El Gamma Penumbra

El Gamma Penumbra
TypeTheatre group
PurposeShadow play
Location
Membership
27 members (21 seniors; 6 juniors)
Artistic director(s)
Marvin Marfa and Marck Patrick Suarez
WebsiteOfficial website Edit this at Wikidata

El Gamma Penumbra is a Filipino all male shadow play group, best known for being the winners of the first season of Asia's Got Talent.

Etymology

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El Gamma Penumbra comes from the words Gamma and Penumbra, which (in the words of the group) refer to the ideas of light (gamma rays) and shadow. It refers to "the ray of light (behind) a man's shadow".[1][2]

History

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Early career

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El Gamma Penumbra was first founded in 2008 as a hip-hop boy group, competing in dance contests in Tanauan, their home town in the province of Batangas, in southwest Luzon (about a one-hour drive from Manila). The group decided to change their act prior to Pilipinas Got Talent, thinking that they would be less likely to win as there has been too many hip-hop dance groups in the Philippines. Upon deciding to do shadow play, believing it is new and unique, they started practicing in a basketball court near Tanauan, using a tarpaulin and a halogen light as an improvisation.[3] The group is composed solely of male members, citing "extreme body movements and contact required of their routines."[4]

Pilipinas Got Talent

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Main article: Pilipinas Got Talent season 3

Before winning in the first season of Asia's Got Talent, El Gamma Penumbra once joined the Philippine version of the franchise last 2011. The shadow play group automatically advanced to the grand finals after receiving the highest nationwide votes from their semi-finals performance. They were the first one to get to the grand finals.[5] The group then performed a tourism-inspired shadow play, advocating the tourist spots in the Philippines, during their grand finals performance held on October 23, 2011, at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.[6] They eventually garnered the fourth spot after receiving 8.05% of the votes.[7]

Since then, they were usually invited to perform as guest stars in various places and shows.[8] In particular, they became regular guests in It's Showtime, performing acts such as a tribute to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who are unable to spend Christmas with their families in the Philippines,[4] a tribute to the death anniversary of the late former senator Benigno Aquino Jr.,[9] and an inspirational number about hope and faith performed during the Holy Week.[10]

Asia's Got Talent

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Main article: Asia's Got Talent season 1

On September 28, 2014, El Gamma Penumbra pre-auditioned at the SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia for the upcoming first Asia's Got Talent to be held in Singapore.[11] They advanced to the televised audition held at the Pinewood Iskandar Malaysia Studios in Johor, Malaysia, wherein they were almost not able to join because of a conflict in their schedule.[12] They chose to perform during Pope Francis's visit to the Philippines first, which was already scheduled beforehand, and was still able to fly to Malaysia for the taping.[2] Among their 27 members, only 13 were selected to compete due to budget constraints.[3] They eventually advanced to the semifinals night after receiving a golden buzzer by Indonesian artist Anggun,[13][14] while Taiwanese singer Vanness Wu complimented: "I loved how you guys told the stories beautifully and it was just so wonderful to see live and up close. Thank you so much for that great job."[15][16]

During the franchise's semifinals night, the shadow play group performed a routine based centrally on war, recovery from war, and peace to Matisyahu's "One Day".[17][18] Their performance, aired on April 30, earned them another golden buzzer from the four judges, enabling them to take a spot in the grand finals automatically.[19] They were the only Filipino act among the four to receive both golden buzzers.[20] Canadian musician and record producer David Foster said: "I just want to say that I live in a box, where I make music in a studio. And tonight, I got to come outside of my box and see something that was so, so moving and magical. It just amazed me."[21]

Before announcing the winner of Asia's Got Talent season 1 aired on May 7, the remaining nine contestants performed their own pieces at the Marina Bay Sands.[22] With "Colors of the Wind" from Disney's animated film Pocahontas as the background song, El Gamma Penumbra performed a shadow play that incorporates global issues in hopes to share a message to save Mother Nature.[23][24] The next week, on May 14, the second part of the grand finals night was aired, announcing El Gamma Penumbra as the overall winner based on public votes.[25]

The group was the first to win in Asia's Got Talent reality TV show.[26] The group received US$100,000 for their prize money, as well as an opportunity to perform at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.[27] The group leader's exclaimed: "Asia's Got Talent is the highlight of our careers and of our lives."[28] They were then given a heroes' parade in their hometown of Tanauan, province of Batangas, who welcomed them in their return from said contest.[29]

Artistry

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El Gamma Penumbra was chosen to be a part of the Philippine tourism campaign 'Choose Philippines'. Due to their ability to be able to deliver a message through their shadow acts, they were chosen in hopes to strengthen the campaign's mission in promoting the Philippines.[30] During their stay in Asia's Got Talent season 1, the four judges had always been commenting about El Gamma Penumbra's message-filled performances. Particularly, Indonesian judge Anggun mentioned: "Our job as entertainers, if you can raise awareness on important issues, like Mother Nature and animals, that will make our job more noble," after their last performance in the show.[31] After winning, Negrense artist Charlie Co cited El Gamma Penumbra as a group who inspired people all around the world to contribute to the society's welfare through their talents and art.[32]

In an interview, El Gamma Penumbra admitted that it was always been a challenge to think of a fresh and meaningful concept for their next performance saying: "It's really hard because we have different cultures and we have to touch their hearts. So, we have to think of concepts that are universal so that everyone will understand."[33] They are also devoted in exhibiting their performances well that their practices usually left them sleep deprived. According to the group's creative head, Marvin Marfa, they dedicated their 22 hours to rehearse and used the remaining two hours for sleeping in the dance studio during Asia's Got Talent.[34]

Philanthropy

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El Gamma Penumbra have been constantly donating to the home for the elderly, particularly to the Sta. Ana-San Joaquin Bahay Ampunan in Tanauan City. In addition, the group is planning to set up a shadow dance studio for less fortunate kids in hopes to encourage them develop their talents instead of wasting them.

