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#LugarKetiPampanga - Wizards Wink Hobby Shop & Café

Insights from Allen Capulong

1. How is/was this space used? How often are/were there arts and culture activities held there?

The place is primarily used as a haven for geeks where they can share whatever they are passionate about with like minded people. Geek culture is nurtured in this place everyday.

2. What is unique/conducive/nurturing about the environment (the area or neighborhood) surrounding this space?

The place is a safe haven for geeks and nerds, this is a place where they can express themselves without being judged.

3. Who uses/used this space and who does not? Why?

The place is mostly frequented by intellectuals, students and professionals who are passionate about old school gaming.

4. What is/was unique about the history of this space? The place started as a community/honesty store and is the first and the oldest Hobby Shop Cafe in Pampanga. 5. What obstacles do/did people have about it? Parking Space 6. What memory do you have of this place? The first time I visited this place was very memorable because I know that I've found a place where I belong and where my weirdness/geekiness will be embraced and not shun upon. 7. What aspirations do/did you or other people have for this place? To grow and nurture the geek community of Pampanga.

Follow Wizard's Wink Hobby Shop & Café on Facebook.

Visit them at 2nd Floor, Jelmon Building 2, Sto. Rosario Street, Santo Domingo, Angeles City.

Discover more places in Pampanga in #LugarKeti.

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Food and Vlogging With Young Kapampangan Chef Nikki Wilkerson

Nikki Wilkerson is a vivacious young person in the culinary scene in Pampanga. Here, she shares her insights on local ingredients, events and the art of posting video blogs.

1. What got you passionate about food?

I grew up in w Filipino Restaurant, my parents own Sweet Sensations which was in San Francisco, CA. Everyday exposure to food led me to think that food was my best friend.

2. How did you work to get better at your culinary craft?

I started baking at 9 years old and started selling desserts at school at the age of 14. I learned a lot from my mom, not just because I was passionate about it, but if I wanted to spend time with my mom, I'd have to work with her, since she spent almost the whole day at the restaurant.

3. What ingredient in Kapampangan cooking do you love to use and why?

I would say DUMAN is life. I don't exactly cook with it, because all I do is put it in Gatas Damulag, but it's my ultimate favorite Kapampangan ingredient. During my years in Culinary School in NYC, Duman is what I craved for the most. 

(Photo by Kamoteus (A New Beginning))

Bonus: Read an article from 2010 about duman.

4. What got you started on vlogging?

I started vlogging because I've always wanted my own show, but I want to do it the way I think speaks to my audience. I'm proud of Kapampangan culture but don't speak the Language very well. Most of my viewers are foreigners looking at what to do in Pampanga and that's exactly  the crowd I want to entertain.

Check out Nikki’s Vlog on the annual street party Tigtigan Terakan King Dalan. (That translates to ‘playing music and dancing in the streets’ for those of you who don’t speak the language.)

5. Tell us about Table Trinkets.

Table Trinkets is a manufacturer and distributor of eco-friendly tableware. Mostly sourced around Asia and sold to the US Market.

6. Anything else you'd like to promote?

Please subscribe and watch my vlogs on YouTube at Nikki Wilkerson TV.

Follow Nikki Wilkerson on Facebook.

Discover the stories of more young Kapampangan chefs here.

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(Far left in photo: Wilmark Cui, photo provided by Wilmark Cui)

Name: Wilmark Pineda Cui

Your Age: 27

Occupation: Videographer

What You Wore:  Long sleeves, necktie, denim jacket, selvedge denim pants, Heritage boots

Date and city the photo was taken: September 30, 2019 From San Fernando to Clark to Ropali Classics at Nepo Quad, Angeles City

Tell us about The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride?

RIDING DAPPER FOR A CAUSE The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride unites classic and vintage style motorcycle riders all over the world to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health. Watch the video here.

Anything you want to promote?

Check out Laun on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Launqualitygoods/

Keng November 26, 2019, atin kaming event, Bop n' Roll. It features vintage wear and happens every year in Pampanga.

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Rays of Light and Culture - Young Kapampangan Photographer & Artist Reydon Venal

I first came across the work of Reydon Venal on Facebook. It was this photo specifically for the INDÛ lifestyle clothing line featuring shirts representing cities in Pampanga.

(Photo provided by Reydon Venal)

In this interview, he shares what inspires him to continue his good work.

1. How old are you and where in Pampanga are you from?

I'm 21 years old, I’m a Creative based in Magalang, Pampanga.

(Photo provided by Reydon Venal)

2. How did your passion for photography start and how do you continue to develop it?

Actually, noong highschool palang ako nakahiligan ko na ang photography. Back then, we really didn't have bigger picture of photography is. I have this friend na kasama ko noon, si Bryan Pangilinan. Lagi lang kami nagshu-shoot, practice lang nang practice. We would watch tutorials on YouTube. Naalala ko kaya namin nagustuhan ang photography ay dahil narin siguro sa mga napapanood namin sa YouTube gaya ni RogerRaker. Si Happyfingers ang una kong hinahangaan na photographer back then, mostly portraits ang gawa niya.

Ngayon, may kanya-kanya na kaming path ng kaibigan ko, sa wedding siya, sa fashion naman ako.

(Photo provided by Reydon Venal)

Then come college, dito lahat nagsimula ang lahat, from basic fundamentals and concepts. I'm so eager na mas matutunan pa ang photography. Araw-araw akong nagpupuyat para mag-aral paano magkulay, ano'ng magandang composition, paano mag-edit and whatnot. Actually, wala pa nga akong gamit noon eh, nanghihiram lang ako sa mga kaibigan ko at kakilala. Feeling ko dito nag-start 'yung trait ko na resourcefulness and efficiency on what I currently have. Hanggang ngayon, basic gear lang ang meron ako.

