IT IS an honor to have been invited by Bago City Mayor Nicholas M. Yulo through my friend Clem del Castillo to be a resource person on
“Babaylanism” for college students, cultural workers, choreographers and educators. I am proud to share the public relations program of Mayor Mark Golez of Silay City to our friends in Bago.
Babaylanism is a traditional village practice wherein a “babaylan” performs a ritual that connects himself to the spirits of nature or to the beings in another dimension. A “babaylan” is a gifted person in the community who gains the respect of the village chief and the council of elders because of his ability to connect to the elementals or nature spirits such as elves and fairies.
A “babaylan” could understand things not readily seen by the rational mind and the physical sense alone (extraordinary psychic). A “babaylan”, among others, could function as a priest who officiates rites, a doctor who can heal, a consultant who can foretell the future, and a medium who can connect to the spirit world. Our “babaylan” could be compared to the shaman or medicine man in other countries.
A “babaylan” is using amulets and talismans. He is a clairvoyant who could read one’s thoughts and past life. He is an “albulario” who heals by herbs and secret words. As a psychic, he could even find missing persons. Some have the ability to have contact with the extra-terrestrials (ET) or the souls of the dead in “pukaw” rites. This practice still exists in Panay Island and has been documented by the National Commission on Culture and the Arts and the Office for Southern Cultural Commission.
Amulet is an ornament or gem worn on the body as a protection against evil spirits. Talisman is an object, especially a figure carved or cut at a time regarded as astrologically favorable, supposed to have magical protective qualities. Our “babaylan” is having “anting-anting” that could be similar to the function of the amulet or talisman. ( I gave assorted examples to my Bago audience based on my personal and vicarious experiences.)
The “anting-anting” could be in a form of “praskita” or “lanahan.” (It is a small bottle loaded with different herbs, stones, entrails and other ingredients preserved by “lana,” a special coco oil prepared by a “babaylan” on Good Friday.) There could be a “librita,” a small book with Latin verses that was taken under the pillow of a corpse inside the floating coffin.
“Orasyon” is a litany of words in bastardized Latin learned by a “babaylan” from a “Master Babaylan”. It could be effective in driving away evil spirits, healing the sick, stopping a force of nature and more. “Bato sang buhawi” (tornado’s pebble) could be obtained at the center of the whirlwind. If placed inside the mouth, the “babaylan” will become very strong. “Unto sang kilat” (lightning’s tooth) makes the “babaylan” moves very, very fast.
The skull of the black cat can make the “babaylan” disappear. “Trabungko” (big snake’s ball) will make the “babaylan” acquire the characteristics of a snake … strong, fast and poisonous. “Lumay” (love potion), if taken could make the person fall in love to whoever offers him the potion. “Panabi-tabi” is uttered when humans traverse a trail that is believed to be “mariit” (abode of the elementals).
Our “babaylan” fights the creatures of the dark like the “aswang” and contradicts the “barang” or “hiwit” of those who possess diabolical skills. “Maranhig” (local zombie) could become worms if splashed with water. “Bulalakaw” (firebirds) are the birds of ill omen. When you see them, say … “Fuera sinda bulalakaw.” You will be saved from being harmed. “Mantiw” or “Mantio” is a lanky ogre (8 feet or taller). He is very shy but loves to whistle at beautiful women.
Other creatures identified by the “babaylan” are “kataw” (mermaid), “magkupo” (huge serpent with rooster’s crown), “kapre” (dark skinned, hairy and huge), “sigbin” (dog-like creature), “tayho” (half horse-half human), “santermo” (fireballs), “murto” (spirits who have not left their abode), “duwende” (elves), “muwa”(creature of the cave), “agta” (dark creatures), “bagat”(“aswang” who takes the form of a dog, pig, cat, horse,or other animals), more…
Our “babaylanism” is very much a part of our culture. It defies science and civilization but embraces the power of a true God and the gods of nature. Anyone of us could have the gift of a “babaylan” because we have the will to do good and the capacity to fight evil. Use your gift. It is precious for your salvation and the future of mankind.