At a time where technology often strips design down to its most sterile version, the Maya Bukad Card proves that everyday objects can still burst with soul and heritage.
At the center of this collaboration is Raxenne Maniquiz, a Filipino illustrator whose work blends classical botanical art with vibrant modern graphic design. Defined by layered textures, rich color palettes, and intricate compositions, her art centers on the Philippines’ biodiversity. This signature style earned her international acclaim as a Young Gun winner—a prestigious global recognition celebrating the world’s top creative talents under 30—and paved the way for major collaborations with brands like Uniqlo, Dr. Martens, Adobe, and Toblerone.
This distinct aesthetic directly informs her collaboration with Maya for the special-edition Maya Bukad Card. A playful take on bukadkad—a Filipino word for a flower in bloom—the card brings Filipino beauty to life through a rich and intricate world of flora and fauna. As an artwork that is distinctly ours deserves an equally beautiful name rooted in our own language, it stays true to the iconic color of Maya while bridging Raxenne’s passion for local biodiversity with functional art.
Up close, the Maya Bukad Card features emerald and forest green palm fronds, ferns, and banana foliage. Nestled within this dense canopy are vibrant blooms in striking shades of magenta, hot pink, and crimson, evident in the tubular flowers and rounded petals. Amidst the scene is a small native songbird with a warm brown and white-streaked coat, adding a subtle touch of wildlife to the composition. Overall, it unveils a lush and tropical ecosystem at the heart of the design that we may have forgotten existed.
Bringing botanical art onto a tiny canvas isn’t simple. Raxenne had to build the composition around fixed technical pieces such as the EMV chip, payment antennas, and logos, making sure the foliage wrapped naturally around them. Mass printing can also be a challenge: her detailed forest scene may blur together, crisp leaves may turn into muddy shapes, and colors may flatten. All throughout the process, one thing is certain: intricate illustrations such as this can really find a home in small, everyday objects.
Adhering to the overall message of the design, Maya also took note of its material. By pairing her illustration with a 100% recycled plastic, the medium transforms from a simple utility into a direct extension of the design’s underlying message. Illustrating endangered and endemic flora and fauna on a material reclaimed from waste creates a powerful loop of intentionality—it ensures that a card celebrating nature actively refrains from destroying it. This alignment between subject and medium elevates the product from just a decorative design to a concrete commitment to sustainability, giving cardholders a daily, tactile reminder that functional design, environmental stewardship, and cultural art can seamlessly coexist.
The Maya Bukad Card’s nature-inspired aesthetic extended beyond the wallet through a tangible fashion piece, translating Raxenne’s illustrations into an exclusive limited-edition scarf. Available only at the PURVEYR Fair 2026 at the World Trade Center, the scarf gave visitors another way to experience the Bukad artwork. As a versatile lifestyle item, it can be styled and worn differently, turning the Bukad Card’s lush Philippine design into a dynamic expression of personal style.
When design is infused with cultural intention, an everyday tool ceases to be a mere transaction card and becomes an expression of personal and cultural identity. Carrying the Maya Bukad Card turns a routine tap or swipe into a moment of connection with local art, allowing cardholders to hold a piece of Philippine natural heritage right in the palm of their hand. It offers a subtle yet distinctive way to celebrate local craftsmanship and conscious living, integrating art into daily life.
Bring a little Philippine nature wherever you go with the Maya Bukad Card. Get yours for just ₱350 through the Maya app and enjoy 1% cashback on purchases anywhere in the Philippines. For just ₱50 more, you can have it delivered straight to your doorstep.
