Bringing Filipino Art to Your Commute: Limited-Edition Baybayin Beep Cards

Even though Buwan ng Wika has come to a close, the celebration of Filipino language and culture doesn’t have to end. For those who want to carry a piece of Filipino heritage with them every day, there’s a unique offering that combines practicality with a deep cultural connection — Baybayin beep cards. These limited-edition cards, available online for ₱350, feature designs by internationally renowned Filipino artist Taipan Lucero, making them a must-have for commuters and culture enthusiasts alike.

All you need to know about the Baybayin beep cards

Taipan Lucero, a cum laude graduate from the University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts, is the creative force behind these artistic beep cards. Lucero is best known for his work under CalligraFilipino, an art and advocacy movement that celebrates pre-colonial Filipino writing systems and traditional cultural elements. Through CalligraFilipino, Lucero transforms ancient scripts like Baybayin into contemporary art pieces that resonate with today’s generation.

The Baybayin-themed beep cards come in four distinct designs: Pilipino, Sa Aking mga Kabata, Alin Pa?, and Ilaw. Each card not only serves as a functional tool for commuting but also as a conversation starter about the richness of Filipino heritage.

• "Ilaw", for instance, is inspired by the vibrant Okir patterns of the Maranao people from Mindanao. The design symbolises mothers as the "Ilaw ng tahanan," highlighting their vital role in Filipino families.

• The "Sa Aking mga Kabata" card, on the other hand, features a famous quote from Jose Rizal, “Ang hindi marunong magmahal sa kanyang salita, mahigit sa hayop at malansang isda,” written in Baybayin. The vertical alignment of the text adds a modern twist to this timeless piece of wisdom, encouraging Filipinos to cherish and respect their language.

These beep cards are not only collectible items but also practical tools for everyday life. They can be used for rides on the LRT 1 and 2, MRT 3, Point-to-Point buses, and modern PUVs. Although the cards do not come pre-loaded, they can be easily topped up at train stations, select convenience stores, and other partner merchants. Each card has an expiration date of November 2028, giving users plenty of time to make the most of their purchase.

Also read: 14 Heritage Tours in Manila that Should Be Under Your Travel Radar

For those interested in owning one of these limited-edition Baybayin beep cards, they are available for purchase through official Shopee and Lazada pages. Whether you’re a daily commuter, a fan of Filipino art, or simply someone who wants to stay connected to their roots, these beep cards offer a tangible way to celebrate and carry forward Filipino culture every day.

All image credit goes to beep card | Official Facebook page