References

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  1. ^ "EL GAMMA PENUMBRA | AGT7". Asia's Got Talent. Retrieved May 25, 2015.
  2. ^ a b "El Gamma Penumbra almost didn't make it to Asia's Got Talent". Philstar. Retrieved May 25, 2015.
  3. ^ a b "Before they were champs: El Gamma looks back". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved May 25, 2015.
  4. ^ a b Dumaual, Mario. "WATCH: El Gamma Penumbra's moving tribute to survivors of 'Yolanda'". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved May 25, 2015.
  5. ^ "El Gamma Penumbra and the Lucky Twins are grand finalists in Pilipinas Got Talent". Pep.ph. Retrieved May 25, 2015.
  6. ^ "Maasinhon Trio named 'Pilipinas Got Talent' 3rd grand winner". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved May 25, 2015.
  7. ^ "12 Pinoy acts clash in 'Pilipinas Got Talent 3' grand finals". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved May 25, 2015.
  8. ^ "Then and now: 4 Pinoy acts in 'Asia's Got Talent' finals". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved May 25, 2015.
  9. ^ "WATCH: El Gamma Penumbra pays tribute to Ninoy Aquino". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved May 25, 2015.
  10. ^ "El Gamma Penumbra goes inspirational for 'Showtime'". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved May 25, 2015.
  11. ^ "'Asia's Got Talent' holds audition in Manila". Philstar. Archived from the original on May 18, 2015. Retrieved May 25, 2015.
  12. ^ "ASIA'S GOT TALENT AT PINEWOOD ISKANDAR MALAYSIA STUDIOS". Pinewood Group. Archived from the original on January 28, 2015. Retrieved May 25, 2015.
  13. ^ "Then and now: 4 Pinoy acts in 'Asia's Got Talent' finals". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved May 25, 2015.
  14. ^ "WATCH: El Gamma Penumbra's emotional moment on 'Asia's Got Talent'". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved May 25, 2015.
  15. ^ Tan, Rowena. "Pinoy panache earns praise". Manila Bulletin. Archived from the original on May 26, 2015. Retrieved May 25, 2015.
  16. ^ "El Gamma Penumbra wows Asia's Got Talent judges". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved May 25, 2015.
  17. ^ "El Gamma Penumbra Earns 2nd Golden Buzzer | Asia's Got Talent Semis 3". YouTube. Asia's Got Talent. Retrieved May 25, 2015.
  18. ^ "VIDEO: El Gamma Penumbra, 3 other Pinoy acts enter Asia's Got Talent Grand Finals". The Summit Express. Retrieved May 25, 2015.
  19. ^ "WATCH: El Gamma Penumbra's 'golden' performance". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved May 25, 2015.
  20. ^ "El Gamma Penumbra thanks supporters for 'Asia's Got Talent' victory". MSN. Archived from the original on May 26, 2015. Retrieved May 25, 2015.
  21. ^ Mendoza, Arvin (April 30, 2015). "WATCH: El Gamma Penumbra advances to 'Asia's Got Talent' grand finals". Inquirer. Retrieved May 25, 2015.
  22. ^ "Pinoys shine at AGT". Philstar. Archived from the original on May 13, 2015. Retrieved May 25, 2015.
  23. ^ "El Gamma's Touching Tribute To Mother Nature | Asia's Got Talent Grand Final 1". YouTube. Asia's Got Talent. Retrieved May 25, 2015.
  24. ^ "WATCH: El Gamma Penumbra 'AGT' finals performance". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved May 25, 2015.
  25. ^ Lastrilla, Gary Ann. "El Gamma Penumbra is Asia's Got Talent's first grand winner". ABS-CBN Push. Retrieved May 25, 2015.
  26. ^ "Pinoy group El Gamma Penumbra wins first 'Asia's Got Talent'". CNN Philippines. Archived from the original on May 26, 2015. Retrieved May 25, 2015.
  27. ^ Parande, Shweta. "Asia's Got Talent 2015 grand finale video: El Gamma Penumbra wins Season 1 of AGT!". India.com. Retrieved May 25, 2015.
  28. ^ Tan, Lara. "1st 'Asia's Got Talent' winner El Gamma Penumbra thanks Filipinos for support". CNN Philippines. Archived from the original on July 13, 2015. Retrieved May 25, 2015.
  29. ^ "El Gamma Penumbra returns home". Philstar. Retrieved May 25, 2015.
  30. ^ "From Pilipinas to Asia: El Gamma Penumbra Invades the World". Choose Philippines. Retrieved May 25, 2015.
  31. ^ Manalo, Komfie. "El Gamma Penumbra is First Asia's Got Talent Winner! Gerphil Flores to Get Record Deal?". Gospel Herald. Retrieved May 25, 2015.
  32. ^ Nicavera, Erwin (May 19, 2015). "Awakening social conscience through art". Sunstar. Retrieved May 25, 2015.
  33. ^ "El Gamma Penumbra is Asia's Got Talent grand winner". Yahoo PH. Philippine Star. Retrieved May 25, 2015.
  34. ^ "Sacrifices, hard work paid off for El Gamma Penumbra, Gerphil Flores". Inquirer.net. May 23, 2015. Retrieved May 25, 2015.
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