History is a relevant component of where we are today. Thus, fragments of it such as historical places and art pieces are preserved well to last for the following generations to see. Baybayin is one of the national cultural treasures that the Philippines protect and take pride in, considering that the writing system proves our progress as a civilization.
What is there to know about Baybayin?
Baybayin is a word rooted from the Tagalog word ‘baybay’, which means ‘to spell, write and syllabize’. It is often mistaken as Alibata, which is a different script of Arabic origin. This writing system follows ‘alpha-syllabary’ or ‘abugida’ system wherein the characters written in their basic form are consonants ending with the vowel ‘A’. Baybayin is known to have 14 characters, four of them are vowels, while the other characters are consonant letters merged with the vowel ‘A’.
There are a few common rules and steps when it comes to writing Baybayin. Since the characters are alpha-syllabic with the vowel ‘A’, a mark (kudlit) is placed above the consonant to produce an ‘E’ or ‘I’ sound, or at the bottom of the consonants to produce an ‘O’ or ‘U’ sound. While stand-alone consonants are not included in the alphabet, a cross (+) is added below a letter which removes a vowel and expresses the singularity of the consonant sound.
So, why would it be great to learn Baybayin?
It’s like traveling back in time, while learning a new skill
Learning how to write Baybayin is a great way to learn a new skill, as well as experience the past. Far from the form of the English alphabet which we have learned and adapted from the Spaniards, writing Baybayin can be challenging, but it provides a glimpse of how the ancestors communicated with the use of the unique characters.
At the same time, learning how to write the script can be incorporated with practicing calligraphy. The delicate strokes made when inscribing Baybayin characters can help with improving one’s calligraphy skills.
Anyone can learn how to write in Baybayin. All you would need is a pen, a piece of paper, a clear copy of the Baybayin alphabet, and sufficient research on how to learn about this script.
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
Photo from @sadancestor on Instagram
It’s a way to appreciate the rich and captivating Filipino culture
Our ancestors also made use of the traditional writing system to communicate amongst each other. They write letters, poems, incantations, and prayers.
Did you know that despite the dwindling use of Baybayin during the Spanish colonization, our national hero Andres Bonifacio made use of the Baybayin character ‘Ka’ in the Katipunan’s Magdalo and Magdiwang revolutionary flags?
Photos from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flags_of_the_Philippine_Revolution
Government organizations also incorporated Baybayin in their seals. The Cultural Center of the Philippines has ‘Ka’ inscribed in different angles which depicts ‘Katotohanan, Kagandahan at Kabutihan (Truth, Beauty and Goodness). The National Museum has ‘Pa’ which is the first syllable of the word ‘Pamana’ (heritage) and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts is a stylized character ‘Ka’ which stands for ‘Kadakilaan’ (Greatness).
It’s a way to revive and preserve the historical language in an artistic manner
With the goal to keep the beauty of the Filipino culture, George Ian Joseph ‘Taipan’ Lucero has established his self-developed style of Baybayin Fine Art Calligraphy and advocacy called ‘CalligraFilipino’, a portmanteau of Calligraphy and Filipino. He explained it as “a movement towards strengthening Filipino identity in a globally hom*ogenizing world.” Lucero has had his works featured in different exhibitions and has also collaborated with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts in preserving the beauty and importance of Baybayin.
Photo from @taipanlucero on Instagram
More of his works on his official website at https://www.taipanlucero.com/gallery
Additionally, Baybayin is not the only pre-existing script system in the Philippines. There are roughly about 16 different pre-existing types of writing systems around the country before colonization which has varying origins. This includes Surat Mangyan from Mindoro, Tagbanua from Palawan, and Kulitan from Pampanga.
Learning Baybayin is now in the palm of your hands
If you have Google Keyboard installed on your phone, you can include Baybayin in your list of preferred language and type messages in Baybayin. You can easily see how your name will spell like in Baybayin, or you can send messages to your loved ones and friends in Baybayin.
Photo grab by Mina Bernardo
There are plenty of people who incorporate Baybayin in designs on clothing, tattoos, art pieces, etc. It is empowering to see that there are people who recognize the value and beauty of our indigenousness.
Photo from @talasalitaanph on Instagram
Photo from @pamanadesigns on Instagram
Baybayin is an exemplary paradigm of the rich Filipino origin and culture. It has been a part of us as Filipinos, and hopefully, people would start learning the script in order to gain new knowledge, spread awareness, and appreciate our culture by taking a look back at our roots.
