The Story Begins
On December 3, I began giving Hilot therapy to the father of my co-worker, Cris Silvan. His father had been bedridden for almost three months, unable to stand or move without assistance. Each session was dedicated to restoring balance and vitality, guided by the wisdom of our ancestors and the grace of the Diwata.
During this time, I introduced Cris to Diwatang Makidepat, a revered spirit in our indigenous tradition known as the Diwata of Restoration and Bodily Harmony. Inspired by this, Cris drew the sigil of Makidepat and engraved it on a piece of guava wood—a sacred material in many Filipino healing practices. When the carving was complete, Cris asked me to bless the pendant, transforming it into a talisman of healing and protection. He then made it into a necklace and gave it to his father.
The Unexpected Miracle
The following morning, something extraordinary happened. Cris’s father, who had been confined to bed for months, stood up unaided. No assistance, no hesitation—just strength and determination. When I visited, I was astonished to see him upright. Upon checking his pulse and blood pressure, I found remarkable improvement—not only in circulation but in the overall function of his organs.
This was not just a physical recovery; it was a spiritual awakening. The synergy of Hilot therapy, the blessed pendant, and the invocation of Diwatang Makidepat manifested a miracle that we cannot ignore.
Why Guava Wood and Makidepat?
Guava wood has long been associated with healing and purification in Filipino folk medicine. When combined with the sacred sigil of Makidepat, it becomes a vessel of energetic balance and restoration. The act of engraving, blessing, and wearing the pendant is a ritual of faith—a tangible link between the human body and the divine forces of nature.
Honoring the Diwata
This experience reminds us that indigenous spirituality is alive and powerful. Diwatang Makidepat is not just a name in mythology; Makidepat is a living presence that responds to devotion, intention, and action. Through this miracle, we are called to reclaim our ancestral wisdom and integrate it into modern healing practices.
Novena to Diwatang Makidepat
(Nine Days of Prayer for Healing, Balance, and Strength)
Preparation (Before Each Day’s Prayer)
- Light incense or a small piece of frankincense or kamangyan.
- Hold the pendant or sigil of Makidepat in your hand.
- Take three deep breaths and say:
“Makidepat, Diwata of Restoration, we come before Your light.”
Main Prayer (Daily)
Makidepat, Diwata of the Sacred Body,
Guardian of balance and well-being,
We entrust to You our petition:
Heal those who are ill, strengthen the weak,
And preserve the harmony of our soul.
By Your blessing, we hope and trust. So it be.
Daily Intentions
- Day 1: Cleansing of body and soul. “Makidepat, remove all obstacles to healing.”
- Day 2: Restoration of strength. “Makidepat, restore vigor and vitality to the body.”
- Day 3: Harmony of breath and circulation. “Makidepat, unite heartbeat and breath in peace.”
- Day 4: Strengthening of heart and mind. “Makidepat, fortify courage and clarity.”
- Day 5: Renewal of organs and tissues. “Makidepat, repair every fiber of the body.”
- Day 6: Relief from pain and weakness. “Makidepat, release all suffering and fear.”
- Day 7: Preservation of balance. “Makidepat, maintain harmony of body and spirit.”
- Day 8: Connection with nature’s elements. “Makidepat, unite us with earth, water, fire, and air.”
- Day 9: Thanksgiving and affirmation. “Makidepat, thank You for Your grace. May healing continue.”
Closing Prayer (Day 9)
Makidepat, Diwata of Restoration,
We have received Your blessing and grace.
Through these nine days, we have been strengthened and healed.
May Your light continue to guide our lives.
To You be honor and gratitude. So it be.
Suggested Ritual Elements
- Candle: White or green (for healing and balance).
- Offering: Guava leaves or a small branch as a symbol of life.
- Water: A glass of clean water held before the sigil, then drunk after prayer.
- Chant or Mantra: You may add a Baybayin invocation or a simple phrase like: “Makidepat, bring balance and healing.”
Optional Consecration Ritual for the Pendant
- Purification: Pass the pendant through incense smoke.
- Invocation of Four Elements: Trace the sigil while naming Air, Fire, Water, Earth, and call Kilubansa for balance.
- Empowerment: Touch the pendant to the wearer’s chest and say: “In the name of Makidepat, may this sign be a channel of strength, healing, and harmony.”
- Seal with Three Breaths: Shared slow breathing, then conclude with: “So it be.”
Final Reflection
This miracle is a testament to the interconnectedness of spiritual and physical healing. It is a call to embrace our heritage, honor the Diwata, and share these stories so others may find hope and strength.
Diwatang Makidepat, thank You for Your grace. So it be.
Templong Anituhan 
Leave a comment