In celebration of culture, heritage, and identity, the 4th year BSHM MICE 401H Class, with the support of the HTM Department, proudly organized the Baybayin Workshop: Pagsulat ng Nakaraan, Sining ng Kasalukuyan, Biyaya sa Kinabukasan last April 10, 2025.
The event was a heartfelt tribute to our ancestors’ rich linguistic tradition and a step forward in reviving our cultural legacy.
Long before the arrival of the Spanish colonizers, Baybayin was the primary writing system of the Filipinos. However, with the introduction of the Latin alphabet during the Spanish era, Baybayin gradually faded from everyday use. Today, a growing movement seeks to bring it back, not just as a script, but as a symbol of national pride and identity. This resurgence is fueled by the belief that understanding our past is key to strengthening our sense of self in the present and future.
The workshop was led by none other than Mr. Ian “Taipan” Lucero, the brilliant mind behind CalligraFilipino, a unique art and advocacy that fuses Baybayin with traditional Filipino artistic expressions. Sir Ian’s passion and creativity have earned him acclaim both locally and internationally, and during the workshop, he shared not only his expertise but also his deep love for Filipino culture.
The event was designed to be more than just a lecture, it was an immersive, interactive experience that brought Baybayin to life. Participants received their own workshop sheets and were guided through the strokes and syllables of the script. But what truly set the workshop apart was the energy and engagement Sir Ian brought into the room. He gamified the experience, turning lessons into games and encouraging students to dive into the art of Baybayin with curiosity and enthusiasm.
“It’s one of the most fun events I’ve ever experienced,” Mr. Ian shared, reflecting on the afternoon of learning and laughter. The students, in turn, responded with eagerness and excitement, filling the space with an infectious buzz of creativity and pride.
Throughout the event, students were seen actively practicing how to write their names and phrases in Baybayin, asking questions, and sharing their work with peers. It was more than just a workshop, it was a cultural awakening.
As the final brush strokes were made and the workshop drew to a close, one message resonated clearly: Baybayin is not just a relic of the past. It is art, identity, and pride rolled into one. Through efforts like this, we are reminded that our roots run deep, and it’s up to us to keep them alive.
Behind this successful initiative is the passionate leadership of Event Chairperson Tiffany Jersi Villalobos, along with her dedicated committee: Denzel Aguila, Kristyne Joy Francisco, Zerah Evonne Poniman, Edmundo Rabano Jr., Lovely Joyce Loredo, Matt Mercado, Yumina Edna Gamboa, Aiko Kaira Ferrer, Andrea Dakay, Brigham Base, Kian Daisog, Charlotte Santos, and Marc Angelo Nangyo, under the guidance of their ever-supportive professor, Mr. Chester E. Mogol.
By embracing Baybayin, we don’t just write letters, we write our history, our identity, and our hopes for the future.
Tiffany Jersi E. Villalobos
Writer, Rizalian Student Focus
Rusylle Jon Viance L. Famentera
Photographer, Rizalian Student Focus