In line with one of global award-winning and powerhouse COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises’ advocacy pillars – heritage conservation, COMCO Mundo launches Baybayin Hariyanas, a collaboration between the group’s advocacy unit Citizen COMCO and multimedia content arm SEA Wave & Spice Storytelling Studio. The launch is part of COMCO Mundo’s 9th anniversary celebration, as it celebrates its unstoppable ninth year in the global communications industry.
Baybayin Hariyanas is a publication under COMCO’s advocacy pillar – heritage conservation in partnership with SEA Wave & Spice Storytelling Studio. Baybayin Pilipinas is a multimedia platform that promotes a deeper understanding of the Philippines’ national identity and cultural heritage.
It champions the preservation of Filipino national identity through the art of storytelling, aiming to inspire pride and unity among Filipinos. The channel is COMCO’s dedication to reclaiming and reinforcing the idea of being Filipino by exploring the deep roots of our language, history, heritage, and culture.
The evolution of the Philippines’ name for national identity
Throughout centuries, the name of the Philippines has evolved alongside the stories of how the country was shaped. From indigenous cultures, colonial rule, and nationalist aspirations, the nation has evolved.
From ancient heritage to revolutions throughout history, Filipinos continue fighting for their own identity. The quest is not just a debate on linguistics but a deeper search for a national identity with a soul for the archipelago that a proud nation built, one that unites the dark past and the bright future Filipinos continue to uphold together.
The Philippines’ history is spelled out in the evolution of its name. The country’s participation in global trade were notably visible in records from Chinese traders calling it Ma-i and Indian traders calling it Panyupayana. Spanish colonization in the 16th century brought to the progression of names, from Las Islas de San Lázaro to Las Islas de Poniente, and eventually Las Islas Filipinas.
Andres Bonifacio and the Katipunan coined the term Haring Bayang Katagalugan, which was a step away from the appointed name of Spanish colonial rule and symbolized national unification to restore the nation’s identity. It was followed by names that included Luzviminda (Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao), Maharlika (associated with nobility and resistance), and Kapatiran (fraternity of the Filipino people).
Apolinario Mabini’s study on Pan-Malayan consciousness also brought the aspiration of naming our country “Malaysia”. Despite Senator Ahmad Domocao Alonto putting out a bill in 1962 to adopt it, the contemporary Malaysian state eventually succeeded in using the name first. Similar to how Bolivia was called after Simón Bolívar, Rizalia was another noteworthy proposal, commemorating national hero Jose Rizal.
The Philippines’ changing history and cultural consciousness are reflected in ongoing national identity issues, which is why Baybayin Hariyanas is a multimedia channel that stems from the need to redefine the Philippines and reposition the term Pilipinas—a name inherited from the colonial past—into something that truly captures our history and identity as people. It aims to amplify the meaning of Pilipinas as “Pinagbuklod Ng Liping Nagtaguyod sa Sinilangan” – a nation formed by the people who fought for the homeland.
A multimedia platform of all things Filipino
Baybayin Hariyanas is a platform that explores the multiple meanings of Baybayin – one being one of our pre-colonial writing systems, also meaning to spell and figuratively to define; it also means to go through a shoreline, to explore; and it also pertains to the shore itself. The word “Hariyanas” is a short term for “Haring Bayang Pilipinas”. It visually marvels at the different wonders of the Philippines – an invitation to explore the country’s vast stories to tell.
Featuring the latest Filipino trends, aspiring and outstanding Filipino personalities, individuals, and heritage, get your daily dose of inspiring stories and interesting facts on what makes us uniquely Filipino.
Stay updated with Baybayin Hariyanas by following facebook.com/baybayinhariyanas on Facebook, @baybayinhariyanas on Instagram, @bybynhariyanas on X, and linkedin.com/company/baybayin-hariyanas on LinkedIn.