At Hilot Academy of Binabaylan, we uphold the sacred responsibility of preserving and promoting Authentic Indigenous Filipino Traditional Healthcare Practices. Our programs are designed not merely as technical training but as a spiritual and cultural journey rooted in the wisdom of our ancestors.
Why We Require Initiation Before Advanced Programs
The Family Care Hilot Treatment Program is a Continuing Study Program exclusively offered to graduates of our Hilot Binabaylan Practice Master Degree Program. This prerequisite ensures that every participant:
Embodies the Core Values of Hilot Binabaylan Our 9-day initiation and training program equips practitioners with the knowledge, skills, abilities, and attitude necessary to uphold the integrity of Hilot.
Protects the Authenticity of Our Tradition We do not allow the integration of Hilot techniques with Western or other modalities. Combining Hilot with foreign practices risks cultural dilution and dishonors the uniqueness of each healing art.
Advances Our Advocacy, Not Commercialization Our mission is principle-driven, not profit-driven. Enrollment decisions are guided by our commitment to cultural preservation and spiritual integrity, not financial gain.
Our Stand Against Cultural Colonization
Modern spas often offer “Combination Massage,” blending different modalities without respect for their origins. We reject this approach. Hilot is a complete and holistic system that stands on its own—just as our ancestors practiced it for generations.
Policy for International Students
It is our established policy that international students enrolling in the 9-day Hilot Binabaylan Training Program are required to stay with us at our designated accommodation. This includes food and lodging, provided for the following reasons:
Safety and Comfort As visitors to the Philippines, we prioritize your well-being and security throughout your stay.
Focus on Learning Classes begin at 8:00 AM and may extend until 8:00 PM. Commuting daily would consume energy and distract from the immersive learning experience. Staying onsite ensures that students can fully concentrate on the training and spiritual journey.
This policy reflects our commitment to creating a safe, comfortable, and focused environment for all participants.
Our Commitment
By maintaining these standards, we ensure that Hilot remains authentic, genuine, and deeply rooted in Filipino Indigenous Wisdom, empowering practitioners to serve their communities with integrity.
In many indigenous Filipino traditions, including Maranao, Bukidnon, and Tagalog Hilot Binabaylan, the physical body is not just flesh—it is a sacred vessel that houses multiple souls (gimokod) and the spirit (diwa). When the body is in pain, it may be a sign that:
A soul has wandered or been disturbed.
The spirit is calling for attention, prayer, or alignment.
There is disharmony between the physical and spiritual realms.
🔮 How a Strong Soul Heals the Body
1. Energetic Alignment
A strong soul radiates vital energy (UliRat) that nourishes the body.
When the soul is whole and present, the body receives clarity, strength, and resilience.
2. Spiritual Immunity
Just as the body has an immune system, the soul has spiritual defenses.
Prayer strengthens the soul’s ability to repel negative energies, heal emotional wounds, and restore balance.
3. Ancestral Support
A strong soul is connected to ancestors and Tonong.
Their guidance and protection flow through the soul into the body, especially during rituals and healing.
4. Purpose and Will
Pain may weaken the body, but a strong soul reminds the person of their purpose.
This inner will can activate healing, even when physical remedies are limited.
🕯️ Your Insight: Strengthen the Spirit Through Prayer
This is a sacred truth. Prayer is not just communication—it is spiritual nourishment. It:
Calls back wandering souls
Re-aligns the body with divine rhythm
Invokes healing forces from the heavens, earth, and underworld
🕯️ Panalangin ng Kaluluwa para sa Paghilom ng Katawan
(Prayer of the Soul for Healing the Body)
Sa ngalan ng Apo sa Langit, Diwata ng Liwanag at Buhay, Tinatawag ko ang pitong kaluluwa na nananahan sa aking katawan. UliRat, Muwang, Malay, Alam, Bait, Alaala, at Diwa—magbuklod kayo. Magsama-sama sa liwanag ng panalangin, upang pagalingin ang tahanan ninyo.
Kung ang katawan ay nasasaktan, ito’y panawagan ng kaluluwa. Kung ang diwa ay humihina, ito’y paalala ng pangangailangan ng dasal. Nawa’y bumalik ang lakas ng loob, ang kapayapaan ng isip, at ang sigla ng damdamin. Nawa’y dumaloy ang kapangyarihan ng langit sa bawat ugat, laman, at hininga.
