Templong Anituhan

Philippine Indigenous Spiritual Tradition, Binabaylan, Diwata, Anitu, Engkanto, Hilot, Talata at Baybayin

Author: Apu Adman Aghama

  • In the heart of the Philippine archipelago lies a rich spiritual tradition that predates colonial influence—a tradition rooted in the land, the ancestors, and the cosmos. Indigenous Filipino spirituality is not confined to temples or texts; it is a living, breathing relationship with nature, spirit, and community. At its core are foundational beliefs that shape…


  • In the sacred cosmology of the Teduray people of Mindanao, the Diwata are not distant deities but intimate forces that shape the human experience. Among them, Diwatang Meketefu stands as a radiant embodiment of healing, refinement, and the divine perfection of the human form. Revered as a spirit who restores balance and beauty to both…


  • The spiritual cosmology of Templong Anituhan is rooted in the sacred understanding of the universe as a living system governed by divine forces. These forces manifest through four distinct ranks of spiritual beings, each with their own domain, function, and relationship to humanity. This doctrine serves as a foundational guide for Binabaylan clergy, practitioners, and…


  • Templong Anituhan ng Luntiang Aghama is more than just a temple—it is a living movement of spiritual awakening, cultural healing, and ancestral remembrance. As a revivalist institution, we breathe new life into the sacred traditions of our ancestors. Through rituals, training, and community gatherings, we reconnect with the divine wisdom of the Diwata and Anito,…


  • Long ago, in the heart of the archipelago, the sacred flame of the Diwata flickered quietly in hidden groves and whispered through the winds of forgotten mountains. The people once danced with the stars, spoke with the rivers, and healed with the breath of the earth. But time, conquest, and forgetting cast shadows over the…


  • In Filipino culture, the term “buwaya” (crocodile) is often used to describe corrupt individuals, particularly those in positions of power. This metaphor reflects traits such as greed, stealth, and danger, which are associated with both the animal and unethical behavior. However, it is important to clarify that: Crocodiles are not corrupt in the biological sense.…


  • O Great Diwata, Meketefu,In the name of light and healing, we come before You.You who are Tulus, the one who corrected the form of humanity,You who are Suallah, the one who perfects the soul and mind,We are Your children, lost in the path of darkness. Cleanse our hearts,Stained by greed, anger, and forgetfulness of the…


  • When we talk about Indigenous Peoples in the Philippines, the focus often falls on tribes, languages, dances, traditional clothing, and ancestral lands. These are all vital aspects of our heritage—but there’s something deeply missing. Where is our Indigenous Filipino God in these conversations? Why do government agencies, cultural institutions, and even certified Indigenous People Organizations…


  • Under the 1987 Philippine Constitution, sovereignty resides in the Filipino people. This foundational principle affirms that all political authority and cultural expression emanate from the collective will of the nation. While sovereignty is vested in natural persons—citizens of the Republic—juridical persons such as Templong Anituhan Inc. play a vital role in manifesting that sovereign will…


  • Throughout Philippine history, the struggle for spiritual sovereignty has been as fierce as the fight for political freedom. Long before the modern nation was born, our ancestors stood firm against colonial forces—not only with weapons, but with rituals, prayers, and unwavering faith in the Diwata and the spirits of the land. These revolts were not…