Templong Anituhan

The indigenous spiritual traditions of the Philippines preserve diverse understandings of the sacred, the cosmos, and humanity’s relationship with the Divine. Among these traditions, the spirituality of the Kinaray-a people of Panay Island offers a profound vision of creation rooted in reverence for the Creator, respect for ancestral wisdom, and harmony with the seen and unseen worlds.

Today, contemporary indigenous spiritual movements continue to rediscover these traditions, drawing inspiration from ancient teachings while applying them to modern spiritual life. One such figure of growing interest is Maka-ako, the Supreme Creator of Kinaray-a cosmology.

The Kinaray-a People

The Kinaray-a, also known as Karay-a or Hiniray-a, are an ethnolinguistic people primarily found in the Province of Antique on Panay Island, with communities extending into Iloilo, Capiz, Aklan, Guimaras, Negros Occidental, and parts of Mindanao. Their language, Kinaray-a, belongs to the Visayan branch of the Austronesian language family.

The Kinaray-a are celebrated for preserving the Sugidanon, one of the Philippines’ great epic traditions. These oral narratives preserve memories of heroes, diwata, ancestors, and spiritual worlds that long predate Spanish colonization.

The Precolonial Spirituality of the Kinaray-a

Prior to the arrival of Christianity, the Kinaray-a practiced an indigenous tradition centered on:

• Reverence for the Creator
• Honor for the ancestors
• Relationship with diwata and engkanto
• Ritual healing
• Agricultural ceremonies
• Sacred reciprocity with nature
• Guidance from ritual specialists known as ma-aram, comparable to the Babaylan traditions found throughout the Visayas.

Their worldview understood the universe as a living, interconnected reality where humanity, nature, ancestors, and divine powers exist in sacred relationship.

The Seven-Layered Cosmos

Kinaray-a cosmology describes a universe composed of seven spiritual layers. According to the ethnographic work of Alicia P. Magos, the highest realm is the abode of Maka-ako, the Supreme Creator.

7th Realm – Maka-ako, Supreme Creator

6th Realm – Ancestors, Saints, Heavenly Beings

5th Realm – Environmental and Supernatural Spirits

4th Realm – Humanity and the Earthly World

3rd Realm – Underground Spirits

2nd Realm – Waters and Sea Creatures

1st Realm – Primordial Foundation

This sacred cosmos places Maka-ako above all other orders of existence.

Laon and Maka-ako: Why Are There Two Supreme Figures?

One of the most fascinating questions in the study of Kinaray-a spirituality concerns the relationship between Laon and Maka-ako.

Laon

Laon, often associated with Mount Kanlaon, appears in broader Visayan traditions as a powerful creator deity and high god. His name survives in sacred geography and ancient Visayan lore.

Maka-ako

Maka-ako occupies a more clearly defined role in surviving Kinaray-a cosmology. He is described as:

• The Supreme Being
• The Creator
• The Dweller of the Highest Heaven
• The Source of Cosmic Order
• The Highest Reality beyond ancestors, spirits, and heavenly beings [vismyths.com]

From a theological perspective, Maka-ako appears as the more transcendent figure, while Laon remains an important high deity within the wider Visayan sacred tradition.

Maka-ako and Mahal na Makaako

The Hanunuo Mangyan of Mindoro preserve devotion to Mahal na Makaako, a supreme creator deity regarded as the highest source of life and existence.

The similarities are remarkable:

• Both are creators.
• Both are supreme spiritual realities.
• Both stand above lesser spiritual beings.
• Both occupy the highest position within their respective cosmologies. [vismyths.com]

Nevertheless, there is currently no scholarly evidence proving that the two are historically identical. Rather, they may represent related expressions of a broader Austronesian understanding of a Supreme Creator.

Maka-ako as Temple Guide and Guardian for the New Moon Cycle

The following section reflects the contemporary spiritual understanding and ritual practice of Templong Anituhan and is not a historical Kinaray-a doctrine.

On 14 July 2026, during the observance of the New Moon Cycle of Templong Anituhan, Diwatang Maka-ako was invoked and welcomed as the Temple Guide and Guardian for the current lunar cycle.

In this observance, Maka-ako is recognized as:

• Guardian of sacred order
• Keeper of divine wisdom
• Guide of spiritual alignment
• Source of blessings and abundance
• Protector of the faithful
• Watcher over the works of Templong Anituhan

From 14 July 2026 until the New Moon of 13 August 2026, devotees may direct prayers, petitions, acts of gratitude, and spiritual reflections through the guidance of Diwatang Maka-ako as the presiding spiritual patron of the lunar cycle.

Within the devotional theology of Templong Anituhan, this period represents a sacred season for:

• Spiritual renewal
• Harmonization of the self
• Gratitude for creation
• Manifestation of wisdom
• Cultivation of peace
• Alignment with the Divine Order

Invocation to Diwatang Maka-ako

Prayer of Praise, Glory, and Blessing

O Diwatang Maka-ako,

Supreme Creator and Source of Life, Dweller of the Highest Heaven, Origin of wisdom, harmony, and sacred order, we honor and glorify Your Holy Presence.

We thank You for the gift of existence, for the breath within our lungs, for the ancestors who walked before us, and for the sacred worlds that surround us.

Shine Your divine light upon Templong Anituhan. Bless its clergy, devotees, students, and friends. May our words be truthful, our actions compassionate, and our hearts steadfast in service.

Grant us clarity where there is confusion, healing where there is suffering, abundance where there is lack, and peace where there is conflict.

Guide us through this Moon Cycle, from this New Moon until the coming New Moon. Guard our homes, strengthen our communities, and awaken in us the wisdom to walk in harmony with creation.

May Your blessings flow upon all who seek truth, all who honor the ancestors, all who care for the land, and all who labor for healing and peace.

Diwatang Maka-ako, Supreme Creator, Temple Guide and Guardian, receive our gratitude, receive our prayers, and receive our petitions.

So may it be.

Mabuhi ang Diwatang Maka-ako.

Mabuhi ang Templong Anituhan.

Mabuhi ang mga Anak ng Diwata.

As the moon begins its new journey, may the blessings of Diwatang Maka-ako inspire wisdom, harmony, and sacred purpose in all who walk the path of the ancestors and the Diwata.