TUBUNGAN, Iloilo – Babaylans (shamans) gathered in a mountain area here on Good Friday to perform a Holy Week ritual that dates back to pre-colonial times.
RODOLFO Tabuloc Sr. is the leader of the babaylans in Tubungan town, Iloilo province. (Tara Yap)
“Pana-et” called for divine intervention in an area known as one of the four sacred sites for the babaylans of Panay Island.
Led by Rodolfo Tabuloc Sr., the babaylans under the Estrella Bangotbanwa Babaylan chanted and called out names of spirits and datus asking for rain and stop the heat wave and dry spell worsened by the El Niño climate phenomenon.
BABAYLANS gather in Barangays Buenavista and Batga for the Pana-et ritual. (Tara Yap)
The ritual that ended with partaking of the sacrificial food on Black Saturday morning was a blend of animism and even Catholic rituals as they had Catholic prayers and songs.
The babaylans and locals acknowledged the role of the Catholic faith in the ritual.
The area is where Augustinian priest Fr. Isidro Badrena died in April 1874 preventing the babaylans from performing the Pana-et. A cross was built in his memory.
BABAYLAN Ailyn Tacaisa with the baboy damo (wild boar) that is central to the Pana-et ritual. (Tara Yap)
Former Mayor and Councilor Vicente Gargaritano said the Pana-et is symbolic of the faith of people regardless of what higher power or god they believe in.
Tourism Officer Marlyn Tagudar said the local government led by Mayor Roquito Tacsagon acknowledges the role of the babaylans as they are part of the town's rich history and culture.
Tacsagon and family witnessed a part of the ritual on Friday night while Vice Mayor Leo Taypen witnessed the morning ritual.