Miracles happen when you believe. Hilot has been known as a folkloric medicine that is based on spirituality and mysticism but when you spend time discovering its ways you will see the arts and science behind it. Our ancestors who practice this as our First Medicine are unschooled individuals who has no Certificates, Diploma or Professional License to practice it but it works wonders on their patients.
Not all Manghihilot were born as Manghihilot. Some of them became a Patient first that been healed by a manghihilot from chronic illness and as part of thanksgiving to God they swear an oath to continue the practice of Hilot to preserve it. From observation and oral instruction they emulate how their manghihilot heal them and apply it to their family and later to their neighborhood. Some Manghihilot learn through the recollection of their memories on how their parents and grandparents personally apply our indigenous medicine to them when they are sick. And through practice they enhance their abilities to heal.
There are no formal schools of Hilot way back then. They learn Hilot through apprenticeship, observation and oral instructions given to them by their elders. There is no certificate, diploma or professional license given to them as a proof that they know how to perform hilot. The only proof that you are manghihilot is that you perform and obtain favorable results in your action that is Healing.
It takes a lot of courage and confidence in order to be a Manghihilot. That is why sometimes it is considered also as a Faith Healing Modality because you need a lot of faith and trust in your ability that you can work wonder in healing your patient. Being a Manghihilot is not a Certified Professional but they are Ordained Minister in bringing back wellness into life. Since the main belief in Hilot is that Life is a sacred gift from the Divine, and our body is the house of the spirit so the work of manghihilot does not only focus on the Physical matter but also works on the soul and spiritual well being.
Hilot Academy of Binabaylan 