Held in honor of celebrating the Kapampangan language in line with Buwan ng Wika, Center for Kapampangan Studies’ (CKS) Aldo Ning Amanung Sisuan 2025 was held at the Peter G. Nepomuceno (PGN) Auditorium, August 29.
The launch of Ing Malating Prinsipi, the Kapampangan translation of The Little Prince, authored by Mr. Oscar Balajadia, highlighted the event.
In collaboration with the Savage Mind Publication, Balajadia, also known as Papa Osmubal, shared his motivation for translating the children’s classic, stating that the project was an expression of his identity as Kapampangan.
“The motivation is like… showing your personality and where you came from. It’s my roots,” he said.
Balajadia further emphasized that the modern Kapampangan language is reflected in the translated version of The Little Prince to make the language “accessible and relevant” to today’s Kapampangans.
“I made sure that I had to show the modern Kapampangan there. That’s the language you guys speak out there. That’s why this version is more like us. It is us talking,” he added.
Papa Osmubal also revealed his future plans for further promoting the Kapampangan language, stating that he has projects in the works aimed at preserving the language and culture.
In another interview, CKS Director Mr. Robby Tantingco shared the broader goals of the event and the institution to “not let the Kapampangan language die.”
“We want to show the younger generations that the Kapampangan language is not an obsolete language… very modern, very progressive, very now,” he stated.
He further encouraged students to not only embrace Kapampangan but also other languages while pointing that it is important to appreciate one’s mother tongue.
“Do not underprivilege your amanung sisuan or your language of birth. Not only because it is the language of your ancestors, but also because it is the language that resonates with you the most,” said Tantingco.
After the launch, the attendees had the opportunity to meet the author and participate in the book-signing session. Ing Malating Prinsipi is available for purchase at HAU, CKS, and Savage Mind Publication for P500.
Prior to the launch, an animated short film created by School of Computing (SOC) students entitled, “Maganakang Tanaman, Maimut a Tanaman,” opened the festivities alongside the announcement of winners for the Conrado N. Manankil On-the-Spot Kapampangan Essay Writing Competition held on August 18.
First placers were announced as Yuen Xian Pulido from Malino Elementary School, Roj Luis Diamsay from Panipuan High School, and Ronan Naga from Holy Cross College for the grade school, high school, and college categories, respectively, with accompanying cash prizes.
A consolation prize of P1,000 was also given to all participants.
