KAALAMAN: Insight into traditional Filipino belief systems

Course Objectives:

• To explore and understand the traditional belief systems, spirituality, and cosmology of Filipino indigenous communities.
• To examine the significance of rituals, ceremonies, and celebrations within these indigenous cultures.
• To analyze the intricate relationship between indigenous peoples and their environment, emphasizing sustainable practices and ecological harmony.

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Course Description: This course offers a deep dive into the rich tapestry of Filipino indigenous cultures, focusing on their traditional belief systems, spirituality, and cosmology. Through engaging discussions and interactive learning activities, students will explore the diverse world views and cultural practices that shape the lives of indigenous communities in the Philippines. Topics covered include the role of rituals, ceremonies, and celebrations in indigenous societies, highlighting their importance in fostering community cohesion and spiritual connection. Additionally, the course delves into the profound relationship between indigenous peoples and their natural environment, examining traditional ecological knowledge and sustainable practices that have sustained these communities for generations. By the end of the course, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of Filipino indigenous cultures and their invaluable contributions to the cultural and ecological diversity of the Philippines.

• Date: July 13, 2024
• Length: 3 Hours
• 5pm-8pm PST

Bio:

Davi John J "Balukad" S. Palo

Davi started his journey way back early 2000s when he organized the biggest tattoo expo in the Phillipines called "Dutdutan". He immerses himself primarily with the Mountain people of Kalinga where he met the elders who explained to him the origin and the culture of tattooing of the Kalinga people. The significance of the customary cultures of acquiring the tattoos for men and women. 

After his immersion with in Kalinga, he took another adventure in the Panay island where he discovered that in his hometown in Passi City, there is an indigenous group who also practices tattooing for mystical purpose, according to NCIP personnels in Iloilo. They introduced him to a midwife who was taking care of the IPs in Passi to interview about the mystical tattoos of the IP group. It was based on their ecological surroundings and mystical belief system of the unknown. 

In 2013, he moved from Manila to Palawan to retire. During his early stay in Palawan he encountered different IP groups with a weakening graps of their culture die to changes in society. 

In 2016, he became a grantee of the National Commission in Culture and Arts for his research, Ethnopharmacological Survey: Traditional Healing Practices of the IP groups Batak, Tagbanua and Palaw an. It is his turning point to dive deeper to the rich culture and spirituality of the IP groups. 

He started immersing to the Batak and Tagbanua to be able for him to acquire the sacred knowledge of medicinal plants and healing rituals. Eventually he was adopted by the Balyans of each group to be able for him to acquire the knowledges and to be initiated as a healer or albularyo. Until he finished the research and continued to live with the IPs in a rotational manner. 

His final test as a healer is to test his acquired skill and knowledge where he went to Siquijor and La Manok Island in Anda Bohol. He experienced the harsh reality of a healer who tried to test his knowledge in Siquijor and eventually accepted by the healers and mambabarang of the island to teach him some additional knowledge about healing and rituals. 

Then He moved to La Manok island where it was believed that pre hispanic times, the Mananambal of Anda Bohol perform their rituals inside of the sacred cave of the island. He stayed with the leader of the healers of Anda to understand the significance of each rituals and healing practices of the community and later on converted to Christianity but still holds their annual community rituals and traditional healing practices.

Up to this date, Davi still resides in Palawan where he occasionally practices his knowledge and skill as an albularyo and perform dance rituals with the Palaw ans and currently learning about Islam.