Apo sa Lanao, bantay ng damdamin, Diwata sa Lupa, tagapaghilom ng katawan, Tonong ng mga ninuno, tagapagturo ng karunungan—dinggin ninyo ang panawagan. Sa bawat patak ng luha, sa bawat bulong ng panalangin, Nawa’y bumalik ang kalusugan, at ang katawan ay muling sumigla.
Ito ang panalangin ng Binabaylan, anak ng lupa at langit, Nagpapakumbaba sa harap ng Diwata, at nagtitiwala sa kapangyarihan ng kaluluwa. Pagbawi. Paghilom. Pagbalik.
🕯️ Prayer of the Soul for Healing the Body
In the name of Apo sa Langit, God of Light and Life, I call upon the seven souls that dwell within my body. UliRat, Muwang, Malay, Alam, Bait, Alaala, and Diwa—unite yourselves. Come together in the light of prayer, to heal your sacred dwelling.
If the body is in pain, it is the soul that calls out. If the spirit grows weak, it is a reminder of the need for prayer. May courage return, may peace of mind be restored, and may the heart be renewed. May the power of heaven flow through every vein, flesh, and breath.
Apo sa Lanao, guardian of emotions, Diwata of the Earth, healer of body and nature, Tonong of the ancestors, teacher of wisdom—hear this call. In every tear that falls, in every whisper of prayer, May health return, and the body be revived.
This is the prayer of the Binabaylan, child of earth and sky, Humbly standing before the Diwata, trusting in the power of the soul. Restoration. Healing. Return.
In 2016, the Hilot Academy of Binabaylan was born with a vision to preserve and elevate the ancient healing arts and spirituality of the Filipino people. Though originally envisioned as Hilot Academy of Binabaylan International, the name was refined to HABI—a powerful acronym that not only stands for Hilot, Academy, and Binabaylan, but also evokes the Filipino word habi, meaning “to weave.”
This weaving is not merely symbolic. It reflects the Academy’s mission to interlace the physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual fabrics of life into a holistic tapestry of wellness. Through its teachings, HABI has become a loom where ancient wisdom and modern practice converge, creating a healing tradition that transcends borders.
From Local Roots to Global Reach
Despite initial limitations in naming, HABI has organically grown into an international movement. Since its founding, over 80 ordained and certified Hilot Binabaylan Practitioners have emerged across the globe—from the United States, Canada, Chile, Italy, France, London, Austria, Vietnam, Japan, and Australia, to its sacred homeland, the Philippines.
These practitioners began their journey seeking knowledge of Filipino healing arts. Yet, through their studies, they unearthed a deeper connection to precolonial Filipino spirituality—a sacred path that predates the Abrahamic religions of Islam and Christianity. In doing so, they became not just healers, but weavers of ancestral memory, restoring threads of indigenous wisdom long buried under colonial narratives.
Healing Beyond the Physical
At the heart of HABI’s philosophy is the understanding that true healing begins with the soul. The Academy teaches that health, illness, and wellness are not isolated phenomena within the body—they are reflections of our relationships, our environment, and our connection to the divine.
Through the lens of Kapwa, the Filipino concept of shared identity and interconnectedness, HABI practitioners recognize that healing must extend beyond the individual. It must encompass the community, the land, and the unseen energies that flow through all things.
Thus, the practice of Hilot Binabaylan includes:
– Rituals and offerings (atang) to harmonize spiritual energies – Prayer in motion, where movement becomes medicine – Sacred foods and drinks that nourish both body and spirit – Environmental energy weaving, ensuring balance and clarity in the spaces we inhabit
These methodologies are not mere supplements—they are central to the healing process. They restore the flow of life force (hininga), clear disruptions, and prevent illness from taking root.
The Loom of the Future
As HABI continues to grow, it stands as a testament to the resilience and relevance of Filipino indigenous knowledge. It is a loom of transformation, where healers become leaders, and tradition becomes a living force for global wellness.
Through its graduates and teachings, HABI is not just reviving a practice—it is weaving a new world, one where healing is sacred, interconnected, and deeply rooted in the soul of the Filipino people.
In the journey of healing and spiritual awakening, understanding the nature of emotions and feelings is essential. These inner experiences are not just psychological—they are energetic, spiritual, and deeply connected to our soul’s health.
