top of page
Baybayin Characters: The 3 Vowels and 14 Consonants Explained
How many characters does Baybayin have, and how do you remember them? A beginner-friendly look at all 17 with memory tips.
Michael Thomas
Oct 42 min read
Baybayin to English: How to Read and Translate Baybayin
Found Baybayin on a tattoo, shirt or sign and want to know what it says? Here is how to read it and turn it into English, step by step.
Michael Thomas
Oct 42 min read
Alibata Font vs Baybayin: Why the Name Matters
Many people search for an Alibata font. Here is where that name came from, why Baybayin is the better name, and which fonts to use.
Michael Thomas
Oct 42 min read
Baybayin Virama (Krus-Kudlit): How to End a Word on a Consonant
The virama is the mark that lets Baybayin end a word on a consonant. Here is where it came from, how to write it and when to use it.
Michael Thomas
Oct 42 min read
Baybayin Chart: All 17 Characters with Kudlit
Every Baybayin character in one place: the 3 vowels, the 14 consonants, and how the kudlit turns ka into ki/ke and ku/ko.
Michael Thomas
Oct 42 min read
What Is Baybayin? The Pre-Colonial Script of the Philippines
Baybayin is the writing system Tagalog speakers used before and during early Spanish colonization. Here is what it is, how it works and how to start learning it.
Michael Thomas
Oct 42 min read
Filipino Traditional Arts: Weaving, Tattoos, Baybayin and More
A guide to Filipino traditional arts: handloom weaving, batok tattooing, Baybayin script, wood carving and okir.
Michael Thomas
Oct 31 min read


Baybayin – A Cultural Treasure and a Form of Resistance
Weekly online and In person Baybayin workshops
Michael Thomas
Oct 31 min read
Top Tips for Learning Baybayin Effectively
Learning a new script can be both exciting and challenging, especially when it comes to something as culturally rich as Baybayin. This ancient Filipino writing system is not just a means of communication; it embodies the history and identity of the Filipino people. If you're eager to dive into the world of Baybayin, here are some effective tips to help you on your journey. Close-up view of Baybayin characters on a wooden board Understand the Basics of Baybayin Before you star
Michael Thomas
Sep 265 min read
Explore Baybayin: The Beauty of Filipino Writing
Baybayin, an ancient script used in the Philippines, is more than just a writing system; it is a cultural treasure that reflects the rich history and identity of the Filipino people. As we delve into the beauty of Baybayin, we will explore its origins, significance, and how it continues to inspire modern Filipino art and culture. Close-up view of Baybayin script on a wooden surface The Origins of Baybayin Baybayin is believed to have originated from the Brahmi script of India
Michael Thomas
Sep 263 min read
Mastering Baybayin: A Complete Beginner's Guide
Baybayin, an ancient script of the Philippines, is more than just a writing system; it is a cultural treasure that connects Filipinos to their rich heritage. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in this beautiful script, as more people seek to understand and appreciate their roots. This guide aims to provide you with everything you need to know to start your journey in mastering Baybayin. Close-up view of Baybayin characters on a wooden board Understanding
Michael Thomas
Sep 264 min read
Writing X in Baybayin
Writing X in Baybayin The letter X doesn't exist in traditional Baybayin — so how do you write names like Xavier, Xyla, or Alexa, or even a word like Xylophone? That's exactly what this video tackles. Baybayin is a pre-colonial Tagalog ancient script from the Philippines — and it's important to note that it is often incorrectly referred to as Alibata, which is actually a 20th century misnomer. The correct name is Baybayin. The script is written syllabically, meaning every cha
Michael Thomas
Feb 194 min read
Learn how to write the 17 characters of Baybayin
Learn how to write the 17 characters of Baybayin and change the sounds from A to E/I and O/U by adding a dot/kudlit on the top or the bottom of the character. If you've ever wanted to learn Baybayin from scratch, this is the place to start. In this video, we walk through all 17 characters of Baybayin — teaching you how to write each one and how to change its vowel sound by adding a kudlit, the small mark that transforms any character from its default "A" sound to "E/I" or "O/
Michael Thomas
Feb 115 min read
bottom of page