should be a proper stage for performers to strut their stuff, as the plaza is not big enough to handle the huge crowd anymore. I see no other problems beside those mentioned. The beat should always be in Hiligaynon and reflect the culture of our city.
Brgy. Alijis won the open category while Brgy.23 won the Barangay category. The organizers call this year’s Masskara – the best ever.