Baybayin Courses

Learn the art of Baybayin through the historical sources that document this centuries-old Philippine writing tradition. Our courses guide you from mastering its characters to understanding its cultural significance and practical applications.
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Baybayin Courses

Discover Baybayin, one of the writing systems used in the Philippines before and during the early Spanish colonial period. Through historical research and expert instruction, our programs introduce you to the script and its significance in Philippine history and culture.

Baybayin Crash Course
Our signature program draws on some of the earliest Spanish-era records of Baybayin, offering an authentic foundation for learning the script. Participants master its characters and basic writing conventions while gaining insight into its origins, historical use, and relationship to other Philippine writing traditions. We can conduct sessions at your venue or arrange a suitable location within Metro Manila or Clark, Pampanga.

Virtual Baybayin
Learn Baybayin from anywhere with our live, instructor-led online program. Virtual Baybayin delivers the same foundational curriculum and historical insights as our signature course in an accessible, interactive format. Conducted via Google Meet, each session allows participants to practice writing, ask questions, and engage directly with the instructor. We provide printable learning materials in advance so you can participate fully from home, school, or the workplace.

Master Class
Deepen your understanding of Baybayin through advanced study tailored to your interests and learning objectives. Designed for participants who have completed our foundational course, the Master Class examines the script within a broader historical, artistic, and cultural context. Choose from specialized topics such as Baybayin and Shodō calligraphy, historical writing practices, or the connections between Philippine scripts and precolonial visual traditions. We develop each program around your goals, building on your existing knowledge and skills.

What You’ll Learn

Manila For A Day’s signature Baybayin Courses combine historical research with hands-on instruction. Participants gain the knowledge and skills to appreciate and practice Baybayin as a form of cultural and artistic expression.

Demystifying Baybayin
Understand what Baybayin is, and what it is not. Drawing on historical research and primary sources, we examine the script’s development, decline, and revival in contemporary Filipino culture. We also explore perspectives on its preservation and modern use, alongside other indigenous Philippine writing traditions that continue to exist today.

Baybayin and You
Learn to read and write Baybayin using the Lopez Writing Method. Through guided instruction, master the script’s characters, stroke sequences, and writing conventions. Build your skills through demonstrations and practical exercises, progressing from individual characters to independently composing words and phrases.

Baybayin Personified
Make your Baybayin experience personal by exploring the history and cultural significance of your name. Drawing on onomastics, the study of names and their origins, we examine historical Tagalog naming traditions and guide you in creating your own Baybayin rendering. Take home more than a new skill: a personal expression of your connection to Philippine heritage.

About the Instructors

Every Baybayin workshop is led by an experienced facilitator, with trained teaching assistants providing personalized guidance throughout the learning experience.

José Alain Austria
Manila For A Day’s Historian-at-Large, José Alain Austria has over 20 years of teaching experience in Philippine and world history, specializing in historical district studies. A historian, cultural specialist, and calligrapher, Alain’s expertise spans local and art history, folk religiosity, and Philippine writing traditions. He has studied and practiced Baybayin and other indigenous scripts since 1999, combining scholarly rigor with artistic mastery.

Luisito Tayag
A corporate trainer, facilitator, restoration artist, and Baybayin calligrapher, Luisito Tayag combines cultural expertise with extensive experience in professional training and organizational development. His engaging, hands-on approach makes Baybayin accessible to beginners while encouraging participants to develop confidence and proficiency in the script.

Dustin Ancheta
As Manila For A Day’s Lead Cultural Navigator, Dustin Ancheta has spent over a decade sharing Philippine history and culture through the company’s signature programs. His historical interests focus on the Philippines from the 15th to 17th centuries, particularly Baybayin and other early writing traditions. His instruction connects the script to the historical events, cultural practices, and societies that shaped its development and use.

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Duration

Customizable

Schedules

Customizable

Pricing

PHP 1,999 per participant, with minimum of five (5) participants per private session.

Quality Over Quantity

All Manila For A Day engagements are private. We do not mix groups to preserve the quality of our tours.

Fun But Factual

We aim to enrich your knowledge with factual commentaries. All information can be cited as well.

No Commissions

We partner with other industries to bring you only the best deals. We do not skim from the top or pad at the bottom.

Cruelty-Free

No kalesa (horse-drawn carriage) rides for us, folks! We do not believe in the use of animals for entertainment.

Reservation Form

Let us know how you’d like to start your journey. If you are inquiring about program details, such as rates, inclusions, or scheduling, please read the course description.