# Alamat (group)

Alamat (Baybayin: ᜀᜎᜋᜆ᜔; transl. Legend) (stylized in all caps) is a Filipino boy band formed in 2020 by Viva Artists Agency and Ninuno Media. The group consists of six members: Taneo, Mo, Jao, Tomás, R-Ji and Alas. The members hail from different regions of the Philippines and sing in their own respective languages.

## Name

"Alamat" translates to "legend" in English. Their creative director, Jason Paul Laxamana, came up with the name. In an interview with The Beat Asia, the members of Alamat explained, "Legends are stories passed down to the youth, sparking their imagination and preserving our cultural heritage. We aim to do the same in everything we do. Legends are also figures we look up to, and we aspire to be one of them someday."

## History
### 2020-2022: Formation, pre-debut activities, Pasulong

In May 2020, Viva Records and its subsidiary label, Ninuno Media, held auditions for a new P-Pop boy group. According to Laxamana, proficiency in a Philippine language was a prerequisite in the application process, beyond just talent in singing or dancing. He stated that his team always envisioned Alamat as a multilingual boy group. Prior to debuting, the group released covers of various songs, including "Tala" (lit. 'Star') and "Kilometro" (lit. 'Kilometer') by Sarah Geronimo and a multilingual rendition of "Wala Na Bang Pag-Ibig" (lit. 'Is There No Love Anymore') by Jaya, sung in each member's native language. The members underwent intensive training for nine months, which encompassed singing, dancing, physical fitness, and personality development, before they officially debuted on February 14, 2021 with the single "Kbye". Their training continued for years, even after their debut.
Alamat debuted with nine members: Taneo from Kalinga, Mo from Zambales, Jao from Pampanga, Kin from Quezon City, R-Ji from Eastern Samar, Valfer from Negros Occidental, Gami from Bohol, Tomas from Albay, and Alas from Davao City. The group distinguished itself as a multilingual and multiethnic boy band that sang in seven Philippine languages: Bikolano, Cebuano, Hiligaynon, Ilocano, Kapampangan, Tagalog, and Waray-Waray. A few weeks after "Kbye" was released, Alamat became the second P-Pop group to make it on Billboard's Next Big Sound chart after SB19, debuting at number two. Publications also regarded them as the fastest-rising Filipino act on the chart. Shortly after the achievement was reported in the media, Kin officially left Alamat.
The group released two more multilingual singles in 2021, "Kasmala" and "Porque" (lit. 'Why'). The latter is a cover of a song by the band UNiCA, formerly known as Maldita. Unlike "Kbye" and "Kasmala", the lyrics of "Porque" were in Tagalog and Chavacano, a Spanish-based creole language spoken in Zamboanga City. On February 14, 2022, the group's first anniversary, Alamat released the uplifting single "ABKD", which featured lyrics in Sambal, in addition to the languages that the group usually uses. Its music video premiered on February 22 and starred the Aeta actress Shella Mae Romualdo, alongside Aeta dancers. Valfer and Gami officially left the group shortly afterwards. On October 28, Alamat released their first extended play, Pasulong (lit. 'Forward'). The mini-album was released along with the single "Aswang" on all digital streaming platforms.

