Lesson 2 - Spirituality

• What do invisible beings reside in according to Mercado (1991)?

  Trees, rivers, and mountains
• How is nature perceived in Filipino spirituality?

  • Nature is a shared space
  • It must be protected and respected
• What are common respectful phrases used in Filipino spirituality?

  “Tabi-tabi po,” “Bari-bari apo”
• What is the significance of relationships in Kulam?

  • Well-being is tied to relationships
  • Intentional harm can result from perceived offenses
• What can result from offending someone in Kulam?

  Spiritual consequences like illness or bad luck
• What is Gabâ in the context of Kulam?

  A form of divine retribution for wrongdoing
• How is Gabâ similar to another concept?

  It is similar to the concept of karma
• What is the relationship between the sacred and the spiritual in Filipino thought?

  • No distinction between sacred and spiritual
  • Everything is interconnected from birth to death
• Who is Tigbalog in Filipino spirituality?

  The great creator and source of life
• What does Lueve represent?

  God for production and growth of goods
• What does Amas inspire in people?

  Pity, love, unity, and peace of heart
• What does Binangewan govern?

  Change, sickness, and death
• What does language reflect in Filipino spirituality?

  • Reflects society’s values
  • Requires deep understanding beyond translation
• What does Kaluluwa refer to?

  The soul or individual self
• What does Kaluluwa include?

  Consciousness, perception, emotion, thought, morality
• What is the origin of the term Kaluluwa?

  Likely comes from “duwa” meaning “two”
• What beliefs do some groups hold about the soul?

  • A person may have multiple souls
  • One for vitality and another for conscience
• How is the soul related to breath in Filipino spirituality?

  The soul is linked to breath (hininga)
• How is death described in relation to breath?

  As losing breath (“Kinuha ang kaniyang hininga”)
• What does Ginhawa refer to?

  Peace or comfort from deep breathing
• What can illness result from in Filipino spirituality?

  Bad air
• How is Kaluluwa related to Loob?

  • Kaluluwa is related to loob or inner consciousness
  • Loob is not the literal container of the soul
• What does Kagandahang-loob mean?

  Beautiful interior (charity)
• What does Utang na loob refer to?

  Debt of gratitude
• What does Masamang loob mean?

  Ill will or bad intent
• What does Kapwa refer to?

  Community or “us-ness”
• What does Kalikasan refer to?


  Nature or world
• What do indigenous groups believe about the afterlife?

  • Complex journey to the afterlife
  • Soul unites with nature after death
• What role did Babaylan and Catalonan play in spirituality?

  • Offer sacrifices and perform rites
  • Healing, bountiful harvest, safe sailing
• Who is Apo Malyari?

  Supreme God of Aetas
• What is Mariang Sinukuan known for?

  Living on the top of Mt. Arayat
• What is the significance of Mt. Banahaw?

  • Considered a sacred mountain
  • Devotees worship and express spirituality there
• What does Puwesto symbolize in Filipino spirituality?

  • Recognized as holy places
  • Represents a prayerful journey through life
• What beliefs do Aetas of Pampanga, Bataan, and Zambales hold?

  • Preserve traditional spiritual ideas
  • Beliefs in anito (good spirits) and kamana (bad spirits)
• What are Kamanan-Daplak?

  • Elves of the Zambals
  • Tiny, cute mythical beings living in trees
• What scent do Kamanan-Daplak emit?

  Sweet scent like ilang-ilang
• What do Kamanan-Daplak mimic?

  Human lifestyle
• What do Kamanan-Daplak do at sundown?

  Call out people’s names
• How do Kamanan-Daplak treat unattended infants?

  They are gentle to them
• What do Kamanan-Daplak leave beside babies?

  Wildflowers