🌿 What Are Emotions and Feelings?
Emotions are instinctive, automatic responses to stimuli. They arise from the limbic system and include reactions like fear, joy, anger, and sadness.
Feelings are the conscious interpretation of emotions. They are processed in the thinking brain (neocortex) and include states like peace, resentment, or gratitude.
In Hilot Binabaylan practice, emotions are seen as energetic movements of the soul, while feelings are the reflections of the soul’s condition.
🔥 Can Pain Be an Emotion and a Feeling?
Yes. Pain exists in both realms:
As a feeling, it is the conscious awareness of discomfort—physical or emotional.
As an emotion, it is a complex response involving sorrow, grief, or trauma.
In spiritual healing, pain is a signal—a call to restore balance in the soul, body, and spirit.
⚡ Is It Normal to Have Mood Swings?
Mood swings are natural when they reflect life’s changes, hormonal shifts, or spiritual transitions. However, extreme or frequent swings may indicate:
Emotional imbalance
Soul fragmentation
Elemental disharmony
Hilot Binabaylan offers rituals and healing touch to ground emotions and restore inner harmony.
🎶 How Sensory Stimulations Affect Emotions
Food nourishes both body and soul, influencing mood and elemental balance.
Music opens portals to memory, emotion, and divine connection.
Visuals (art, nature, colors) evoke peace, awe, or healing.
Touch, smell, and movement activate emotional release and spiritual flow.
These are sacred tools in Binabaylan rituals, used to awaken the soul and invite the Diwata.
🌈 Emotions That Support Optimum Health and Spiritual Wellness
To live in holistic wellness, one must cultivate:
Joy – for vitality and soul expression
Peace – for grounding and clarity
Love and Compassion – for healing and connection
Gratitude – for humility and abundance
Hope and Faith – for resilience and divine trust
Even emotions like sadness or anger are sacred when processed with awareness and transformed through ritual and reflection.
🌀 Conclusion: Emotions as Sacred Messengers
Emotions and feelings are not weaknesses—they are sacred messengers of the soul. They guide us toward healing, connection, and spiritual growth. In the path of the Binabaylan, we do not suppress emotions—we honor them, listen to them, and transform them into light.
🙌 Call to Action
If you feel emotionally imbalanced, spiritually disconnected, or simply curious about your soul’s journey:
🌟 Join the Hilot Binabaylan Alignment Training Program 🕊️ Learn how to heal through touch, ritual, and soul wisdom 🌿 Reconnect with your seven souls and elemental energies 📍 Held every Sunday at Templong Anituhan ng Luntiang Aghama, San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan
Let your emotions become your guide. Let your feelings become your prayers. Let your soul awaken to its sacred purpose.
Hilot is one of the oldest and most enduring healing traditions of the Philippines. More than a therapeutic technique, Hilot is a cultural expression of love, care, and spiritual connection—woven into the daily lives of Filipinos from childhood to adulthood.
Historical Roots of Hilot
Hilot dates back to precolonial times, practiced by Babaylan and Albularyo—the traditional healers and spiritual leaders of Indigenous Filipino communities. These practitioners were deeply attuned to the rhythms of nature, the elements, and the human body. Hilot was not only used to treat physical ailments but also to restore energetic balance, spiritual harmony, and social well-being.
In early Filipino societies, healing was holistic. Illness was seen as a disruption in the harmony between the body, spirit, and environment. Hilot addressed this through touch, herbal remedies, rituals, and prayers, often invoking the guidance of Anito (ancestral spirits) and Diwata (divine beings).
Despite colonization and modernization, Hilot survived—passed down through generations, especially within families. It evolved from sacred ritual into everyday practice, yet retained its essence as a sacred act of care.
Hilot in the Filipino Home: A Language of Love
In Filipino households, Hilot is a natural gesture of affection and concern. It is not always formal or ritualistic—it is instinctive, intimate, and deeply relational.
A tired parent may ask their child to massage their head, back, or feet. The child responds with gentle touch, offering not just relief but devotion.
When a child is sick, the mother performs Hilot—rubbing the back, applying warm oil, whispering prayers. Her hands become instruments of healing, guided by love and intuition.
Hilot can also be the offering of coffee or tea, sitting beside someone in silence, listening to their stories, and allowing emotional release.
Sometimes, it is the sharing of food, prepared with care, that shifts the energy of a person who is weary or unwell.