### 2023-present: Isapuso, solo concerts

On June 14, 2023, Alamat released the first single from their then-upcoming album Isapuso (lit. 'Take to Heart'), "Day and Night". The song used a mix of Cebuano, English, and Tagalog, and was co-written by Therese Villarante-Langit, a famed Vispop songwriter. On November 3, Alamat released another single from the album, "Dagundong" (lit. 'Rumbling'). The following day, on November 4, the group released their first full-length album, Isapuso.
Joey Dizon of Rappler gave Isapuso 3.5 stars out of 5. In his review, he described the album as a "well-crafted product" boasting "sonic urgency" and sophistication that was rather uncommon to P-pop. Dizon wrote, "Arguably, though the group made immediate waves with their first few singles and established themselves as a hardworking unit – with the completion of last year's Pasulong EP and a continuous live ethic – I find that Isapuso is a stronger, more focused release that can finally catch the attention of non-fans of the P-pop movement like myself[...]," and concluded that "these kids are definitely alright."
On December 1, 2023, Alamat held their first solo concert, Dagundong, at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City, Philippines. In June 2024, they performed at the Mist Music Festival in Toronto, Canada.
Alamat graced the cover of Metroscene Mag's November 2024 issue, modeling traditional Filipino garments reimagined by local designers. On December 6, Alamat held their second solo concert, Ragasa (lit. 'Rush'), at the New Frontier Theater. At the concert, the group performed a new version of their debut song "Kbye", as well as an unreleased song called "Champorado", among other numbers. Each member had a solo performance. At Ragasa, the group revealed the title of their upcoming second extended play, Destino (lit. 'Destination'), which is slated for a 2025 release.

## Artistry

Alamat's music blends indigenous instruments such as kudyapi and kulintang with modern sounds. Their choreography is also influenced by traditional dances, such as the Maranao dance singkil that inspired "Maharani".
The group's outfits typically blend modern fashion with traditional elements from the many cultures of the Philippines.
The members have written and produced many of their songs, including their debut single "Kbye". Mo has said that the song was the result of a "random and unplanned" jam session.

## Other ventures
### Advocacy

The music video for the Alamat song "ABKD" condemned colorism and discrimination against the Aeta people, one of the Philippines' Indigenous groups. The video starred the young Aeta actress Shella Mae Romualdo and featured Aeta dancers. In 2024, Alamat performed at the University of the Philippines' annual advocacy-focused fair. They performed on Tuesday and Saturday during the week-long fair, with advocacies on those days focusing on free education and Indigenous rights respectively.
Jao has stated that Alamat aims to promote the Philippines' cultural diversity and multilingualism. They have also expressed support for the LGBTQ community.

### Fashion

In October 2024, all of the Alamat members walked the runway at BYS Fashion Week 2024. They modeled upcycled pieces by Russell Villafuerte. They also modeled Charlotte Folk's new streetwear offerings alongside Karina Bautista.

## Members
### Current

* Tomás - main vocalist, lead dancer & center
* R-Ji - lead vocalist
* Taneo - leader, main dancer, sub-vocalist & sub-rapper
* Alas - main rapper
* Mo - main vocalist & lead rapper
* Jao - main dancer, sub-vocalist, & main rapper

### Former

* Ambri (2020)
* Kin (2021)
* Valfer (2021–2022)
* Gami (2021–2022)

## Discography
### Studio albums

List of studio albums with selected details :
| Title | Album Details |
| Isapuso | Released: November 3, 2023 (PH) Label: Viva Records Format: CD, digital download, streaming |

### Extended plays

List of extended plays with selected details :
| Title | Album Details |
| Pasulong | Released: October 28, 2022 (PH) Label: Viva Records Format: CD, digital download, streaming Track listing 1. "Aswang"2. "Maharani"3. "ILY ILY"4. "Gayuma"5. "Say U Love Me"6. "Hala" |