In terms of developing it, actually, I consider myself more of an artist than a photographer. Mas gusto ko nga matawag storyteller kaysa photographer. I don't look on what I don't have but rather maximizing with what I have right now. For me, that's how I continue developing the love for my craft.

3. Who are your influences when it comes to photography?

I admired a lot of photographers but to mention a few who are close to my heart, there's Ed Enclona The Colorblind Creative, Ed Simon, my photography professor, Kevin Brent, Elena Ortega, Kara Chung, Mox Santos and Sean Tucker of course. There's so many here unmentioned. But these guys are the best! I always study their craft and how they come up with their shots. There's something that set them apart from the others. They helped and molded me on who I am today. Check them out!

(Photo provided by Reydon Venal)

Gusto ko lang din idagdag na hindi lang mga tao ang influences sa photography. There's music, movies, nature, and life itself.

4. How does the sense of never really belonging play into your photos?

I don't know what I've done to you pero bakit may pag atake? Joke hahaha. Since day 1, I've felt like I don't really belong to any social groups. It's been what's bothering me, mostly my close friends know this. I've been struggling a lot, to be honest. The sense of never really belonging to anything is unpleasant. It's killing me.

(Photo provided by Reydon Venal)

Luckily, I've been better now than before. I've been receiving support and positivity from my friends, not to mention Jem (Hi Jem! Hahaha). Kilala nyo kung sino kayo. All my friends now are great! Bye to toxicities and negativies~!

Instead of recognizing this never really belonging kind of feeling as a negative trait, now I rather see it as an opportunity for me to be who I am, to celebrate my individuality, and to show people they can be whoever they wanted to be. I think that's where I get my style, that's the huge part in my photos.

𝘉𝘦 𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘲𝘶𝘦. 𝘉𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵. 𝘎𝘰 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘴. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘺, 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧.

5. Do you have any exhibits or social media pages that you’d like to promote?

Please pay a visit on my social media pages;

Reyve on Facebook

@_reydonvenal on Instagram

behance.net/reydonvenal on Behance

Lastly, don't sleep at Patricia Magcalas! Visit her IG, @pathioni.

She's my friend who believes in me and my vision and accepts my request for a collaboration. Thanks, Pat! I appreciated you, papsilog!  🍳 🍳 🍳

Discover more young Kapampangan photographers and artists on the blog.

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#LugarKetiPampanga - Poets Underground Kitchen

Insights from the Poets Underground Kitchen Team

(Photo from Poets Underground Kitchen Pampanga)

How is/was this space used? How often are/were there arts and culture activities held there?

If in terms of events 1 to 2 times a month. But the space is open everyday for any artist or enthusiast to appreciate the displayed art. Also, we have a basic instrument set for anyone who wants to play. Basically, it's open to any form of art anytime of the day.

What is unique/conducive/nurturing about the environment (the area or neighborhood) surrounding this space?

Being the first and only art cafe/hangout place in the City of San Fernando. Because it is owned by artists, the whole place serves as a canvass for their ideas and also for their regulars. Every few months the interior of Poets is changed depending on the prevailing states of mind of the owners or special themes such as Pride Month.

Who uses/used this space and who does not? Why?

The curious, artists and art enthusiasts, the closeted, the free and anyone who can appreciate the  things out of the ordinary.

Who does not? Closed-minded people.

What is/was unique about the history of this space? (This could relate to the management or the previous use of the space.)

Out of sheer passion and courage the space was established by young artists who still are trying to find their space in this world. Moreover, the entire aesthetic wasn't planned, things just fell into place.

(Photo from Poets Underground Kitchen Pampanga)

What obstacles do/did people have about it? (E.g. the commute, safety and security, or the demographics and interests of the people who frequent the place) To date, not a lot of people understand Poets' concept and some others take this for granted.

What aspirations do/did you or other people have for this place?

For it to become the go-to comfort place in all aspects.

Poets Underground Kitchen is located at LMN Bldg., Ramar Village Entrance, San Agustin, San Fernando, Pampanga. Follow their Facebook Page.

Learn about places and placemaking in Pampanga in #lugarketi.

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Pampanga’s First Taste of Fête de la Musique

By Arum Tayao of OMN Productions

In 1982, Fête de la Musique was born. Twenty-five years later, it has evolved into something far greater than a simple show with 800 participating cities in 120 countries.

In celebration of its 25th anniversary, the prestigious music festival usually held in Manila has finally extended their shows into provinces with thriving music scenes such as Laguna, Bulacan, Palawan, Baguio, and Pampanga.

(Headroom, Photo by JL Gaddi)

Fete Virgins Gather

I’m a Fête virgin. I’ve known of Fete shows most of my young adult life but have never attended any because I didn’t want to be hassled by Manila’s terrible traffic which I know is part of the experience. 

My dreams of attending my first show was finally coming true when I heard that they were finally producing stages in other provinces.

(Arum and other music lovers at the Fete Dela Musique, Photo by Gelo Soriano)

Last June 29, history was made when the first-ever Fête de la Musique Pampanga was held at Anchor Bay Gastro Pub in Angeles City with Manila-based organizer At The Back Mnl and Pampanga’s The 45th, and TMR Productions producing the event.

I bet the organizers were a little nervous finding out that most Kapampangans are fashionably late to almost everything. Thankfully, fellow virgins turned up considering how challenging it could be to get attendees when it’s raining. One thing’s for sure, we were all excited and curious with how our first time would be.

