02.12.2023
Typefaces that capture places.
Typography and Layout
Final Course Requirement
Different works from creators within this issue.
By Ren GuiMan
Discover hidden places within the country!
Going farther? Here's what awaits in the South!
By Ren GuiMan
Past Forward is a typographic portfolio and a collection of related works under the theme of navigating the culture of cities across the Philippines. Past Forward is made by Arwen Guinto Manalastas, otherwise known in the field as Ren GuiMan. She’s reflected in most of her youth the experience of exploring new cities, and being embedded in the history of whichever one she’s standing on. Growing up, she’s been surrounded by a family of artists, relatives of poets, tailors, and architects, pushing her in the process to open herself further in cultures and curiosity to unfold the ever lively essence of communities, the origins, and the art of these societies. Past Forward is a glance through the many fractions of adventures the author longs to commemorate.
Past Forward thanks the works of contributors Ruben Magno, and Marc Magpili for aiding the experience that the author creates to distribute.
Whenit comes to the inspiration behind the birth of this typeface, the designer emphasizes the enchantment of Vigan, Ilocos Sur, considering it a marvel, akin to a relic in the nation. Capiz, or oyster shells commonly used as window panes, holds a significant role in Philippine culture, particularly within the colonial architecture of the houses in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. Capiz shells were employed as a glass alternative due to their unique translucence and durability. The intricate details within the interiors, the patterns of furniture materials, and the aesthetics of the architecture, more particularly the craftsmanship of the capiz windows, served as a profound element of inspiration.
Embedded within the Capiz typeface captures the essence of elegance and intricacy, reminiscent of the art nouveau movement, a personal favorite. The goal was to craft a font that exudes these connotations while authentically representing the identity and composite to the cultural gem of capiz in the Philippines. Reflecting these very characteristics, the Capiz font embraces the roundness of the patterns seen emanate from the stem of these shells creating round organic wave-like patterns especially when seen illuminated, and the thickness in its geometric design embodying the durability of the material’s usage. Capiz being a display typeface is recommended for such purposes, particularly for creative, bold, and decorative applications such as titles and headings. The thick stems and curls in the typeface may pose the need for great attention to the proper use of vertical spacing to ensure legibility.
Capiz shells, scientifically known as Placuna Placenta, are abundant mollusks found throughout the Philippines. Not only are the shells used for crafting window panes but the meat within these oyster shells is edible. This versatile resource is also employed in creating various pieces of furniture, including chandeliers, lanterns, jewelry boxes, trays, and ornaments such as Christmas parols, making it a vital part of Filipino culture and craftsmanship.
Step into Bataan's own Vigan magic at Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar! Our living masterpiece mirrors Vigan's charm with cobblestone streets, colonialera houses, and rich heritage. This living masterpiece faithfully recreates the charm of Vigan with cobblestone streets, colonial-era houses, and plazas that echo our rich Philippine heritage.
At Las Casas, history comes alive with cultural shows, guided tours, and immersive experiences. Indulge in delightful cuisine, relax by the beach, and let the timeless beauty of Las Casas captivate your senses. Your Vigan alternative is here –experience the magic at Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar!
Vigan of The South!
By Ruben Magno
The typeface itself resembles cocktail glasses, disco balls, dancing people; all of which depicts what one might encounter in a bar. This aspect focuses more on the side of festivities. Meanwhile, the strokes used in the typeface are sleek and bold. A combination of extremely thick and extremely thin lines, complimenting each other gracefully. The capital letters are more decorative and for headlines/titles, while the small letters focus on readability for they are more centered towards the body text.
“Chic beyond the festivities”. The tag-line for the typeface, Shalangm Gala. Inspired by the night time get-togethers of BGC (Bonifacio Global City), this typeface was made with fun and classiness in mind. The term “Shala” derived from the Filipino slang term for “sosyal”, or in english: fancy. BGC is known to be a place of class due to its luxurious aura and highend occupants. On the other hand, “Gala” is a Filipino term for hang-out. BGC is quite a wellknown place for social gatherings and late night parties, dancing with tequilas on hand. And so all in all, “Shalang Gala” is a typeface that depicts luxury and gaiety. So whatare you waiting for ? Use it now and bottoms up!
In making the logo, the artist took a creative approach to depict BGC’s identity. BGC, as a business-centered city, is filled with high rise buildings. With that given, the logo was made to depict the colossal towers of BGC as well as utilizing the typeface “Shalang Gala” .
