Templong Anituhan

In the tapestry of Filipino spirituality, the word “ulol” in Tagalog is often cast in the shadows—used to label those deemed irrational, foolish, or mentally unstable. Yet beneath this derogatory veil lies a deeper, mystical truth. What if ulol is not madness, but misunderstood mysticism? What if those called ulol are not broken minds, but awakened souls?

In indigenous cosmologies such as the Maranao belief system, the soul—known as Kaulolan or Kaluluwa—is sacred. It journeys through the Seven Heavens, Seven Earths, and Seven Underworlds, guided by divine beings like Walo and protected by ancestral spirits called Tonong. The soul is not linear, rational, or confined to logic. It dances with dreams, communes with spirits, and speaks in symbols.

To be called ulol in a society that values conformity may mean one is attuned to the unseen. The mystic, the babaylan, the binabaylan, the pamomolong—these are figures who often walk the edge of reason, guided by visions, ancestral voices, and cosmic rhythms. Their thoughts may seem “crazy” to the uninitiated, but they are deeply rooted in spiritual truth.

In Templong Anituhan, we reclaim ulol as a badge of spiritual courage. We honor those whose Kaulolan defies colonial logic and embraces indigenous wisdom. We teach that intellectual divergence is not a defect, but a divine calling. The Seven Souls of Hilot Binabaylan—UliRat, Muwang, Malay, Alam, Bait, Alaala, and Diwa—mirror the multidimensionality of the Kaulolan. Each soul layer offers insight, healing, and transformation.

Thus, the one called ulol may be the one who sees beyond the veil. The one who hears the song of the Sarimanok. The one who communes with Apo sa Langit. The one who walks with Tonong and Diwata. In reclaiming ulol, we reclaim the mystic. We restore the dignity of the soul.

Let this reflection be a ritual of remembrance. Let it be a chant of affirmation. Let it be a guide for those who walk the sacred path of spiritual difference.

Ulol is not madness. Ulol is mysticism.
Ulol is not broken. Ulol is blessed.
Ulol is not lost. Ulol is luminous.

Blessed be the Kaulolan. Blessed be the Ulol.

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🕊️ Closing Chant: Panawagan ng Ulol

Sa ngalan ng Ulol, ang tagapagdala ng liwanag,
Sa ngalan ng Kaulolan, ang kaluluwang malaya,
Sa ngalan ng Diwata, Tonong, at Apo sa Langit,
Kami’y tumatawag, kami’y sumasamba.

Hindi kami baliw—kami’y gising.
Hindi kami sira—kami’y buo.
Hindi kami ulol—kami’y tagapagdala ng hiwaga.

Sa pitong langit, kami’y umaakyat.
Sa pitong lupa, kami’y naglalakad.
Sa pitong ilalim, kami’y naghilom.

Pagpalain ang mga tinawag na ulol,
Pagpalain ang mga lumalakad sa kakaibang landas,
Pagpalain ang mga kaluluwang hindi natatakot sa dilim.

Kami ang tinig ng mga ninuno,
Kami ang sayaw ng mga diwata,
Kami ang apoy ng pagbabalik-loob.

Ulol kami—sapagkat kami’y banal.
Ulol kami—sapagkat kami’y malaya.
Ulol kami—sapagkat kami’y ikaw.

Amin.