The Pampanga Main Stage Experience

The Pampanga main stage gave us a musical buffet from Manila, Pampanga, and Bulacan with performances by Headroom, Chiquerella, PsychoMgmt, Dating May, Ian Penn, Sebastian Kidd, Pretty Taco, Kiyo, T u r n t i d e s, Sentiments of a Phoenix, Northside Allegiance, Southeastmob, Stories and Alibis, Keane Trinity, Mt. Lewis.

(VDP Stickers Photo by JL Gaddi)

Giveaways from sponsors Wear Kapampangan, Fuf, Line of Se7en, and FoodPanda were shared to contest winners throughout the evening while neon bands were distributed to attendees in support of the LGBTQ+ Rainbow Pride.

(Wear Kapampangan Booth, Photo by Dhae Vanguardia)

What do I think?

There were few things I think could’ve been done differently. The event organizer in me couldn’t help but notice some things to improve on.

If there’s one thing that any music festival organizer needs to prioritize, it’s the sound system. For a music event, a good sound system definitely adds to the overall value.

I personally would have also liked to see acts like Paninap, Chapters, or Chocolate Factory as they could’ve amplified the numbers in attendance and provided their own unique flavor. Maybe in the next Fete.

(The crowd at Fete Dela Musique Pampanga, Photo by Gelo Soriano)

The venue layout could’ve been better. While I didn’t mind having seats available, I would’ve preferred that the area in front of the stage was clear for the audience. Coming into Fête, I imagined a crowd gathered by the front of the stage, standing with a bottle of cold beer in their hand, enjoying the performances while rubbing elbows with other strangers. Unfortunately, with tables and chairs near the stage, the area was a bit constricting to move in. Plus, there’s a feeling of disconnection because you can’t really engage much with each other. Have you been to a music festival where tables were near the center of the audience pit? Nah, I don’t think so.

And while we understand that this production was a collaboration between a Manila-based organizer and some productions in Pampanga, I would have liked to have felt more of the insights from local productions come into fruition based on their knowledge of the audiences.

Some shout outs!

The event was a showcase of musicianship and identity, a good mesh of varying tastes and I must say that hip hop reigned supreme and was clearly the highlight. It was during the hip hop set that people got up from their seats, engaging, and having fun. It was an epic moment for the crowd as they sang along with the artists.

($ebastian Kidd and Southeastmob, Photo by Dhae Vanguardia)

I was pleasantly surprised to see a difference of age brackets in attendance. At that moment, I remembered how powerful music can be in blurring the gap between generations. I can say that the team was able to feed the curiosity of both the young and old about what Fête de la Musique is.

Shout out to Ian Penn too for pushing through despite some technical difficulties with the sound system.

(Ian Penn at the Fete Dela Musique, Photo by Xave Sampang)

I’d also like to commend the organizers for bringing the event to Pampanga and showcasing Filipino music. Special thanks as well to the creatives who helped document the event. Check out their snaps of FDM Pampanga below!

Dhae Vanguardia

Gelo Soriano 

Xave Sampang 

JL Gaddi 

Jun Tagaro & John Lesther Ducor of TheShots Studios 

Looking forward to the next

We’re still a few steps away from reaching Manila’s version of Fete but at least we have a foot in the door. Not entirely bad for a first show, I look forward to the next!

Watch Fete dela Musique Pampanga Main Stage Highlights

Discover more Kapampangan musicians, photographers and graphic designers here.

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Making Stickers With Young Kapampangan Artist Hannah Marie Rodriguez of January Makers

Stickers have regained popularity this year primarily because they're an easy accessory for self-expression. You can sticker bomb your devices: your smartphone, your laptop, your tablet or, your power bank. Your actual paper notebooks or your reusable tumblers.

For independent artists and musicians, they're a good marketing tool being relatively cheap to mass produce. They can be given away or sold for a small price in case someone wants to support you but can’t afford to buy your actual work. And then they snap a photo of the stickers, post on Instagram, and you have some brand awareness and even possibly social media followers.

There's an element of nostalgia for millennials too when stickers (a thing of 90′s and early 2000′s yore) were received for good behavior. 

In Manila, there was StickerCon held on March 16, 2019 where sticker artists and enthusiasts enjoyed an afternoon of sticker bombing and hoarding. 

I've been in search of a Kapampangan sticker artist ever since. And I'm happy to report that I found one.

Hanna Marie Rodriguez, a young artist from Betis who is a part of a group called the January Makers, shares her insights here.

1. What's your name, age and where in Pampanga are you from?

Hannah Marie M. Rodriguez, 29 years old and I'm from Betis, Guagua. Although we lived in Manila now, we still visit Betis frequently especially on weekdays since my tito has a furniture workshop built there also.

2. What got you started in arts and graphic design?

Since I was a child, I like to draw a lot of things. It is either portraits or cartoons but as I got older I knew what sort path I would take in college.

3. How do you get better at your craft?

Just keep practicing and observe other artworks, on how they did it and what medium did they use to create the artwork. I would say I'm a self-taught artist because I haven't attended art lessons although I attended once a seminar though it is about stop motion animation.

4. Why did you decide to try stickers as a medium?

Actually, I used various of media such as watercolor, acrylic, digital and markers. Me and my friends decided that we should try selling stickers using our traditional artworks since stickers are starting to boom again and traditional artworks are a rarity especially on the sticker industry because lately people use digital art in creating their works.

5. Tell us about the January Makers.

January Makers is a group consisting of 4 talented artists that do their one of a kind art like my friend Pau focuses on flowers, Monique draws food and other snacks, Jean who loves to draw nature especially landscapes and who also creates her own watercolor painting using natural pigments and lastly, me, who likes to draw dogs and other animals.

