23 years ago as I start walking back to the Path of our Race, the Cross was the most hated symbology among Filipino Pagans it is also the same among with Baybayin advocates as it reiterates the Symbol of Christianity. But when I become a Bible Baptist Church member on 1991, I was told that the cross was the most hated symbol too among the protestant group as it is originally a Pagan Symbol.

In National Library of Medicine, It has been told that crucifixion is one of the most brutal and shameful death sentence, as it originates with the Assyrians and Babylonians, and was systematically used by the Persians on 6th Century BC. And according to Ahnsahnghong, the Cross has an origin in Chaldea and was used as a Symbol of the God Tammuz which is a Fertility God, embodying the powers for new life in nature in spring.

Whereas in the Philippines, the Indigenous People of Mindoro which is called Mangyan have their cross as well that is embroidered in their Fabrics and it is called as Pakudos. This cross signifies creativity, productivity and unity of the Mangyan people. Whereas on the Tagalog Pantheon of Deity, as we know Bathala being the Supreme Deity, Lord of Life and Death, Ruler of the Upper world, Middle world and the Underworld. And as ruler also of the After life, He also co rule with Sitan to the world of Kasanaan ng Tuwa and Kasanaan ng Pighati which he appointed 2 guardians which are Gat Balakbak and Gat Balantay who are the Guardians of the Tanguban or the abode of the souls of the Dead.

Like what we have mentioned above, Tanguban has two areas and those areas are the Kasanaan ng Tuwa or Maka Paradise and the other one is the Kasanaan ng Pighati which is similar to Purgatory. Ancient Tagalog people, believe that Afterlife is part of the underworld, unlike the Abrahamic Religion believe in Heaven for Good Souls while Hell for Bad Souls.

Gat Balantay is the Guardian of Maka while Gat Balacbac is the Guardian of Kasanaan. As Devotee of Luntiang Aghama, I see the Cemetery as a sacred place where I can connect with all the departed souls. That is why i usually make offerings of candle, cigarette and gin whenever i pass by to the Cemetery, Of course i visit first my mother so that she could accompany me whenever I stand and kneel down before the Cross of Gat Balantay and Gat Balacbak of the Tanguban.

Well, yesterday I made an offering and ask for guidance and protection. And the Tanguban gave their message unto us which is the following:

Strive to shine your light brightly. Winds will blow to extinguish your light. Make a strong wick to make your fire strong. Do not get burn by the fire you create. Do not be blinded with the Light that other people will shine on you. You are the light. You are the fire that will give warm. Balance your light that it will not burn others. Enjoy Life while you have. We are just here watching all the souls in Tanguban. Time will come for you to be with us, but for now Live Life.

Message of the Guardians of Tanguban- February 18, 2024