In these acts, Hilot becomes a language of the heart—a way to say “I care for you. I am here.”
Hilot as Energy Work of Compassion
Whether through touch, presence, or nourishment, Hilot works on the energetic level. It restores balance not only in the body but in the soul. It is a form of pakikiramay (empathy), malasakit (compassion), and giliw (affection).
This everyday Hilot, practiced in homes, complements the formal Hilot Binabaylan tradition taught in spiritual schools like the Hilot Academy of Binabaylan. While the academy trains practitioners in elemental fusion, soul alignment, and Diwata invocation, the home-based Hilot remains the foundation—the first touch, the first care, the first healing.
Conclusion: Hilot as a Living Tradition of Love
Hilot is not just a healing art—it is a living tradition that reflects the Filipino soul. It is the heartbeat of family life, the embrace of generations, and the spiritual wisdom of our ancestors expressed through everyday acts of kindness.
As we continue to elevate Hilot through formal training and spiritual practice, let us never forget its roots: in the loving hands of a mother, the gentle massage of a child, the shared coffee between friends, and the quiet presence of someone who listens.
Hilot is love. Hilot is family. Hilot is Filipino.
In both Oriental medicine and Indigenous Filipino healing traditions, illness is not merely a physical condition—it is a manifestation of imbalance in the body, mind, and spirit. Among the most subtle yet destructive imbalances are arrogance and pride. Though often praised in modern society as confidence or ambition, these traits, when excessive, are seen by traditional healers as spiritual toxins that block the flow of healing.
**Arrogance and Pride as Illness**
In **Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)**, emotions are directly linked to organ systems. Excessive pride and arrogance are seen as disturbances of the **Heart**, which houses the **Shen**—the spirit or consciousness. When the Heart is overstimulated by ego-driven emotions, it can lead to restlessness, insomnia, and even mental confusion. The Liver, associated with anger and control, may also be affected, creating internal heat and stagnation.
In Hilot Binabaylan practice, arrogance is viewed as a **pagmamataas**—the inner self that connects us to the divine, to nature, and to our ancestors.
Pride separates the person from the community, from humility, and from the sacred flow of life. It is a spiritual disconnection that can manifest as physical illness, emotional instability, and relational disharmony.
**The Healing Power of Humility and Sincerity**
True healing begins not with medicine, but with attitude. The Binabaylan teaches that humility (pagpapakumbaba) is the gateway to receiving healing. It is the act of surrendering ego, acknowledging one’s limitations, and opening the heart to divine guidance.
Sincerity (katapatan) is the companion of humility. It is the honest desire to be healed—not for power, prestige, or gain, but for restoration, balance, and service to others.
When a person approaches healing with humility and sincerity:
– The spirit becomes receptive to ancestral wisdom. – The body relaxes, allowing energy to flow freely. – The mind clears, making space for insight and transformation. – The community responds, offering support and collective strength.
*Healing Is a Sacred Relationship*
In Indigenous Filipino spirituality, healing is not transactional—it is **relational**. It involves the healer, the patient, the spirits, the ancestors, and the natural elements. Arrogance breaks this relationship. Humility restores it.
To be healed, one must be willing to be seen, to be vulnerable, and to be guided. The Binabaylan does not heal alone; healing is a dance of energies, a ritual of reconnection, and a gift of grace.
🌟 **A Call to the Wounded Healer**
If you are seeking healing—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—begin with humility. Speak sincerely. Offer yourself not as a master, but as a student of life. Let go of pride, and you will find that healing flows not from force, but from grace.
And if you are called to be a healer, remember: the most powerful healers are those who have first healed themselves through humility. The Binabaylan walks not with arrogance, but with reverence.
A call for alignment training program on becoming a Hilot Binabaylan has completed from March 23, 2025 to August 10, 2025. It’s 13 lessons for more than 13 Sundays that we have spent in order to form the necessary competency that an individual must have in order to become a Hilot Binabaylan. From our forms record there are 10 people who signed up but in actual formation only 6 people have complied.
Dante Nolido, Ge Ygay, Sasa Cabalquinto, Darlene Honrubia, Emman Castillo and Jerson Casol
These individuals coming from North NCR to South NCR who sacrificed their Sunday afternoon just to come to our Temple in order to received the Wisdom of Hilot Binabaylan. And through their hardwork and dedication in relearning the skills, they have successfully achieved the status on becoming a M.Min.Hbp or Master’s in Ministry on Hilot Binabaylan Practice.