6. Where can people buy your work?

We're opening an online shop and we also have an FB account where you can message us if you'd like to order. Also we attend art bazaars like the StickerCon last year and this year and others, where we sell our stickers at a discounted price.

7. Any social media pages or websites you'd like to promote?

Our website: januarymakers.com FB Account: https://www.facebook.com/januarymakersph/ IG Account: Januarymakersph

Discover contemporary Kapampangan graphic artists here who employ a range of media from stickers, to t-shirts, to animation, to painting.

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Of Amitié & Pamikalugud at Fête de la Musique’s Pampanga Stage

This year, Pampanga will have its own Fête de la Musique stage on June 29, 2019 at Anchor Bay Gastro Pub in Angeles City.

(Photo: Fête de la Musique 2019: Pampanga Main Stage Event Poster by ATB)

Music lovers can look forward to performances by Kaymito, Ian Penn, Sentiments of a Phoenix, $ebastian Kid, Dating May, Headroom, Stories and Alibis, Southeastmob, Space Kambing, Prettytaco, PsychoMgmt, Keane Trinity, Chiquerella, North Side Allegiance, Mt. Lewis, and t u r n t i d e s.

You'll note from the line up that while many of the bands are from Pampanga, the stage will feature two bands from Bataan, one from Bulacan and three from Metro Manila.

In an interview, Karen Tausing of At The Back MNL (ATB) sums this up and the rationale for putting up a Pampanga stage in one word: friendship.

Through members of the band Mt. Lewis, the volunteers of ATB discovered the world of Kapampangan arts and music. They found the hiphop scene here so welcoming and alive. They got to experience Summer Shred. Soon enough, they began promoting and bringing Kapampangan musicians to Manila to help showcase their talents.

(Photo: L'Impératrice - Fête de la musique 2018 à l'Assemblée nationale from Wikimedia Commons) 

This story seems to stay true to the history of the festival.The Fête de la Musique has become an annual tradition where music fans can get to discover new and old music and genres via different stages. Launched in France in the 1980s and then initiated by the French cultural centers abroad, the annual day of music-making Fête de la Musique has since expanded to over 800 cities and 120 countries with thousands of events worldwide. In the Philippines, it's become a celebration of the friendship between the two countries and of the concept of amitié. In Pampanga, this concept translates to pamikalugud, a friendship that offers a deep regard for the other.

My first ever Fête experience was in 2004, I had just moved to a university in Diliman from Los Banos. The World Music Stage was just in Julia Vargas near my dad's house. But what made it exciting for me was meeting up with my then new writer friends.

This 2019 event is produced in cooperation with TMR productions, B-Side Productions, and Alliance Française de Manille. Sponsors include Wear Kapampangan, Line of Se7en and Food Panda.

The event will also feature a freedom wall where guests can celebrate and express LGBT rainbow pride in Pampanga.

(Photo: Sentiments of a Phoenix, TMR Productions & the ATB team) 

Last June 16, 2019, representatives of ATB, TMR, Sentiments of a Phoenix, PsychoMgmt and  Mt. Lewis met at Blackfish Pub + Kitchen to discuss the details of the production, sign contracts, and share insights on how to make the event as organized as possible. 

At The Back MNL is an independent music, events,and management team based in Metro Manila that aims to shine the spotlight on new local independent artists. They will be celebrating their first year anniversary in July. This year’s Fête Pampanga stage is their gift to the friends they’ve made. 

So come through on June 29! If you’re from Pampanga, you can discover contemporary artists and musicians from your own backyard. And if you’re visiting, you’ll see a side of Pampanga unlike any featured in travel and lifestyle shows.

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On Young Kapampangan Classical Musician Rey Vincent Sunglao of the Manila Symphony Orchestra

We've featured young Kapampangan musicians in the rock, hip hop, accoustic and electronic genres. But these insights on classical music from Rey Vincent Sunglao are a rare treat.

(Photo by Rodel Valiente, MSO’s official photographer for the 2019 Season)

On June 17-23, 2019, he and his group the Manila Symphony Orchestra will represent the country in China for a concert tour. Wish them luck!

1. How old is he and where in Pampanga is he from?

Rey Vincent Parico Sunglao, 23, a native of Betis, Guagua, Pampanga. Rey Vincent started in the music industry when he was in 2nd grade. His parents pushed and supported him to join a religious group, Mirabilia Dei, where he got the very foundation of his music. Every Sunday he would sing for the mass and go straight to rehearsals right after. The Mirabilia Dei, formerly known as Betis Children’s Choir was founded by Mrs. Consuelo J. Mendoza in 2001. It is composed of children from different barrios of Betis who are taught and trained to sing and play different musical instruments for the purpose of promoting the word of God through singing and playing Liturgical Music. Annually, Mirabilia Dei celebrates music through benefit concerts whose proceeds go to the construction of the first music school in the province.

(Photo by Rodel Valiente, MSO’s official photographer for the 2019 Season)

Rey was offered by Sr. Mary Placid Abejo, OSB and Sr. Agnella Capili, OSB full scholarship from the Battig Foundation for Music Education in Double Bass principal at St. Scholastica's College, Manila in 2011. In 2012, Rey was recommended to the Future Faces Manila and became their very first scholar of the foundation. He became a member of the Manila Symphony Orchestra in 2012.

His Double Bass mentor, Rommel Cruz, pushed him to audition in the Asian Youth Orchestra (AYO) in January 2016 and was chosen to be one of the delegates to represent the Philippines in AYO 2016 Season. Rey performed among the finest young musicians and had concert tours around Asia. He was again chosen to join AYO 2017 Season and represented the Philippines on its very first global concert tour. Rey Vincent is the very first Double Bass graduate of St. Scholastica's College, Manila and has made history by being the institution's first ever male valedictorian.

