If other font creators find inspiration from archaic local letterings and jeepney art, Ilocano artist BJ Cabaltera’s brainchild is rooted in a rare element in the universe: happiness.

On Feb. 28, Cabaltera shared his new font bursting in ’60s psychedelic energy called “Ragsak,” which means “happiness” in Ilocano. “It has the right dose of grooviness with a hint of funky vibe that tickles your imagination,” he said on a Facebook post. In a split second, we already visualize Filipino funk/disco/retro EPs, ukay-ukay store signboards and even patterned shirts being draped with the eccentric font. 

“It’s funny how we look for a place or a time period where we can find an escape; most of us find it through nostalgia. I was listening to ‘One Nation Under a Groove’ by Funkadelic and I can’t help but feel like I’m being transported,” the Manila-based part-time graphic designer tells us. “There is warmth and familiarity through the ’60s-70s design, fashion and music that brings us to a time when we can be carefree and creative. For me, that is what Ragsak is all about, the nostalgia that welcomes you home.”

Aside from coffee, beer, beach and fishing, Cabaltera’s obvious fixation is creating typefaces—his online portfolio reveals it. “I find inner peace and [I’m] able to express myself through typography. I believe that there is power through words,” he says. “And words that are displayed with such beauty and versatility have an ability to inspire and influence. Just like how I was inspired by other graphic and type designers I look up to.”

You can download “Ragsak” for personal (free) or commercial use ($5) here.

Read more:

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Photos courtesy of BJ Cabaltera