Being Filipino is woven into countless experiences—shared moments of hustle, braving the daily commute, and navigating life with our iconic jeepneys. It’s in the resilience we carry and the hospitality we’re known for. But above all, it’s the music and storytelling that truly bind us. From the heartfelt kundiman and classic harana to the vibrant Pinoy pop of today, our culture is deeply etched in the melodies and narratives that shape the Filipino experience.
So, when the P-pop boy group Alamat—composed of Taneo, Mo, Jao, Tomás, R-Ji, and Alas—debuted in 2020, they embodied a concept that was unapologetically and authentically Pinoy. Their music reminds us that our past, present, and future of our culture are alive and thriving.
As November comes to a close, Metroscene Mag shines a spotlight on the Bayanihan spirit embodied in the music of Alamat—celebrating the Gunita at Hiraya that define the soul of Pinoy music.
The Sound of Bayanihan
At the heart of ALAMAT’s identity is a profound celebration of the multicultural landscape of the Philippines—a quality that sets them apart in the OPM scene. By embracing and showcasing the rich diversity of Filipino heritage, they offer listeners, both old and new, a refreshing and authentic take on what it means to create music rooted in identity. This isn’t just a gimmick, as some might say, but rather the very foundation of who they are as a group and as artists, making their work deeply resonant and genuinely unique.
"The vision remains as it is," says ALAMAT. "It’s in the creative ways we manifest the vision that has evolved. Alamat started with a mindset that was trying to prove that its unique brand has a space in today’s pop culture. We believe we’ve already proven that. So now, the goal is to how to further spread manifestations of this vision to the country and to the world."
From the traditional beats of kudyapi-inspired rhythms to lyrics infused with native dialects, ALAMAT doesn’t just perform—they honor. They serve as a bridge between generations, reminding listeners of their heritage while showing how it can thrive in modern pop culture. This diversity shapes their artistry in ways that no other P-Pop group has done before, truely, the sound of bayanihan.
"Our unique cultural backgrounds also allow us to connect with more people from various parts of the country. Like if we’re performing in a Cebuano-speaking town, the Cebuano-speaking member takes the lead in audience interaction."
This approach goes beyond mere performance—it’s an act of cultural diplomacy. ALAMAT builds a deeper connection with their audience, proving that they aren’t just entertainers but representatives of a shared cultural identity.
For ALAMAT, their regional diversity is more than a creative asset—it’s a mission. By bringing together the richness of Filipino culture, they challenge the homogenization often seen in pop culture. Their music and presence act as a call to embrace cultural diversity and celebrate the differences that make the Philippines a treasure trove of heritage.
Gunita and Hiraya: ALAMAT's November Cover for Metroscene Mag
When conceptualizing the November cover for Metroscene Mag featuring ALAMAT, we wanted to honor the essence of the group’s identity while pushing the boundaries of creative storytelling. ALAMAT’s vision—rooted in bridging the past and the present, the rural and the urban, the traditional and the modern.
Our vision drew inspiration from the timeless works of Fernando Amorsolo, known for his romanticized depictions of Filipino rural life. The soft strokes and sunlit hues of Amorsolo’s art provided the foundation for our aesthetic, merging heritage with a contemporary twist. We envisioned ALAMAT as hacienderos stepping into the city—an homage to the stereotypical visuals of probinsyanos navigating the urban landscape.
To make the narrative more centered, we incorporated symbolic elements that resonate deeply with Filipino culture. From a basket brimming with vegetables to a lively chicken tucked under an arm, these details painted a story of tradition, resilience, and transition. The props weren’t just visual accents; they were narrative tools, telling the tale of a group that carries the richness of their roots into the ever-evolving modern world.
The styling was equally intentional. ALAMAT donned reimagined traditional garments that paid homage to our heritage while asserting a bold, contemporary fashion statement. The juxtaposition of rustic accessories with sleek, urban-inspired tailoring represented the convergence of gunita and hiraya —a reflection of ALAMAT’s journey and vision.
At the heart of this concept lies the duality that we believe defines ALAMAT. Gunita, the memories of the past, is reflected in the traditional elements—an homage to heritage that feels like a modern take on Amorsolo-inspired art. Meanwhile, Hiraya, the dreams of a progressive future, emerges through urban sophistication and the bold reimagining of tradition. Together, these elements encapsulate ALAMAT’s narrative: a celebration of cultural identity while forging paths to the future.
This cover is a tribute to ALAMAT’s purpose. It’s a reflection of their music, which blends regional languages with modern beats, and their vision, which bridges generations. With this concept, we honor their story while inviting their fans to celebrate the beauty of being rooted yet forward-looking.
Through the November cover, we hope to capture not just ALAMAT’s aesthetic but also their spirit—the bayanihan of storytelling through music, fashion, and culture. This is gunita and hiraya realized, a vision ALAMAT continues to carry with pride.
The Alamat is Unfolding
As ALAMAT continues to rise, they remain steadfast in their mission to redefine what it means to be Filipino in pop culture. “We want to leave behind a legacy of pride,” they share. “A legacy that says embracing your identity and heritage is not a limitation but a strength.”
On that note, it is pride of Metroscene Mag to say that ALAMAT is not just gunita, a keeper of traditions, nor just hiraya, a beacon of dreams—they are both. With every song, performance, and story they share, they embody bayanihan in its purest form: united, rooted, and limitless.
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Metrocene Mag November 2024 COVER: Gunita at Hiraya
Featuring Ppop Boy Group ALAMAT Taneo (@alamat.taneo), Mo (@alamat.mo), Tomas (@alamat.tomas), R-Ji (@alamat.rji) , Alas (@alamat.alas), and Jao (@alamat.jao)
Creative Director, Art Director and Editor-in-Chief: Mark Elwyn Baccay (@markelwyn)
Photographed by Lyndon Kyle Asuncion (@lyndonkyle_), assisted by Karlo Baylon
Set Design by Uriel Matthew (@urielmatthew), assisted by Keno Aragon (@keno.aragon) and Ñina Cruz (@cruzynina)
Fashion Styling by Cha Fronteras (@chafronteras) and Jasper Añonuevo (@jasperuevo), assisted by Lynus Martin (@lynus) and Daniello Manalo (@vaughnelizalde)
Hairstyling by Gab Villegas (@by.gabvillegas)
Makeup By Jomari Braganza (@jomaribraganza) and Yra Mantaring (@yramantaring)
Story by Mark Elwyn Baccay (@markelwyn)
Coordinated by Ken Opiña (@Kenpineapple)
Videographers: Photographed by Ennuh Tiu (@ennuhchew)
Video Editor: Makshi (@makhinachor)
📍Shot at Spotlight Creatives studio (@spotlightcreativesstudio)
Special Thanks to
Rocket Design Studio (@rocketsets) for the set design materials
Food Coma Manila (@foodcoma.mnl) for our Food Sponsorship
Viva Artist Agency (@vivaartistagency)
Viva Records (@viva_records)
To The Designers
Nash August (@iamnashaugust)
The Future Is You (@thefuture____isu)
Eman Rinoza (@emanrinoza)
Le Charme (@le.charme___)
Charina Fronteras (@charinafronteras__)
Carlos Hermo Abayon Baldemoro (@mr.carlitobaldemoro)
Amber (@amber.dmg)
Metroscene Mag Interns
James Andrei Arrojo (@jamesandreix)
Krizzia Mae Cundangan (@keurishia)
Lawrence Coruno (@enzolikessoup)
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