2. What got him interested in playing the double bass?

Mirabilia Dei requires its members to study at least one musical instrument. In 2007, the group began offering violin lessons to interested members. Rey learned to read notes prior to learning the Violin, but it was when the teacher assessed his hand size that he realized his hand is too big for the instrument. A couple of years after, he studied the Cello and was successful in learning it for 2 years. He auditioned in St. Scholastica's College for Cello principal but with his level of playing at that time, Rey's application was unsuccessful. However, he was offered a full scholarship if he decides to study the Double Bass instead of the Cello. Holding on to his dream to enter the conservatory, he accepted the challenge and left the Cello for good. Eventually, he fell in love with the Double Bass. Rey studied Bachelor of Music Major in Music Education with Double Bass Principal under the tutelage of Rommel Cruz, Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra.

3. What does he to get better at the craft?

(Screenshot from the MSO's 2018 Season Finale Video by Studio8)

St. Scholastica’s College has been instrumental on imparting values Rey believes have helped him hone his potential in music. Discipline, Service and Ora et Labora. Discipline for him covers responsibility to practice every single day to develop his music. With discipline and dedication, there comes excellence. Service in a form of sharing fulfills him. Rey believes that it is when we share our skills, abilities and talents to other people that we are able to touch the lives of many. Ora et Labora (Prayer and Work), the whole universe is willing to help us but it has to start with us. Prayer and work is all about faith. Faith in God but more importantly, faith within us—that we can do anything if we believe in ourselves.

4. What is it about classical music or its history that Kapampangans should know about?

Music has been an integral part of the culture in Pampanga for years. From the Gozo of Halloween, Pasyon of Lenten season, to even the guitar makers of Guagua, Kapampangans are known to having so much potential in music and the performing arts. Rey is an alumnus of the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) and has the advocacy of achieving quality Music Education in the country. He wants to evaluate the curriculum of music and to come up to a possible solution to improve it. He believes that music should be part of the educational system for it builds on the potential of every individual just like the Sciences and Mathematics. Education for him is the key to discovering the inner musical skills of each individual and achieve their fullest potentials in it. Through a quality Music Education, he envisions that the Philippines especially Pampanga will sprout more and more talents that up until now may still be unsung.

5. Tell us about the Manila Symphony Orchestra.

(Photo by Rodel Valiente, MSO’s official photographer for the 2019 Season)

Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is one of Asia’s first symphony orchestras founded in 1926. It is composed of around 60 musicians and has performed in all major concert venues in the Metro and throughout the country. Many of the members of the MSO are professional musicians who, in addition to their leadership roles in the orchestra, are also active participants in the cultural life of the country as soloists, music educators, music arrangers, chamber music performers, entrepreneurs, bandmasters, and choir conductors.

6. Where can people catch him perform? 

Rey Vincent has been an active member of MSO since 2012. People can follow their social media accounts for Season Concerts and other exciting performances.

Watch him perform the Bottesini Elegy in D for Double Bass and Piano in the video below.

7. Any websites, social media channels or events you'd like to promote?

Please check out:

The MSO Website https://www.manilasymphony.com/mso-academy/about-us/manila-symphony-orchestra/

And the MSO Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/manilasymphony/

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Reducing Plastic Waste With Bamboo Straws With Young Kapampangan Aira Lee

Did you know that 91% of all the plastic we use doesn't get recycled? An effort to reduce our plastic has recently translated to carrying reusable utensils from spoons and forks to drinking straws.

(Photo by Aira Lee)

In Pampanga, this movement is expanding gradually with young Kapampangan environment advocates like Aira Lee who are promoting the use of bamboo straws.

1. What's your name and age and where in Pampanga are you from?

Aku pu y Aira Lee I. Dimabuyu, taga Nepo Subdivisiion Brgy. Cutcut, Angeles City.

(Photo courtesy of Aira Lee) 

 2. Why should people switch to reusable bamboo or metal straws instead of plastic straws and utensils?

We need to make a movement to at least to influence our fellow being na mag switch sa natural tools na mas mabilis mag recycle kesa sa pag rerecycle ng plastic para mabawasan ung kalat na plastic sa kapaligiran lalo na sa dagat kasi hindi maganda para sa marine life natin, sa wooden tools na pag nawala or naitapon eh kusang matutunaw in a short period of time, para hindi mapunta kung san hindi nararapat, un ang goal namin sa nature tools.

3. Based on your observations and experiences, what are the attitudes of Kapampangans today towards reusable utensils and other waste reduction habits?  

Mahirap baguhin ang nakasanayan ang kultura ng pag gamit ng Plastic, pero napapansin ko cooperative naman ang mga tao dito sa Angeles city, lalo na aking mga kaibigan sa pag suport at unti unti nag aadjust na tayo and nagiging aware na tayo sa epekto ng pag gamit ng plastic kung gaano kasama sa kalikasan so please join our movement, alone we can’t make a difference, pero together anything is possible hindi man natin kaya in 10 years atleast napapabagal natin ang pag sira sa kalikasan through using nature provided tools.

4. Apart from switching to reusable utensils, what else can Kapampangans do to reduce their waste?

Listen and Act; avoid Plastic as much as possible kase I can’t say avoid Plastic at all kasi mahirap talaga mag switch in one snap kasi nga plastic is all around us. It’s the culture, siguro when buying small things sa grocery store wag na ipa plastic, ibulsa nalang kunin nalang resibo or use re usable items like tote bags na recycled na soon e po provide din namen.

