Graphic design platform Canva has joined the Philippines’ celebration of Buwan ng Wika (National Language Month) this August by launching a content collection of fonts, elements, and templates that are uniquely Filipino.
Canva has actually been launching new features of the Filipino-designed fonts such as Cubao, Quiapo, BBT Martires, and more since February 2020.
Canva also added to the collection on March 7 the Baybayin Sisil based on the ancient Filipino way of writing.
This August, Canva released more features to its Filipino collection including fonts, elements, and templates that are inspired by the country’s local culture, arts, and heritage.
The three new fonts of the Filipino font collection are “Dangwa,” “Kawit,” and “Maragsa.”
- “Dangwa” which is seemingly taken from the fresh flower market in the capital city Manila, features a familiar look that is said to be inspired by “Filipino sign makers.”
- “Kawit” which may be named after the birthplace of the country’s independence in Cavite, is described to be a “font reminiscent of the curves and flourish of old Philippine emblems.”
- “Maragsa” is based on the “sharp edges of accent marks used to correct the pronunciation of Filipino words.”
The graphic design platform, owned by 32-year-old Filipino-Australian billionaire Melanie Perkins, also launched templates not just for Buwan ng Wika celebration but also for other Filipino occasions such as:
- Araw ng Kalayaan (Independence Day)
- Semana Santa (Holy Week)
- Flores de Mayo
Canva also offers a “staycation” collection that features images of typical Filipino household items like:
- electric fans
- monoblock chairs
- Santo Nino statue
- jeepney
- tricycle
Designers can now also enjoy elements featuring Filipino food such as:
- rice
- coffee
- pandesal
- Philippine fruits
There are two ways to find and use Filipino elements on Canva:
- type keywords “Filipino”
- switch the Canva’s language setting to Tagalog to access the Filipino collection
More Filipino-designed fonts that celebrate the Philippine culture and heritage have emerged lately.
The Department of Tourism came up with a new font Barabara for its refreshed travel campaign in February of 2019.
In May 2019, Ayala Museum and J. Walter Thompson released their first Obra Typeface inspired by the works of the National Artist for Sculpture Abdulmari Imao.
Filipino graphics artist John Misael Villanueva created fonts based on the works of Filipino National Artist for Visual Arts Arturo Luz and called it Arturo Typeface.
TELL US in the comments below, what are your favorite Filipino elements on Canva?
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