To begin with, the typeface “Shalang Gala” was made as a decorative typeface, so it is natural that the designer opted for an illustrated type of logo. While still capturing the seriousness of business and corporation, there is still a hint of creativity and leisure by proceeding with this approach.
The artist used the acronym of Bonifacio Global City to replicate structures. The openings serve as a way to replicate the windows of the buildings, those windows that are often dotted with glittering lights.
Cheers! Cheers! Cheers! Cheers! Cheers!
! tara? G? G? G? tara? tara? tara? 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 ! !
C G ?? ? ! ! ! ! ! ! ? ???
By Marc Magpili
The Typeface's Canvas
Bawal Umihi is a typeface inspired by the hand-painted signs on walls scattered all throughout urban Manila. Taking its name from one of the most prominent statements painted on empty lots, which usually serves as warning for people to not urinate on empty lots, this typeface serves as a tribute to the mundanity and little details of everyday life that adds character to the places we live in. The typeface was created using brushstrokes and blockier shapes for the letters to represent the imperfections and non-fluidity that actual people who paint these signages carry. It is as if the letters are being painted with a thick brush while still maintaining certain aspects of readability. Overall, the typeface seeks to be as in-yourface as its real life inspiration.
Mary Tuana @unsplash
by
Photographed by Klaryss Puno @unsplash
The created typeface seeks to elicit the feeling of familiarity that is no stranger to residents of the City of Manila which are the signs that are painted on walls of vacant walls, abandoned lots, or private properties. These signs usually heed messages ranging from the more common “Bawal Umihi Dito” (which is where the typeface derives its name), “No Trespassing”, “Don’t Block the Driveway”, and “Bawal Magtapon Dito”, to witty Filipino Variations such as “Ingatan Mo Ako”, and “Hoy Gago Masaya Ka Sege Lang”, and even protest messages echoing “Never Forget, Never Again”, and “Sahod Itaas, Presyo Ibaba”. Digitizing the font was the designer’s way of immortalizing these all-so familiar signs that people see in their everyday lives as well as bringing them from the walls to the screens in a way that other people may be able to utilize.
Taking inspiration from the Instagram account “mga sulat sa daan” (@sulatsulatlang) which posts different snippets of vandalism and wall-writing that are found all throughout the Philippines, the designer saw an opportunity to represent this little mundane urban culture through his typeface. Visually, the typeface is very geometric and straight within the different letter strokes, with rough edges to showcase the brushstrokes that are used to write these signs in real life. Bawal Umihi serves its purpose as both a display font for titles and headers that are especially focused on the grimy, imperfect look of the city as well as a prop font that can be used to emulate wall writing without having to manually recreate them. At its core, Bawal Umihi is a digitized representation of the mundanity and little characteristics that the residents of Urban Manila are all too familiar with.
bawal umihi dito! bawal umihi dito!
Step into the future of Filipino nostalgia at HUB: Make Lab, Escolta. Blend classic charm with modern innovation through workshops, artisanal eats, and a curated fusion of tradition and today. It's not just a space; it's a celebration of timeless beauty, connecting heritage to modern Manila. Experience the classic reinvented at HUB: Make Lab in Escolta!
"Home of the Big Cats in Vigan"
Located just 10 minutes away from the historic Calle Crisologo in Vigan, the Baluarte Resort and Mini Zoo is a captivating safari adventure resort that promises a delightful experience for visitors of all ages. Owned by the former Ilocos governor Luis "Chavit" Singson, this expansive hundred-hectare zoological park and resort complex is a must-visit attraction in the province.
Dubbed as the "Home of The Big Cats in Vigan," Baluarte boasts an impressive collection of animals, including 8 Bengal Tigers, 6 White Lions, 2 Leopards, and other species native to the Philippines. Visitors can interact closely with animals like ostriches, spotted deer, and donkeys that roam freely in open areas. The zoo also features cages housing camels, zebras, and reptiles.
The main highlights of Baluarte Zoo are its white lions, tigers, and leopards. Tourists are allowed to get up close to these magnificent creatures and capture memorable moments in photos, assured of their safety as the big cats are tamed by dedicated animal caretakers. Live animal shows featuring tigers, lions, and reptiles are scheduled four times daily for added entertainment.
Entrance to Baluarte Zoo is free, allowing visitors to explore the animal sanctuary, have a family picnic on the lush green landscape, or dine at the in-house cafeteria. For those interested in a guided tour around the zoo, an electronic cab tour is available for Php 50, providing a convenient way to discover the diverse and exciting attractions within Baluarte Resort and Mini Zoo.