5. Tell us about your bamboo straws and their features.

This is really a basic bamboo straw matibay, sila good for months. And pag tinapon mo matutunaw lang in few months, di kana mag woworry kung mapunta man sa dagat or wherever. Pwede rin siya pang-decorate like blinds tulad sa ibang lugar, iniipon nila ang gamit na bamboo straws and gagawin nilang blinds. Lalagyan narin po namin soon ng cleaning materials and pouch, para package narin po ang pag bili nila.

(Photo by Aira Lee) 

 6. How can people buy them?

May Shopee page kami kagagawa lang, meron din Facebook and Instagram, we also do cash on delivery via Shopee, pero dito sa Pampanga we do meet ups in Angeles City. We are in talks with some of the milk tea shops and coffee shops. So, soon magiging available na to sa buong Pampanga, hopefully nga, buong Pinas kung makikipag-cooperate agad mga iba.

7. Are there social media channels, website or events that you'd like to promote?

Opo, I want to promote my Facebook page for Nature Tools.

Get to know Aira and other young Kapampangan advocates for nature and farming here.

[volcanodiamondpress]

On Young Kapampangan Hip Hop Artist Kego, Quakes, and Unshakable Communities

On April 22, 2019 at around 5:00 in the afternoon, a magnitude-6.1 earthquake upset northern Philippines. The earthquake was tectonic making it larger than the usual volcanic earthquakes.

The earthquake's epicenter was located in Zambales,and because of this, areas in Central Luzon experienced great damage and casualties.

(Photo by Sotshots Creative)

Rising up from to aide fellow Kapampangans was Kego, a young hip hop artist and his friends. Read his story here.

1. How old are you and where in Pampanga are you from?

I'm 26 years old, from the City of Angels, Angeles City, Pampanga.

2. What got you interested in hip hop and what do you do get better at your craft?

There's more than 1 reason why I got hooked with Hip hop both as a fan and as an artist. Music is definitely one of them, second would be the fashion but those are just some of the reasons why Hip hop got my interest.

(Photo by Liel Japzon)

When you say Hip hop, it isn't just music, there's a whole culture and community behind it. Besides its music, hip hop comes with a lot of things such as fashion, attitude, character, language, the sports that are connected to it, street knowledge and street business, those are just some of the many things behind hip hop.

If you live by its music only, you won't really understand much, but if you live by its culture then you'll see the real meaning of hip hop and the culture behind it. Hip hop is a lifestyle and to some, they treat it like its a religion. I live by its culture and I apply it on my everyday life and that's where I mold my craft as an artist/songwriter.

4. Who are your influences?

I grew up listening to Andrew E. and Gloc 9, but as I grew older living in USA and Japan I saw a wide selection of artists that I could listen to. Back in middle school I listened to Kanye West a lot, but moving up to High School and learning new things in life I started listening to various artists such as Kid Cudi, Wiz Khalifa, J. Cole and Mac Miller. Now in my recent years I listen to Asap Rocky, Asap Ferg, Madeintyo, $uicideboy$ and that's just to name a few.

5. Tell us about the relief efforts for the victims of 6.1 magnitude earthquake on April 22.

As soon as I heard the news that the people in Porac,Pampanga were in need of help and assistance, I wanted to help out, but I couldn't do it alone, so I told my crew about it. Jonas, our manager was the first person I talked to, I told him about my plan for Porac and he instantly came up with an idea of raising funds for the victims in Porac.

(Photo from Kego Rivera's phone camera)

Jonas and I went to Porac to check on those who were in need of help. Everyone in the crew agreed to push through with the project. We came up with a fundraising event that consists of musical acts and art exhibits. A number of donors and sponsors and artists reached out to us to help out. The City Hall assigned us to reach out to 75 families, and we managed to come up with 100 packs of relief goods, good for a hundred families.

Everything felt good from the start, from organizing the event to packing to distribution. It was all from the heart. Helping others fulfills my basic needs such as happiness, and stress relief. I make sure that my actions make a positive difference. I think that doing these things will give myself a more meaningful life.

(Photo from Kego Rivera's phone camera)

6. Where can people catch you perform?

I normally perform live in small events with my crew, We've had bigger events but we usually stick within the underground scene in Hip hop here in the Philippines.

7. Any websites, social media channels or events you'd like to promote?

If you guys want to see me perform, you guys should visit Bawal Clan's Pampanga visit on June 1, 2019. I will be performing with my crew, Southeastmob.

To listen to my songs, you can search me up online or on the internet, just type "Kego". My songs are available on Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube and other digital music platforms.

You can also follow and connect with me on:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/izzkego Twitter: www.twitter.com/izzkego Facebook: www.facebook.com/izzkego

Discover more Kapampangan hiphop artists and musicians here.

[volcanodiamondpress]

Of Cats and Kapampangans at Coffee Cat PH

Growing up in Angeles, I perceived that Pampanga was generally a place for dog lovers. Some have  even taken ownership of the slur "dayang asu" i.e. dog-blooded or traitorous. 

There is a Metro Clark Canine Club for dog owners and breeders while cat owners fall under the general pet owners’ groups that also feature other animals like hamsters, birds and fish.

(Photo lifted from Coffee Cat PH’s Facebook page) 

 But the existence and growth of Coffee Cat PH raises the question of whether there is a space for felines and feline lovers in Pampanga. 

One of the owners, Jasmine Edwards, shares her insights here.

1. Who are the founders of Coffee Cat PH and where in Pampanga are they from?

Myself and Kikoman Antonio are the owners of Coffee cat. We are from Cutcut, Angeles city.

