DESIGN SERIES | PAGLIPAD
“Paglipad,” translated as “the act of flying,” evokes the moment of ascent—where dreams, creativity, and gratitude converge to lift a person beyond the bounds of ordinary life. In Filipino culture, paglipad resonates in both literal and symbolic ways: it is the thrill of birds in the sky, the upward venture of new ideas, and the profound realization of one’s deepest hopes taking form in reality. To experience paglipad is to become enriched by the beauty of creation and possibility, to see the world anew as if one’s soul itself is soaring, weightless and inspired.
Paglipad is a celebration of creativity, born from the spirit of turning imagination into something tangible and extraordinary. Filipinos are naturally innovative, infusing art, music, and daily life with unique ideas and vibrant expression. The journey from thought to creation—whether sketching a design, composing a song, or crafting a new story—feels like taking flight. The joy of seeing one’s ideas become real is a moment of gratitude, as uplifting as witnessing a bird’s first leap into the open sky.
Children are especially attuned to the possibilities of paglipad. Their dreams and imaginations flutter freely, unconstrained by doubt or hesitation. In the Filipino tradition, flying in dreams symbolizes freedom, spiritual ascension, and the limitless potential of the human mind. When children dream of flying or imagine new adventures, they embody paglipad: a faith in their own creativity and a belief that new worlds can be conjured from thought alone.
Yet, paglipad is not just for the young. Adults, too, are called to remember the courage to dream and to support the flights of others, especially the younger generation. Filipino culture values nurturing creative spirit, encouraging all to dream boldly and to never hinder the birth of ideas simply because someone else said so. The community’s role is to celebrate, rather than stifle, imagination—recognizing that every invention, every work of art, every new perspective is a testament to the power of flight in the Filipino heart.
Gratitude lies at the heart of paglipad. To be able to create, to see your ideas take flight, is a blessing that should be cherished and acknowledged. Someone else, somewhere, may only dream of the freedoms and chances you hold. By sharing one’s stories, lifting the dreams of others, and honoring the creative journeys of all, Filipinos contribute to a culture where flight is for everyone—where no dream is too far-fetched to pursue, and no imagination too wild to nurture.
The spirit of paglipad is ultimately dignified by perseverance and hope. Every creative act, every leap of faith, every brush with inspiration reminds us that flight is never just about individual achievement. It’s an invitation for the entire community to rise together, to treasure the boundless skies of possibility, and to ensure that the next generation understands: their dreams matter and are meant to take wing.
Paglipad, then, is a call to all Filipinos—young and old—to honor their imaginations, to give thanks for the freedom to create, and to never allow the winds of criticism or cynicism to keep anyone grounded. Each flight, each child’s drawn wings, each adult’s bold idea, is Filipino brilliance at its soaring best.
