An ancient Filipino script, Baybayin, is experiencing a resurgence among new generations in Winnipeg, Canada. This syllabary, dating back to the 1400s or earlier, is being reclaimed by Filipino-Canadians through in-person and online tutorials, sparking a cultural revival.
Ally Gonzalo, a Filipino-Canadian artist and photographer, is at the forefront of this movement, teaching Baybayin workshops to help maintain a connection to their cultural roots. Gonzalo’s journey to learn the script was driven by a desire to stay connected to their homeland after immigrating to Canada in 2016.
Baybayin, a system of characters representing syllables, predates Spanish colonization in the Philippines. The script’s resurgence is not limited to the Filipino community; Winnipegger Paul Morrow, who is not Filipino, has developed his own Baybayin fonts, which are now used on Philippine currency.
Interest in Baybayin has extended beyond Winnipeg, with digital film and media student Chaira Plaga creating a mini-documentary on the script’s revival. The documentary highlights the growing fascination with Baybayin among diverse communities, emphasizing its cultural significance and relevance in the modern era.
Local workshops, both in-person and virtual, are empowering individuals to learn Baybayin and explore its historical and artistic value. Winnipegger Kat Daaca, known as Baybayin Baby on Instagram, offers interactive courses for beginners and those familiar with the script, further fueling the resurgence of this ancient Filipino writing system.
Gonzalo encourages fellow Filipino-Canadians to embrace Baybayin as a means of connecting with their heritage, emphasizing that learning the script is a journey worth undertaking. The cultural significance of Baybayin transcends borders, serving as a symbol of identity and a testament to the enduring legacy of Filipino heritage.
As Baybayin continues to gain popularity among younger generations, its revival represents a cultural reawakening that transcends time and geography. Through workshops, documentaries, and personal initiatives, individuals are rediscovering the beauty and significance of this ancient script, bridging the past with the present.
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