Piyestang Fernandino showcases Kapampangan cultural traditions

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO—The Aguman ding Talasulat Capampangan (AGTACA) in coordination with the Tourism Office of the City of San Fernando and the Executive Committee of the Fiesta Fernandino 2010 showcased the various Kapampangan Cultural traditions during the Fiesta Fernandino celebration last May 29 in front of the San Fernando City Hall .
Dubbed as the Kapampangan Cultural Jamboree, the showcase featured poesya, dalit, pulosa, sapatya, Crissotan, kanta, pamipatula and the pamamutung before crowning the selected “Malagung Apu and Masanting a Ingkung among seniors citizens of the city.
According to Executive Committee member Romeo S. Rodriguez, Chairman of the Cultural Jamboree Committee, “The Kapampangans had great cultural traditions handed down from generation to generation. There was a time when Kapampangans used to recite poetry at the drop of a hat. They recited poetry when they argued and debated (Crissotan), when they narrated a story (kuriru), when they prayed (pasyon), when they played (bulaklakan) or when they amused themselves (bugtungan).” Rodriguez said, “These cultural traditions came from the early forms of poetry namely: the marungay (manunge) and the Dalit. The first one is dramatic and sung while rowing and during festivities. While the marungay has 6 syllables, and the dalit, which is graver in tone, has 7 syllables, or three feet and a caesuria.”
Rodriguez explained that AGTACA and the City under the leadership of Mayor Oscar S. Rodriguez are reviving these cultural traditions to show to the youth the richness and uniqueness of the Kapampangan culture and to preserve it for the generations to come.
In 1926, the Kapampangans came up with their version of the argumentative verse, calling it Crissotan, in honor of Juan Crisostomo Soto, considered the greatest Kapampangan playwright. A moderator called Lakandiwa takes his place on the stage and begin asking the audience of whoever wants to join the debate. Suddenly, someone from the audience recites a piece and announces his availability.
The Moderator (Lakandiwa) will ask him to go up stage and continue his search for his challenger until somebody again from the audience, will rise and accept the challenge. Crissotan is actually a well-rehearsed show who gave the audience a sense of extemporaneity but actually been given the topic and prepared their poetic arguments days in advance.
The term Crissotan was coined by poet Amado M. Yuzon and the first Crissotan was held in a private residence in Sta. Cruz, Manila.
Lino G. Dizon, also a well known writer and poet during his time, and Nicasio Dungo were the two debaters while the Lakandiwa was Amado Yuzon, himself.
Two Poet Laureates, Pol Batac and Jaspe Dula debated on the subject, Dapat La o E la Dapat Makialam Ding Pengari Karing Anak dang Talasawa?” while another Poet Lureate, Frank Guinto served as the Lakandiwa.