### Singles

List of singles, showing year released, selected chart positions, and associated albums :
| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Album |
| Title | Year | PHL | Album |
| "Kbye" | 2021 | — | Non-album singles |
| "Kasmala" | 2021 | — | Non-album singles |
| "Porque" | 2021 | — | Non-album singles |
| "ABKD" | 2022 | — | Non-album singles |
| "Sa Panaginip Na Lang" | 2022 | — | Non-album singles |
| "Say U Love Me" | 2022 | — | Pasulong |
| "Ily Ily" (with Lyca Gairanod) | 2022 | — | Pasulong |
| "Aswang" | 2022 | — | Pasulong |
| "Hala" | 2022 | — | Pasulong |
| "Maharani" | 2023 | 80 | Pasulong |
| "Gayuma" | 2023 | — | Pasulong |
| "Day & Night" | 2023 | — | Isapuso |
| "Walang Hanggan" | 2023 | — | Isapuso |
| "Dagundong" | 2023 | — | Isapuso |
| "Dayang" | 2024 | — | Isapuso |
| "Hiraya" | 2024 | — | Non-album singles |
| Soundtrack appearance ||||
| "Sandigan" | 2021 | — | Anitu OST |
| Collaboration ||||
| "Tibay 'Yan" (with Iñigo Pascual) | 2021 | — | Coke Studio (Season 4) |
| "Kapit" (with Dwta) | 2023 | — | Coke Studio (Season 7) |
| "Road to Mythic" (with Kaia) | 2024 | — | Mobile Legends: Bang Bang |
| "Gupit" (The Juans featuring Alamat) | 2024 | — | Non-album single |

## Filmography
### Music videos

| Year | Title | Director(s) | Length |
| 2021 | "Kbye" | | 3:39 |
| 2021 | "Sandigan" (Visualizer) | | 2:46 |
| 2021 | "Kasmala" | Jason Paul Laxamana | 3:17 |
| 2021 | "Tibay 'Yan" | | 5:44 |
| 2021 | "Porque" | Jason Paul Laxamana | 4:58 |
| 2022 | "ABKD" | Jason Paul Laxamana | 3:24 |
| 2022 | "Sa Panaginip Na Lang" | Jed Regala | 4:46 |
| 2022 | "Say U Love Me" | Jason Paul Laxamana | 4:39 |
| 2022 | "ILY ILY" | Jason Paul Laxamana | 4:49 |
| 2022 | "Aswang" | Joey De Guzman | 3:53 |
| 2023 | "Maharani" | Jason Paul Laxamana | 4:42 |
| 2023 | "Gayuma" | Judd Figuerres | 4:43 |
| 2023 | "Day and Night" | Joey De Guzman | 3:42 |
| 2024 |
| 2024 | "Ang Galing DITO" | | 2:57 |
| 2024 | "Dayang" | Kerbs Balagtas | 4:57 |
| 2024 | "Road to Mythic" | YouMeUs MNL | 2:24 |
| 2024 | "Ngayong Gabi" | | 3:17 |
| 2024 | "Hiraya" | Jay-Ar Villarojas | 3:28 |

### Television shows

| Year | Month/Date | Program | Network |
| 2021 | July 18 | All-Out Sundays | GMA |
| 2021 | August 5 | Lunch Out Loud | TV5 |
| 2022 | March 13 | ASAP | Kapamilya Channel/A2Z |
| 2022 | April 10 | ASAP | Kapamilya Channel/A2Z |
| 2022 | July 13 | Frontline sa Umaga | TV5 |
| 2022 | August 6 | Newsroom | CNN Philippines |
| 2022 | August 16 | Family Feud | GMA |
| 2023 | May 10 | TiktoClock | GMA |
| 2023 | June 26 | It's Showtime | Kapamilya Channel/A2Z/TV5 |
| 2024 | April 1 | It's Showtime | Kapamilya Channel/A2Z/GTV |
| 2024 | April 4 | Eat Bulaga! | TV5/RPTV |

## Concerts

Standalone Concert :
| Event Name | Dates | Venue | Location | Ref. |
| Dagundong: Alamat First Solo Concert | December 1, 2023 | New Frontier Theater | Quezon City | |
International Concerts :
| Event Name | Dates | Venue | Location | Ref. |
| Winter Carnival 2023 | December 23, 2023 | P7 Arena, Media One Hotel, Dubai | Dubai | |
Concert Participation :
| Event Name | Dates | Venue | Location |
| G Music Fest 2021 | September 25–26, 2021 | Remote Location | Remote Location |
| UP Fair: Awit Mo'y Paglaya | November 12, 2021 | UP Diliman | Quezon City |
| ARRIVAL: The Next Chapter of OPM | November 27, 2021 | Remote Location | Remote Location |
| Padayon: Online Concert for Typhoon Odette | March 25–26, 2022 | Remote Location | Remote Location |
| 2022 PPOPCON | April 10, 2022 | Araneta Coliseum | Quezon City |
| Tugatog: Filipino Music Festival | July 15, 2022 | Mall of Asia Arena | Pasay |
| 2023 PPOPCON | July 16, 2023 | Araneta Coliseum | Quezon City |
| 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup opening ceremony | August 25, 2023 | Philippine Arena | Bocaue |
| ILYSM… A Valentine Harana Concert | February 13, 2024 | Araneta Coliseum | Quezon City |