April 10, 2020 by LONEPROWLER
The Crisologo museum is one of the most famous tourist attraction in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur. Primarily, its fame is related to its wellknown owner as well as the content which brings you back to the Spanish era.
The Crisologo Museum is the residence of the late Floro S. Crisologo, the head of the Crisologo clan and a well-known congressman in his time. Now a century-old mansion, it is a mute witness to the success and struggles of Floro Crisologo. From authoring laws behind the creation of University of Northern Philippines and Social Security System to his death as he was shot in the head in the 1970s [1]. His death has become the impetus to establish the museum. To date, his death is not yet solved.
Floro S. Crisologo's Memorabilas
Visiting the Mansion is Free!
The mansion-turned-museum of the Crisologo clan has no entrance fee all over the week. It showcases antiques, memorabilia, local implements, as well as history-rich collections of the clan.
The Political Conotations of the collection.
Spanish Era frozen in one place.
The mansion has more to offer than what is displayed. There is a library, rooms of different functions, as well as the room that showcases the bloodied garment of Floro Crisologo.
Unlike the Syquia Mansion which offers Ilocano Spanish Mansion in its elegance, the museum’s focus is on the political aspect of Crisologo’s life.
In conclusion, when going to Vigan, this place is a must place to visit because of its historical importance as well as it showcases a rich family’s house in Ilocos during the Spanish era. You can also glean how Ilocanos live with the implements and antiques seen inside the mansion.
Vigan, located in the province of Ilocos Sur, Philippines, is a historic city renowned for its well-preserved sixteenth-century Spanish architecture and rich cultural heritage. The city serves as the capital of Ilocos Sur, situated approximately 407 kilometers from Metro Manila. Vigan covers an area of 25 square kilometers, featuring plains, hills, and 39 barangays, predominantly engaged in agriculture. The native languages spoken are Ilocano and Tagalog.
< ABOUT VIGAN
The name "Vigan" is derived from the Ilocano term for a giant Taro plant called "Bigaa," which grows along the Mestizo River. The city's history dates back to the pre-colonial era when Chinese traders frequented the region, contributing to the diverse heritage of the local population. In 1572, during the Spanish colonial period, Vigan was captured and founded by Spanish soldiers led by Juan de Salcedo, who later played a crucial role in establishing Spanish control over the Northern Luzon provinces.
Over the centuries, Vigan witnessed significant developments, becoming the seat of the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia in 1758. It played a role in anti-Spanish resistance movements, notably led by Diego Silang and later by his wife, Maria Josefa Gabriela Silang. During World War II, Vigan was occupied by the Japanese Imperial Army but was eventually liberated in 1945.
In 2000, Vigan's city status was revalidated and recognized by the Philippine government, and in 2015, it was honored as one of the Seven Wonder Cities of the World. Despite facing challenges such as the 2022 earthquake, Vigan remains a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting visitors with its Spanish colonial-era houses, old streets, and architectural charm. With a current population of 65,000, Vigan welcomes both local and international tourists eager to explore the rich history of the Philippines.
Spanish Era frozen in one place.
Discover the beating heart of modern Manila at Poblacion Makati, where vibrant streets blend urban culture with eclectic art, chic boutiques, and lively markets. As night falls, experience unmatched nightlife with trendy rooftop bars and hidden speakeasies. Culinary delights fuse traditional Filipino flavors with international influences. Beyond the glamour, Poblacion is a communitydriven hub, creating a unique sense of belonging. Come, be part of the experience – Poblacion awaits!
Titay’s Liloan Rosquillos and Delicacies, Inc. is a cherished pasalubong brand established in 1907 in a town called Liloan, in Cebu. Margarita Frasco, affectionately known as Titay, birthed the so-loved biscuits and other delicacies that everyone in the vicinity eventually loved.
Now, more than a century later, the culinary treasure of these golden brown ringletshaped biscuits or “rosquillos” and their other delicacies continue to embody the traditional artisanal craftsmanship of the production of these goods.
Similar to the original approach of the brand, sustaining the red was the right approach, as it still stimulates a warm and appetizing feeling used commonly with food branding which is why the color orange suited the harmony of the palette. Along with the stimulating colors in addition was the color brown which represented the traditional and homey feeling of the brand's origins.
Titay 's Liloan Rosquillos and Delicacies stand not just as a pasalubong brand but as a guardian of Philippine culinary heritage. Each bite is a journey through time, a fusion of tradition and modernity that encapsulates the essence of Filipino flavors. Share in the joy of exquisite treats that transcend generations, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural fabric of the Philippines.