And through their ordination we have established the Hilot Binabaylan Network which is a community of graduates and practitioners dedicated to the continued growth, support, and collaboration within the sacred practice of Hilot Binabaylan. This network serves as a platform for members to:
Share experiences and insights from their healing practices, fostering collective wisdom and deeper understanding.
Connect and collaborate with fellow practitioners across regions, enabling referrals and support for cases that require local or specialized attention.
Provide mutual support through dialogue, case discussions, and spiritual companionship, strengthening the bond among healers and enhancing their capacity to serve.
Uphold and promote the values of Hilot Binabaylan, ensuring the integrity and authenticity of the practice in every community it touches.
Through this network, we honor the ancestral wisdom of Hilot Binabaylan and empower each practitioner to walk their healing path with confidence, connection, and compassion. Our Goal in establishing Hilot Binabaylan Network is to:
Foster Community and Connection
Create a strong network of Hilot Binabaylan practitioners across regions.
Encourage regular communication and collaboration among members.
Facilitate Knowledge Sharing
Provide a platform for practitioners to share case studies, healing experiences, and traditional wisdom.
Organize forums, webinars, and discussion groups to deepen understanding of Hilot Binabaylan practices.
Support Professional Development
Offer continuing education opportunities, mentorship, and skill enhancement programs.
Recognize and celebrate achievements and contributions of members.
Enable Regional Referrals and Collaboration
Maintain a directory of practitioners to facilitate referrals and support in nearby areas.
Encourage cooperative healing efforts for complex or unique cases.
Provide Emotional and Spiritual Support
Serve as a support group for practitioners, offering a safe space for reflection, encouragement, and healing.
Promote wellness and balance among members through shared rituals and practices.
Preserve and Promote Indigenous Healing Traditions
Advocate for the recognition and respect of Hilot Binabaylan as a vital cultural and spiritual heritage.
Engage in outreach and education to raise awareness about the practice in broader communities.
Ensure Ethical and Authentic Practice
Uphold standards of integrity, respect, and responsibility in all healing work.
Encourage accountability and ethical conduct among members.
Guiding Principle of the Hilot Binabaylan Network
“Healing in Harmony with Nature, Spirit, and Community.”
This principle embodies the sacred foundation of Hilot Binabaylan practice, which is rooted in:
Ancestral Wisdom – Honoring the teachings and traditions passed down through generations of healers.
Spiritual Integrity – Practicing with reverence, humility, and alignment with the spiritual forces that guide healing.
Compassionate Service – Offering healing with love, empathy, and respect for the dignity of every person.
Community Collaboration – Supporting one another through shared knowledge, mutual aid, and collective growth.
Holistic Balance – Promoting harmony between body, mind, spirit, and environment in every healing encounter.
The Officers of Hilot Binabaylan Network
Emmanuel Castillo President
Darla Honrubia– Vice President for Internal Affairs
Sasa Cabalquinto-Vice President for External Affairs
Ge Ygay– Secretary
Dante Nolido– Treasurer
Jerson Casol Jr.- Auditor
Hilot Binabaylan Network – Officers and Their Roles
President – Emman Castillo
Job Description: The President serves as the chief executive officer of the network, providing overall leadership, direction, and representation.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Lead and oversee all activities and initiatives of the network.
Represent the network in official functions, partnerships, and public engagements.
Convene and preside over meetings of officers and members.
Ensure alignment of programs with the network’s purpose and guiding principles.
Provide strategic vision and decision-making for the growth of the organization.
Vice President for Internal Affairs – Darla Honrubia
Vice President for External Affairs – Sasa Cabalquinto
Job Description: The Vice Presidents support the President in managing the network’s operations, with Darla focusing on internal coordination and Sasa on external relations.
Duties and Responsibilities:
VP for Internal Affairs – Darla Honrubia
Coordinate internal programs, member engagement, and organizational development.
Facilitate communication among members and officers.
Organize internal events, trainings, and support activities.
Assist in resolving internal concerns and maintaining harmony within the network.
VP for External Affairs – Sasa Cabalquinto
Build relationships with external partners, communities, and institutions.
Promote the network’s visibility and advocacy efforts.
