Recenty, I saw an article about gods and goddess of the Philippines. I forgot to save the article to give credit and tag him as well. Below the names of the Filipino gods and godesses are their own Baybayin translated name. I was inspired to write about Baybayin and to remember the days learned it.

There are numerous scripts and languages we probably knew. Over the decades, we are exposed from various subtitles of movies and series. I believe everyone who reading this might watch at least one Korean, Chinese, Japanese drama. It is inevitable since bywe always saw it on social media.

Baybayin historical background

But do you wonder about learning our very own ancient writing - the Baybayin. Baybayin is one of the oldest Filipino writing script which popular dated around 16th-17th century. Baybay means to spell in English term. It has three (3) vowels and fourteen (14) consonants.

But recently, new evidences show that Baybayin is older than we thought. Some of you might be familiar about the Manunggul Jar which found in Palawan. It is said that the Manunggul Jar was carbon dated to be 890-710 BC and there was a Baybayin script found on the surface.

Another historical place found by Philippine National Museum was the Angono Caves in Rizal. There was a visible Baybayin script in the walls and in the rock drawings. It is believed to be around 6000-2000 BC. Meaning, since before christ, the existece of ancient Filipino script is already existed. Unbelievable!

The process of learning Baybayin

I heard Baybayin and Alibata during my junior high school days in Filipino and Araling Panlipunan. My teachers are really good at writing it. At first, it was very confusing. Most especially for the vowels since i/e and o/u are both the same. You might find it hard to read.

For example you are writing the word 'mahal kita'. It is translated into Baybayin like this, ᜋᜑᜎ᜔ ᜃᜒᜆ. If you are reading this right now and able to understand Baybayin then you know. Yes, it is mahal kita or 'i love you' in English. This is easy, but what if you are reading the Baybayin first?

I am confused when there are too different vowels in the word. For example, the word 'butiki'. It's Baybayin translation will be like this, ᜊᜓᜆᜒᜃᜒ. I might read it as Boteke, boteki, buteke. What I want to say is that you have to process it on your mind to be able to understand.

ᜃᜒᜈᜊᜓᜃᜐᜈ᜔, can you read this one? I know most of you will not able to read this. But for those who can, please translate it and comment your translation in the comment box. I'll be waiting!

Resurgence of Baybayin

The existence of Baybayin was long forgotten during the previous decades. However, today the study and learning of Baybayin is widely gain popularity. Some universities are teaching how to write and read Baybayin. I believe if youth today was able to graso the understanding about Baybayin and use it as writing. The long-forgotten script we had will be revitalized.

Do you know? Our Philippine bills have Baybayin scripted on it. In the front, you can see the Baybayin at the lower right, and in the back, you can see at the lower left.

I am glad that the resurgence of Baybayin is gradually appearing in social media. Some people even tattoo their translated name in their body. Some are using it as form of writing to express love to their lovers. Baybayin will never die. It is a great treasure our ancestors passed down to us. I'm urging you to learn and understand it. It's fun. It's enjoyable.

Tangkilikin ang sariling atin.

A letter for you, friend

Labis kitang mahal kaibigan. Maraming salamat sa iyong pagmahahal at suporta. Kayo ang naging inspirasyon ko upang sumulat sa araw araw. Salamat aking kaibigan.

-Tagalog version

I love you so much friend. Thank you so much for love and support. You have been my inspiration to write every day. Thank you my friend.

-English version

Appreciation

Thanks my dear sponsors and for everyone's support. Thank you for renewing your sponsorship @OfficialGamboaLikeUs

Lead image created in Canva
Blog #25
2/20/22