## Awards and nominations

| Year | Award(s) | Category | Nominated Work | Result |
| 2021 | VP Choice Awards 2021 | Group Performer of the Year | Alamat | Nominated |
| 2021 | RAWR Awards | Favorite Group | Alamat | Nominated |
| 2021 | 6th PPOP Awards | PPOP Music Video of the Year | "kasmala" | Won |
| 2022 | NYLON Manila Big, Bold, Brave Awards | Favorite P-Pop Group | Alamat | Nominated |
| 2022 | 7th PPOP Awards | PPOP Boy Group of the Year | Alamat | Nominated |
| 2022 | 7th PPOP Awards | Pop Song of the Year for Cultural Relevance | "ABKD" | Won |
| 2022 | TikTok Awards Philippines | PPOP Group of the Year | Alamat | Nominated |
| 2022 | 27th Asian Television Awards | Best Music Video | "Tibay 'Yan" | Won |
| 2023 | VP Choice Awards 2023 | Group Performer of the Year | Alamat | Nominated |
| 2023 | NYLON Manila Big, Bold, Brave Awards | Favorite P-Pop Group | Alamat | Nominated |
| 2023 | 36th Awit Awards | Best R&B Recording | "Maharani" | Won |
| 2023 | 36th Awit Awards | Album of the Year | "Pasulong" | Nominated |
| 2023 | Dabeme Music Awards | Album of the Year | "Pasulong" | Won |
| 2023 | 49th Metro Manila Film Festival | Best Original Theme Song | "Dagundong" (from Penduko) | Nominated |
| 2023 | 8th PPOP Awards | Philippine Pop Boy Group of the Year | Alamat | Won |
| 2023 | 8th PPOP Awards | Philippine Pop ICON Group Of The Year (Special Award) | Alamat | Won |
| 2023 | 8th PPOP Awards | Philippine Pop Top Male Vocalist of the Year | Mo | Won |
| 2023 | 8th PPOP Awards | Philippine Pop Top Male Rapper of the Year | Alas | Won |
| 2023 | 8th PPOP Awards | Philippine Pop Top Male Visual of the Year | Tomas | Won |
| 2023 | 8th PPOP Awards | Philippine Pop Top Male Dancer of the Year | Jao | Won |
| 2024 |
| 2024 | 5th VP Choice Awards | Group Performer of the Year | Alamat | Nominated |
| 2024 | 5th VP Choice Awards | P-Pop Song of the Year | "Dagundong" | Nominated |
| 2024 | 5th VP Choice Awards | Music Video of the Year | "Dagundong" | Nominated |
| 2024 | Philippines Pageant Evaluation & Awards | Best Guest Performer | Alamat | Won |
| 2024 | 15th PMPC Star Awards for Music | Pop Album of the Year | "Pasulong" | Nominated |
| 2024 | Awit Awards | Best Dance/Electronic Recording | "Day and Night" | Nominated |
| 2024 | Myx Music Awards | Mellow Video of the Year | "Walang Hanggan" | Nominated |
| 2024 | P-pop Music Awards | Album of the Year | Isapuso | Nominated |
| 2024 | P-pop Music Awards | Collaboration of the Year | "Gupit" (with The Juans) | Nominated |
| 2024 | P-pop Music Awards | Cultural Excellence Award | Alamat | Awardee |