(Photo lifted from Coffee Cat PH’s Facebook page)

2. What inspired you to put up the cat cafe?

I love cats and enjoyed all other cat cafes I have visited around the world. I wanted to bring the same experience to our home.

3. Based on your observations, what are the attitudes of people in Pampanga towards cats and cat ownership? Commonly, more people love dogs. However, surprisingly, there are also a lot of cat lovers out there and they have welcomed the cafe very much so. 

4. Tell us what people can expect when they visit Coffee Cat PH.

They can expect a clean environment with cats that are very well taken care of. They will also be able to enjoy food and drinks without the worry of fur. But we have built an expansion that is focused more on food and arts. So its a little playground for everyone.

(Photo lifted from Coffee Cat PH’s Facebook page) 

 5. Where is it located?

Location is along Camia road, Paradise compound, Brgy. Cutcut, Angeles city.

6. Any social media pages, websites or events you'd like to promote?\

Follow Coffee Cat PH on:

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CoffeecatPH/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coffeecatph/

Discover  places and in Pampanga and local attitudes towards animals, art and more here.

[volcanodiamondpress]

Celebrating Female Artists in Pampanga With OMN Productions

With the limitations on venues for young artists, musicians and poets in Pampanga, many productions are taking the art to places like farms and garden restaurants where one can bring a blanket and enjoy a sky full of stars. 

(Sunlag Babae at OMN 8, 23 Mar 2019 at The Jazz Grill, Photo by Gelo Soriano) 

 Arum Tayao and the rest of the team behind OMN tell us about their productions as well their event IKAMING BABÁI that celebrates female artists in Pampanga such as: Space Kambing, Jiji, Bianca Lukban, Jeraldine, Toinkee Tomen, Ann Abeleda, Jill, Moss Trooper and Sunlag Babae.

1. What is the purpose of OMN?

Arum: The idea of having open mics came about after celebrating my birthday busking with Jan Kevin at Museo Ning Angeles.  I guess I can say that the sole purpose of OMN is to provide everyone a safe place to express themselves in all forms of art disciplines plus give our audiences the chance to reconnect with the community. For awhile kasi, metudtud ya ing scene kening Angeles so, with OMN, it was refreshing kasi we realized asnang karakal talent keni and we wanted to help boost their presence to a larger audience with the free shows we produce.

2. Who are in its team and where in Pampanga are they from?

Arum: Initially, adua kami mu. It was Jan and I. Through the course of the shows, nakung kaswelu kasi I had the best at my fingertips, all I needed to do was ask if they wanted to help us. 

The team we have now is 90% Kapampangan. We have Erwin Torio, Tatum Flores, Marion “Su” Sunga, all are from Pampanga, and then Arik Olarte makes up the remaining 10% kasi he’s originally from Cavite but relocated here in Angeles. Apin yan ing core group. I Jeannie Quizon helped us mu rin in a couple of our shows.

3. What is IKAMING BABÁI and why did you decide to hold it?

Arum: Buri ku kasi ma-highlight la reng female artists keti kasi solid la talaga. Ing Ikaming Bábái kasi was an all-female show we did last year for my birthday, e diba every March magcelebrate tamung Women’s Month? Uyta, sabi ku kng sarili ku I have to do something about it. 

(Toinkee Tomen at OMN 8, 23 Mar 2019 at The Jazz Grill, Photo by Gelo Soriano)

Menyad ku permission from Jazz Grill if we could produce a show celebrating women with a powerful lineup sabi da sige so with two weeks time to prepare, I called the best person to help me with the show, Astra Camille of Paninap, and Ikaming Bábái 2 came about.

3. What were your favorite moments in the last event?

Torio: During Yone’s performance, ating mipalabas a anak, babayi ya, out of the blue ginulisak ya, “Basag kana, tarantada!” Instead na mimwa la reng tau kasi mekaistorbu ya, pinalakpak la mu and ginulisak. Meging part ya ning performance na ala yang kabalu balu.

(Yone at OMN 8, 23 Mar 2019 at The Jazz Grill, Photo by Gelo Soriano)  Tatum: Itang instant gratification. Dakal kasing first-timers kng audience. Eda balu na malwat mi neng gagawan ini and atin pala makanining scene kng Angeles.

(Moss Trooper at OMN 8, 23 Mar 2019 at The Jazz Grill, Photo by Gelo Soriano)

(Jill at OMN 8, 23 Mar 2019 at The Jazz Grill, Photo by Gelo Soriano)

(Ann Abeleda at OMN 8, 23 Mar 2019 at The Jazz Grill, Photo by Gelo Soriano) 

 4. Who did the poster art? (I love it!)

Su: Collaborative work yapu, from concept to final poster misawupsawup kaming 4 - di Arum, Arik, Tors.

5. Any other events from you that we should look forward to?

Tors: Atin kami mapilan a lulutu, collaborative show ya. Magupdate nakami mu kng social media accounts mi. Arum: Basta atin May 4 and hopefully kng June. Dependi pa kng schedule mi nung adinan mi ya bang oras. Hehe! Dakal naman upcoming events this Summer. Shoutout kekayu Summer Shred fam!

6. Any social media channels or websites we should follow?

Arik: Ngayon lang kami nagkaroon ng Facebook and Instagram account so sana like & follow nyo yung page namin for updates. 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/openmicjg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/________omn/ (8 na underscores sya hehe!)

Follow art collectives and production organizers in Pampanga to discover new artists and musicians.

[volcanodiamondpress]

Test Out Eargasmic Pleasures S1E1: Pilot

There'll be something for everyone on April 13, 2019 (Saturday) at Sullivan's Irish Pub in Balibago, Pampanga.

