Reigne Eltanal

A Publication Design Journey Through the Filipino Immigrant Experience

‘Paglaum’ is a publication-based project that examines the Filipino immigrant experience through visual storytelling. It explores the themes of resilience, cultural preservation, and adaptation, expressing the emotional journey of settling in New Zealand while staying rooted in heritage. This work incorporates a blend of personal photographs, diary entries, family interviews, and Filipino cultural symbols to weave an intimate narrative. This project is centred around the concept of heritage, symbolised by the Ifugao woven fabric cover, and balances traditional Filipino motifs with contemporary design elements. A sketch-based approach enhances authenticity, reflecting the layered experience of living between two worlds. Developed with a focus on storytelling and mixed media, ‘Paglaum’ presents a visual dialogue that inspires reflection on the immigrant journey.

This capstone intends to create a space for connection and visibility, being centred around my family’s journey to help first-generation Filipino immigrants relate to their own experiences. By sharing and honouring our story, it can invite conversations on migration, identity, and the role of design in preserving collective memory. Through this, it aims to build cultural understanding and the resilience that forms the Filipino immigrant experience.