In dedication to Merla Albao Pacaña.

Malaya is a typographic expression that honours Filipino culture and values. Its inspiration comes from the literary work of Carlos P. Romulo — ‘I am a Filipino’.

One particular paragraph reads…“I am a Filipino born to freedom, and I shall not rest until freedom shall have been added unto my inheritance—for myself and my children and my children’s children—forever.” (Romulo, 1941).

Its design draws from "Baybayin", a pre-colonial script, and integrates elegant curves onto the Latin alphabet. Malaya's serif reflects the "Mano", a Filipino gesture of respect to elders.

Despite targeting Filipinos, it raises the question: Will global design homogenize cultural traditions? No, as a Filipino Kiwi, I believe history will always be interconnected wherever you may be.

Malaya is a font that bridges us to our ancestors as we journey into the unknown future.