Filipino Babaylanism at SUFI-ISIS

By Ishilta

Last September 7, SUFI ISIS (Serve the Unicorn Fellowship Inc. – Integral Studies of Inner Sciences) once again celebrated the full moon with a free lecture on “Filipino Babaylan Mysticism” with guest speaker Bong dela Torre. Over 16 people came and participated.

Guest speaker Bong dela Torre describes Filipino Babaylanism as a powerful weapon waiting to be tapped and discovered. Perhaps his most striking remark was “hindi pa natin napanghahawakan ang kapangyarihan natin” [we haven’t yet taken hold of our own power] He believes that Babaylanism is part of the Filipino’s spiritual legacy and therefore we (Filipinos) should learn how to distill the lessons and wisdom of the past “hugutin ang mga aral ng nakaraan” [let us use the lessons of the past] to benefit both the future and the present.

In the lecture, Babaylanism was explicitly described as a feminine spiritual path where the practitioner (Babaylan) taps from the intuitive and creative powers of the Divine Feminine. Two important roles of the Babaylan were highlighted: (1) as a healer, and (2) as a divine messenger. The dark side of Babaylanism (i.e. barang, kulam) was also briefly discussed, as the speaker believes that the power to heal is also the same power to inflict harm to others. Different forms/expression of Babaylanism were also mentioned such as the mumbakki and albularyo, the latter being the living testament of this heritage on this very day.

The evening culminated to a drum beating session, which lasted for about 15 minutes. Right after the ceremony, participants were asked to share insights or images they might have received while listening to the drum beat. Most participants shared similar images described as a group of people dancing around a bonfire.

Other topics like past lives, the nature of illnesses, healing and protection rituals were also discussed.

© 2006 Manggagaway E-magazine. Articles may be distributed freely on the condition that all accreditation is acknowledged, no part is altered and this notice is attached and the website: http://manggagaway-central.blogspot.com/ is included.

Peacemaker’s Circle Ushered Opening Ceremony Of The National Peace Consciousness Month

By Orlando de Guzman, Jr.

The Peacemakers’ Circle was invited once again to be part of the opening ceremonies of the National Peace Consciousness Month, now in its 3rd year. Initiated by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), it was held on September 1, 2006 at the Peace Bell monument of the Quezon Memorial Circle (QMC). This year’s theme is: “Kapayapaan, Atin Ito!” (Peace is Ours!)

As in the previous years, the ceremonial ringing of the Peace Bell and releasing of peace doves formally started the program and launched the month-long celebration. This year’s program was honored by the presence of her Excellency, Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, along with several other distinguished leaders: OPAPP Secretary Jesus Dureza, Quezon City Mayor Sonny Belmonte, and Quezon City Parks Development Chairman, Atty. Charito Planas, among others.

The second part of the morning’s celebration was the “Kids for Peace” Program. Fifty kids from the Aurora-Quezon Elementary School were invited to the event. They were engaged in a demonstration class on one of the lessons contained in the Peace Education Teaching Exemplars – a collection of guide materials on teaching concepts and lessons on peace in elementary and secondary schools. These books were developed by OPAPP and the Department of Education.

After the demo class, both children and adults were invited to participate in several simultaneous activities held at three different booths within the area. One of these booths was assigned to the Peacemakers’ Circle, where an instructional class on T’ai Chi was conducted. A sampler of the ancient Chinese exercise was taught to the participants to promote body-mind harmony in one’s self and to highlight its significance in cultivating inner peace.

Another booth offered an Origami class. The Miriam College Center for Peace Education taught the art of folding paper into the shape of a Peace Crane – the symbol of peace from Japan and their cry for wars to end. The third booth offered an instruction class on the steps of the modern dance for peace, which was choreographed, performed and taught by the OPPAP staff and kids.

Towards the end, both kids and adults alike had an enjoyable experience as they learned creative and fun ways of promoting and nurturing peace.

We invite everyone to participate in any of the peace activities of different peace groups within the month of September and to be likewise conscious of the spirit of peace for always.

© 2006 Manggagaway E-magazine. Articles may be distributed freely on the condition that all accreditation is acknowledged, no part is altered and this notice is attached and the website: http://manggagaway-central.blogspot.com/ is included.