DC Workshop introduces ancient PH script to scholars, museum experts

George Ian “Taipan” Lucero (front) sharing the background and purpose of his CalligraFilipino project and the value of Baybayin in today’s Filipino society. CONTRIBUTED

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Baybayin calligraphist-artist George Ian “Taipan” Lucero on Aug. 19 held a “CalligraFilipino VI: Talk and Basic Baybayin” workshop at the Philippine Embassy’s Quezon Hall. Baybayin is Philippine ancient script. Lucero also exhibited his works, which blend art and calligraphy.

Scholars, museum fellows and members of the Filipino community attended Lucero’s talk, which was followed by a basic workshop that taught participants how to write their names using Baybayin characters, according to an Embassy press release.

The event hosted by Sentro Rizal of the Philippine Embassy marked “Buwan ng Wika sa Amerika” and the birth anniversary of the late President Manuel L. Quezon, the release stated.

Quezon is known as the Father of the National Language due to his role in the recognition of a Philippine national language and the establishment of an Institute of National Language.

Lucero’s presentation stressed the importance of preserving Filipino culture and the traditional writing system especially in the digital age. He explained the two aspects of his CalligraFilipino project, which are sinulat (written) and ginuhit (drawn). He also shared his views on the visual etymology of Baybayin characters and its link to the Filipino language. He also called on Filipinos “to be proud of what is ours.”

Chargé d’Affaires Jaime Ramon T. Ascalon, Jr. said “while we are proud of our cultural treasures such as Baybayin, we should also be equally proud of our living treasures such as Taipan. We hope Taipan will continue to raise the profile of the Filipino people globally through his CalligraFilipino.”

“Taipan” Lucero received a grant from the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) for his project CalligraFilipino, a portmanteau of Calligraphy and Filipino.

Participants try their hand at Baybayin, on writing sheets provided during the workshop led by George Taipan. CONTRIBUTED

His art and advocacy celebrate pre-colonial writing and Filipino culture, focusing on the artistic interpretation of Baybayin combined with traditional cultural elements, such as the colorful Okir of the Maranao, the radial design pattern of Kulintangs, the Lingling-o fertility charm of the Cordilleras, among others.

Lucero was also the featured artist for the 29th annual Pistahan Parade and Festival held on August 13-14 in San Francisco. As part of his U.S. tour, his upcoming exhibits and workshops are as follows:

• 26 August 2022, 6:00PM – Talk and Basic Baybayin Workshop at the Philippine Consulate in New York, USA;
• 16 September – 15 October 2022 – Exhibit at the Philippine Consulate in San Francisco; and
• 02 October 2022, 1:00PM – Presentation at the San Francisco Art Museum

More information on his works may be found in his Instagram account @taipanlucero ###