Filipino Culture and Mount Banahaw

We all have heard of stories from our lolos and lolas of how valiant and courageous our ancestors were. We know from history books that the immense bravery of Katipuneros during the uprising, the First Philippine Republic soldiers in the Fil-Am war, and the Hukbalahap at the Japanese Occupation. Their blood, sweat and tears for freedom and patriotism inspired many, and those who survived the turmoils knew they were heroes in their own right. Little did we know that behind these brave Filipinos, forces unknown to many were at work to help. The seat of these unknown forces can be found in the mystical mountain of Banahaw.

Filipino Traditional Healing

Hundreds of years ago, our forefathers relied on traditional healing methods to cure maladies, heal wounds and recover from sicknesses. In every baranggay or kingdom, there exists a group of individuals who are experts in health care and healing. These fellows are very secretive and protective of their craft, thus, not everyone could understand the way how they work. To many, it seems awesome and magical, but in fact, it stems from a deep understanding of life and a developed system of manipulating the human body.

Today, the tradition still continues, but the people who once were an essential part of our societies have been replaced largely by the Western Medicine. No longer does a modern Filipino run to the local albularyo, instead, we go to a clinic or a hospital. While it is true that western medicine has shown its efficacy in resolving health problems like the most life threatening ones to minor cuts and wounds, their philosophy and system overlooks intentionally certain aspects of how the body works.

Healing, the Pinoy Way

We are a class of our own. We have great warriors, we have great cooks, we have great women. We also have great healers. They are called by many names, all I will call them are Pinoy Healers.

Since ancient times, perhaps even before the colonization of the country, the Philippine traditional healing arts developed. These healers are the few among the villages and towns who dedicate themselves in the learning of the art, handed down from generation to generations before. Surrounded by mysticism and secrecy, these healers protect the knowledge  and skills they inherited from ancestors. Stories and legends became popular, telling tales of cure of maladies, sickness and disturbance with the help of the healer.

A general term for such a person is "Albularyo."

An albularyo is believed to be a person endowed with gifts of healing. An alll-in-one healthcare practicioner, the albularyo remedies the ailments of the Filipinos whether it be physical, mental or spiritual. They are experts of the use and application of plants and herbs. They know very well the human body. They calm the mind of the distressed. They know all these through years of training under a full pledged albularyo of the town. Due to the nature of their exclusivity and secrecy, the veil of mysticism hasn't been lifted even with the modern day albularyos. Their healing arts remain a trade secret, given only to the few individuals who intend to learn the arts in order to help others.

Apparently, most of what the albularyos do is not very mystical. The healing herbs and plants are ever present in our environment. The study of human anatomy, touch points, effects of touch enable them to cure most maladies through hilot. The calm, soothing words when an albularyo is consulted brings a troubled mind to ease, especially with instructions from the apparent wise. All of these are also being acknowledged in the field of science, and slowly, the practical albularyo is gaining respect again especially from the people in the big cities. But that is just one facet of the albularyo. There are still others, but it will be said at another time.