1UAN Productions invites music lovers to a night of mixed genres on its first event.

Whether you're into Blues, Indie, Alternative Rock, and Punk Rock, feel free to drop by. Door charge is Php 150 pesos with 1 free beer with 4 pieces of stickers with different designs.

Check out Kapampangan acts like Monthly Red and Shane Lumanog.

You can also catch guest performers from Manila like Stories And Alibis.

Follow 1UAN Productions on Facebook for more details.

What to do in Pampanga? Check out these events featuring local artists and musicians.

[volcanodiamondpress]

On "Aria" With Young Kapampangan Production Designer Kyle Jumayne Francisco

It was amazing to learn about Aria - a film boasting of an all-Kapampangan cast. It was even more amazing to discover young Kapampangan creative professionals in film who are focused on its technical aspects like cinematography and production design.

One of them is Kyle Jumayne Francisco who shares his insights related to the craft of production design.

Photo: Kyle Jumayne Francisco on the set of Aria

1. How old are you and where in Pampanga are you from?

I'm 25 years young, I was born in Tarlac City, and moved to Angeles City in 2010.

2. How did you decide to be a production designer?

It wasn't really one of my plans to become a production designer. I remember asking my aunt back in 6th grade what course I can take in college. I was into performing arts back then, so she told me that maybe I can try Theater Arts or Film in UP. Fast forward to the UPCAT results, I failed to make it, and we didn't know about the process of reconsidering by talent exam. It was only UP or HAU for me.

Tin Velasco, a Tumblr friend, was working on a CineKabalen film back in 2013. She knew that I was into fashion styling at that time. She tapped me to do the design and styling of her entry. The film was nominated in the Best in Production Design category, and the rest was history.

Photo: On set in Floridablanca in the shoot of Whereabouts, Kyle's debut short film

 I have also explored possibilities outside production design with my short film, Whereabouts; the film has competed in Salamindanaw and Martovski in Serbia.

3. What does a production designer do?

The production designer oversees art direction, set decoration, the props, even costumes, hair and make up and prosthetics. He creates the visual world of the story. He works closely with the director and the cinematographer in artistically executing the characters' world.

Production design for Pampanga’s Best short film ad 11:11

Production design for Pampanga’s Best short film ad

4. How did you improve your craft in production design?

I watch a lot of films, research, immerse in different environments, and attend workshops not just in production design but also directing and writing, and sometimes cinematography. A production designer should know all these aspects because apart from art direction, production design, in a way, is an amalgamation of all these elements.

Production design for Pampanga’s Best short film ad – this wet market stall was completely bare

5. Tell us about your project Aria, what is it about?

I'd like to say that Aria is a film about Pampanga during World War II. It follows the story of a zarzuela singer who turned out to be a member of HUKBALAHAP, and later on fought for the benefits of these unsung heroes. This period piece is something that Kapampangans should watch to know about this side of our history.

Aria’s opening sequence. PD by yours truly PD by Kyle Jumayne Francisco

6. What was your process for managing the production design of that film?

After several short films I designed, Aria is my first feature film as a production designer. We worked on a limited budget so there were times that I had to do everything - sourcing, purchasing, deciding, art direction, props, set decoration, and even whisk blood on talents' faces and bodies. It was an end-to-end participation.

Scene in Aria: Protagonist's parents captured by Japanese soldiers. PD by Kyle Jumayne Francisco

Aria took a lot of research, consultations - even on-the-spot ones! We had to be accurate in the things we put out on the screen. We were fortunate that I had Sir Robby Tantingco and Sir Alex Castro who are historians and curators to approve and lend us even their personal collections.

With the win for Best in Production Design of Aria in Gawad Pasado, the success of the visuals of Aria also owes a lot to our director, Carlo Enciso Catu, endless considerations of our cinematographer, Neil Daza, our location manager, Rhoda Mercado, costume designer, Jona Ballaran, our make up team headed by Xia Catu, and we should also celebrate the hard work of the people in our team, from our set men to our carpenters.

7. Where can people catch the film?

We will be screening in all cinematheques in our country through the assistance of Film Development Council of the Philippines, and soon internationally.

8. Social media pages or websites you'd like people to follow?

You may follow Aria for more updates, and CineKabalen for anything about Kapampangan cinema.

Discover more young Kampangan filmmakers here.

[volcanodiamondpress]

Self-plugging since I’m Kapampangan and I wrote a book of poems.

March 16, 2019 at the CCP Silangan Hall

Me, sharing a table with Hulyen, selling my book of poems “Deskaril” at the Gandang-ganda sa Sariling Gawa fair featuring women creators.

Thanks to the CCP Intertextual Division, Gantala Press, my dad and Tita Luisa and Arthur!

[volcanodiamondpress]

Join Erwin Somera Torio at Mayumu't Mabayat

Erwin Somera Torio is a 34 year old native of Porac, Babo Robot. His work involves promoting infused ,Indigenous and Modern Kapampangan Culture and Music.

Join him Mayumu't Mabayat, a celebration of music and culture at Sullivan's Irish Pub in Balibago, Angeles City on March 16, 2019 at 8PM.

Sweet and Heavy According to Erwin, Mayumu't Mabayat features metal the Kapampangan way.

The event aims to enhance, Expand and explore more of our local talents within the circle of people, who's creating their own unique approach on their respective category of music and all sorts of local activities and passion.

Catch the following performers at the event:

Píris Chapters Elohim Injent Project X Inliight Cast Dishonored Forestille Turntides Space Kambing

Tickets cost Php150 at the portal. For more details, shoot the organizers, The Final Banger Music & Culture a message.