In this documentary I wrote and produced for the Tagum City Historical and Cultural Center in 2021 as its support to the Year of the Pre-Colonial Filipinos, I dived into the culture of Babaylan (Balyan or Baylan) of Tagum City in the southern part of the Philippines.
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The Babaylan tradition in Philippine indigenous communities recognizes individuals, referred to as Babaylans, who have the ability to mediate with the spirit world, possess spirit guides, and are gifted in healing, foretelling, and insight.
Babaylans are ritualists, chanters, and diviners, often called by different names in various indigenous languages. In contemporary contexts, the term Babaylan is embraced by those inspired by the spirit of revolution against colonization, commitment to Sacred Wholeness, love for the mother country, and a desire to serve communities for justice and peace. While the closest non-Filipino term might be "shaman," members sometimes use Western terms but strive to incorporate local terminology. The Babaylan Tradition represents Filipino wisdom and power, empowering individuals and communities.
Those engaged in advocacy, activism, teaching, awareness-raising, healing, spirituality, and justice work may find resonance with the Babaylan tradition. Events and conferences organized by the community are termed "Babaylan-inspired" in respect for the primary Babaylans in the Philippines, fostering exploration and illumination of indigenous wisdom for personal and communal empowerment and the healing and evolution of the Filipino soul.