BAYBAYIN
Tagalog alphabet
Symbol: Pinoy pride, Pinoy writing
Baybayin (not Alibata), is regarded as an indigenous Filipino method of writing. The Spanish explorer, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi have recorded and mentioned accounts of the Visayas (in the Philippines) having their own method of writing in his reports.
The usage of the baybayin script was widespread during the early chapters of Spanish colonization. Merchants usually record their data using these scripts. So popular was its usage that at one point, the Spaniards would use the scripts to accompany written scripture to better explain its message.
The Filipinos usually pass their traditions orally. Thus, it has been speculated that the script was a fairly recent introduction. Possibly flourishing around the 1500's upwards. It was widely used to document trading, and was at one point considered as Moro writing - as the Muslim traders often used the script.
It is possible that the script is of Indian (Sanskrit) origin. It might have reached Philippine shores by way of Borneo through trading. The writing system has similarities with Kavi, Javanese and Bugis characters. The diaspora might have occurred through constant bartering with Indonesian and Bornean neighbors.
The baybayin is now a symbol of Philippine identity. It has since been revived and streamlined for modern use. Scholars are now acknowledging its usage. After all, this is a treasure the Filipinos should be proud of.