Baybayin Script - A Poem

 

I just recently learned this old Filipino writing system called Baybayin.

During Spanish colonization of the Philippines,  and similar to other regions around the world - traditional language and writing systems were replaced by the colonizers' own language and ways.  And still common amongst 'conquistadores' or other European equivalent - documents were either burned or hidden to ensure that locals abide with the 'new ways of doing things'.

I saw a resurgence in Baybayin - perhaps deep-rooted sense of 'patriotism' or just plain interest in historical or cultural heritage. 

Baybayin has Brahmic origins and predominantly syllabic in style.  Being syllabic and phonetic - it suited very well with Filipino language.  More complex (non-Filipino) letter-sounds like 'J' or 'eN-ye', or even 'ch', 'f', 'z' have no exact equivalent and must be translated 'closest to how it sounds'.  Using it for language like English is a good test of creative skills, but feasible nonetheless. 

Here's my first contribution in promoting this writing system - written, to practice its flowing script art.  The good news is that - Google keyboard already included Baybayin for enthusiasts who wish to practice with their devices. 

If for anything else - it's FUN!  Like writing a secret code of sort. :)

***  

(context translation of the Poem in English, which of course will not offer the rhymes.)

Don't feel bad about the complexity of Baybayin.  Let's try it, and promote its growth.  It is a historical treasure.  That we as citizens, should all start to learn. 

Painting and Poetry - The Emerald Peak

 

Acrylic Painting: "Abstract Topography" 

(reference note: artwork is like a topography map, top-side is north)

I

I sailed through a rough sea; enduring the biggest waves that one could ever see;

Saw an island and landed on its shore, looked around wondering what was in store;

Then I started to walk towards south,  enduring thirst and a drying mouth;

II

Then to the west I saw a peak, hiked towards it wanting a peek;

Then suddenly I heard a thunderous ‘boom!’; I ran towards north, dodging rocks - escaping doom;

Exhausted but soon reached the far edge, then I rested safely on a ledge;

Then resumed and walked heading northwest, and suddenly found myself in a pretty forest;

Surprised – I found a big river, the cold refreshing bath gave me a shiver;

 III

Beyond it and past the tree line, a majestic emerald peak stands sublime;

Tackled its steep slope, the view filled me with hope;

And alas on the top I proudly stood,  to find beauty I say – explore we should;

For life’s blessings are not given free, face the danger and favor will come to thee.

Pandemic - Art and Poetry

"Noah at the Sea of Corona"

Related Poetry (re-posting from my Instagram)

I. "Follow the Light"

☀️

In a difficult journey, during a raging storm;

Beware of the danger, in all its form;

It's a battle for survival, on the way to the top;

A wrong step or turn, could mean a big drop!

👹

'Twas said - false leaders, they stumble & fall;

Their deputies - struggle & crawl;

The blind? They ignorantly follow,

Plunging into the dark abyss, everyone & all!

🔥

But the enlightened ones, they follow the Light;

Through a treacherous, merciless fight;

Painfully, they trudge on relentlessly;

Past the Kingdom's gate, they soon reached gleefully!

***   

II. (untitled)

Take it easy my friend,

Pandemic hasn't reach its end.

The party that you wish to "attend,

Opens the heaven where you'll soon ascend. 

(or, the hell where you'll descend).

The end.

*** 

III. (untitled)

Look away & be still - the big storm will soon pass,

Look down & reflect - see the beauty of life,

Look outside & hope - that brighter days will soon come,

Look up & pray - God is with us all the way...

*** 

IV. "The Curve"

The way to the Peak is tough & slow, just endure - one step at a time;

🌦

Beyond - is a downhill path, easier, fast but slippery;

🎿

As the steepness ends & the 'Curve Flattens' - Life brightens up with hopes & dreams...

☀️

***  

V. (untitled)

Wait out the big storm,

Wait out the outbreak,

It will pass & end,

Just stay in your tent.

***

My Year-2018 Highlights

at Bryggen, Bergen (Norway).  Using a small 2x2ft rain puddle to create this reflection effect.

Once again, the whole year zoomed by so fast that I barely had enough time to plan for everything in my to-do list!

But I can’t complain – it was but another good year with a good mix of planned and unplanned surprises.  So time to do my short version of introspection by revisiting some highlights of my 2018.

Wacky shots with fellow supporters and the marathoner - Louie.

Mt Ama Dablam Photos - from a distance

Mt Ama Dablam, with its unique and iconic shape, has been a good subject of both photography and painting.  Here I experimented on a variety of foreground images with it as a backdrop... 
Enjoy...

The Yak bells will ring... (at a tea house along the trail)...

Inabel Malong

(product promotion)

for home use during cold nights

Malong is a traditional Malay wear piece common in Mindanao (Philippines), Malaysia, Indonesia and other parts of Southeast Asia.

It’s commonly used as traditional garment (skirt for some), an add-on piece for fashion, or extra layer for warmth. 

Travelers, campers and outdoor enthusiasts acquired the taste and have used malongs for a variety of needs – as sleeping sack, warmer-layer for cold bus/train/boat rides, ‘bihisan’ (cover when changing clothes when privacy is desired), sleeping ‘mat’ or pillow, balabal (shawl), picnic mat – among other things.

I’ve used and kept many malongs in the past, mostly bought in Davao and Cotabato, and  used them as extra layer for warmth, and as a sleeping sack.

Now, Inabel.  I mentioned this traditional weave in this post here.  

Inabel or Abel-Iloko is a centuries-old hand-weaving craft in Ilocos, La Union and other nearby provinces.  Lovely pieces of intricate designs can be found from various towns.  Nowadays, a collectible design, king-sized  (blanket) piece can be valued from 10,000 to more than 50,000php (over 1000usd).  

It used to be the primary fabric of choice which for a time competed and even threatened the success of Spanish textile industry during their colonial era.  

Northern Weaves

(A quick travel in Baguio, La Union)

Weaver working on her craft using traditional wooden looms (Baguio)

The travel

Anticipating a million pilgrims (and its chaos) that will celebrate mass with the visiting Pope Francis, I decided to sacrifice the chance to witness the event and headed north.

Of course, I only partially expected a relaxing time, anticipating that ‘the likes of me’ will also avoid the crowd.  I was partially wrong –  there were not a few ‘like me’, there were probably hundreds of thousands who visited Baguio that same weekend.

T’nalak – T’boli’s Weave of Dreams

 

at Lang Dulay's weaving center, bought a piece of traditional T'nalak

One of the more (if not the most) artistic, historic and nationalistic woven art is the T’nalak.  I’ve been actively researching about various Philippine woven textiles and I find T’nalak to be very different especially given its cultu-spiritual importance to the tribe that made them – the T’bolis.

T’nalak’s appeal in the international market recently experienced a mild surge – buyers knew the real significance and value of each woven fabric-art.  Heirloom pieces which existed for several generations, even 100 years old, are highly sought-after and priced highly - sold to international collectors.  Filipinos are just starting to appreciate the true value of this traditional art, thanks to the effort of advocacy groups like HABI which help revive, preserve and grow our woven treasures and heritage.