When I was younger, I walked from door to door looking for work as a traditional Manghihilot (Filipino traditional healer). Every door slammed shut. The modern world dismissed my calling as "unscientific" and "not evidence-based." In a society deeply colonized by Western medical and religious systems, our indigenous ways of healing were marginalized, misunderstood, and … Continue reading Reclaiming the Sacred Touch: How the Hilot Academy of Binabaylan is Reconnecting the Filipino Diaspora to Their Ancestral Roots
meditation
The Dismembered Sovereign: Caquenga and the Triune Power of the Ancient Filipina
Centuries before colonial borders mapped the Cagayan Valley, the forests of Nalfotan (modern-day Rizal, Cagayan) echoed with a different kind of authority. It was a power held not by the edge of a steel blade, but by the rhythmic, healing press of human hands and the ecstatic trances of the spirit world. At the absolute … Continue reading The Dismembered Sovereign: Caquenga and the Triune Power of the Ancient Filipina
Guardians of the Fire: The Legacy of Bae Ulang Udig and the Rise of Templong Anituhan Inc.
The modern re-emergence of the "Old Path" (the indigenous, animistic spiritual traditions of the Philippines) is not an accidental trend; it is the fruit of deliberate, courageous work by ancestral gatekeepers who refused to let the old gods sleep. Chief among these spiritual architects was Bae Ulang Udig (born Paul Escubido Cabalfin), a revered binabaylan … Continue reading Guardians of the Fire: The Legacy of Bae Ulang Udig and the Rise of Templong Anituhan Inc.
True Healing Is Not Violence: Reclaiming Compassion in Spiritual Practice
In some spaces today, there is a growing misconception that pain equals healing—that the more intense, forceful, or physically painful a ritual is, the more “effective” it becomes. Some even justify the use of harsh methods or tools—such as striking or whipping with objects like buntot pagi—as part of spiritual cleansing or deliverance. This perspective … Continue reading True Healing Is Not Violence: Reclaiming Compassion in Spiritual Practice
Dambana ng Diwa: A Sacred Online Retreat for Spiritual Wellness
June 15, 2026 | A New Moon Gathering of Awakening and Renewal In a time when many are feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, and searching for deeper meaning, a sacred invitation arises—not from the outside world, but from within. It is the call of the Diwa. On June 15, 2026, under the quiet and powerful energy of … Continue reading Dambana ng Diwa: A Sacred Online Retreat for Spiritual Wellness
Spiritual Wellness: The Soul of Filipino Wellness Tourism: Reclaiming Ancestral Healing through WeTap and Indigenous Wisdom
In recent years, wellness tourism has evolved beyond spa treatments and leisure retreats. Travelers today are seeking something deeper—an experience that heals not only the body but also the mind, heart, and spirit. This shift invites us, as Filipinos, to rediscover an essential yet often overlooked dimension of wellness: Spiritual Wellness. For the Wellness Tourism … Continue reading Spiritual Wellness: The Soul of Filipino Wellness Tourism: Reclaiming Ancestral Healing through WeTap and Indigenous Wisdom
Sangguni: Rediscovering the True Filipino Word for Divination
When Filipinos hear the word divination, the common translation offered is panganghula—the act of predicting or guessing the future. However, this interpretation is shallow and misleading. Hula means “guess” or “prediction,” which reduces divination to mere speculation. In its original sense, divination is not about guessing; it is about seeking counsel from the Divine. The … Continue reading Sangguni: Rediscovering the True Filipino Word for Divination
Awakening the Spirit of the Nation: A Prayer for Civic Renewal
In times of political uncertainty and social unrest, many Filipinos feel unheard, unseen, and unprotected. The promise of democracy often fades between elections, leaving citizens with little say in the decisions that shape their lives. As a spiritual leader and educator, I believe that civic engagement is not only a political act—it is a sacred … Continue reading Awakening the Spirit of the Nation: A Prayer for Civic Renewal
🌀 When the Storm Comes: Preparing for Super Typhoons with Wisdom and Spirit
In the Philippines, typhoons are a part of life. Each year, we brace ourselves for their arrival—sometimes gentle, often fierce. But when a super typhoon strikes, it can leave behind a trail of destruction that tests our strength, faith, and unity. Many ask: Why do typhoons become violent? Are they punishing us? As a Binabaylan, … Continue reading 🌀 When the Storm Comes: Preparing for Super Typhoons with Wisdom and Spirit
Dambana ng Luntiang Aghama 