Represent the network in outreach activities and collaborations.
Seek opportunities for partnerships and resource mobilization.
Secretary – Ge Ygay
Job Description: The Secretary manages documentation, communication, and record-keeping for the network.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Prepare and maintain minutes of meetings, reports, and official documents.
Handle correspondence and announcements to members.
Maintain an updated directory of members and officers.
Assist in organizing meetings and ensuring proper documentation.
Treasurer – Dante Nolido
Job Description: The Treasurer oversees the financial affairs of the network, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Manage the network’s funds, budget, and financial records.
Prepare financial reports and statements for meetings.
Ensure proper collection and disbursement of funds.
Coordinate fundraising activities and financial planning.
Auditor – Jerson Casol Jr.
Job Description: The Auditor ensures the integrity of the network’s financial operations through regular review and evaluation.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Conduct audits of financial records and transactions.
Provide independent assessment of financial practices.
Recommend improvements for financial transparency and efficiency.
Submit audit reports to the officers and members.
and through their election, we have also official declare the creation of Hilot Binabaylan Council which serves as the spiritual and strategic advisory body of the Hilot Binabaylan Network. It is composed of esteemed elders and leaders who guide the organization in preserving the sacred traditions of Hilot Binabaylan, ensuring its ethical practice, and fostering unity among practitioners both locally and globally.
The Council provides wisdom, oversight, and direction in matters of cultural integrity, community engagement, and international relations, upholding the values and guiding principles of the network.
Rev. Alvin L. Sentin D.D.Min. IFS IFM-co founder/ Adviser on Local Community Affairs Relations
In the heart of Filipino ancestral wisdom lies a sacred tradition that continues to transform lives—Hilot. More than just a healing technique, Hilot is a spiritual calling, a way of life, and a commitment to serve others with compassion, integrity, and respect.
As the world seeks deeper, more holistic approaches to wellness, Hilot stands as a beacon of hope—reminding us that healing begins from within and is nurtured by the wisdom of our ancestors.
Why Hilot Matters Today
Modern healthcare often focuses on symptoms, but Hilot looks deeper. It recognizes that illness can stem from emotional, spiritual, and environmental imbalances. Through intuitive diagnostics like Tawas, sacred rituals, and personalized care, Hilot practitioners help individuals restore harmony in body, mind, and spirit.
But with this sacred power comes great responsibility. That’s why every Manghihilot must uphold the Hilot Code of Ethics and Healing Principles—a living covenant that guides our practice and protects those we serve.
🌿 The Hilot Code of Ethics: A Sacred Commitment
As a Manghihilot, you are not just a healer—you are a steward of life. The Code of Ethics ensures that your practice is rooted in:
Compassionate Care: Facilitating healing, not controlling it.
Respect for Individuality: Every soul is unique; every treatment is personalized.
Professional Integrity: Referring patients when conditions are beyond your scope.
Cultural Wisdom: Honoring ancestral knowledge while embracing modern insights.
Non-Discrimination: Serving all people regardless of background, identity, or status.
This code is not just a guideline—it is a spiritual vow to uphold the dignity and well-being of every person who seeks your help.
✨ Healing Principles That Guide the Manghihilot
Hilot is more than technique—it is philosophy. As a practitioner, you will learn to:
Recognize that healing begins within.
Understand that illness may be spiritual, emotional, or physical—and often all three.
Use cleansing rituals to remove the source of illness and replace it with positive energy.
Respect the natural environment as a vital part of healing.
Accept death as a transition, not an enemy, and help others live meaningfully.
These principles empower you to become a healer who not only treats symptoms but transforms lives.
🎓 Why You Should Enroll in Hilot Training
Whether you are a healthcare professional, spiritual seeker, or someone looking for a meaningful path, Hilot offers a journey of healing, purpose, and connection.
By enrolling in our Hilot training program, you will:
✅ Learn authentic Hilot techniques from certified practitioners ✅ Receive spiritual and cultural education rooted in Filipino traditions ✅ Be part of a movement to preserve and elevate Indigenous healing arts ✅ Earn credentials that recognize your role as a traditional healthcare provider ✅ Transform your life—and the lives of those you serve
🌕 Enrollment for 2026 class is Now Open!
Join the Hilot Academy of Binabaylan and become a certified Manghihilot. Let your hands be instruments of healing. Let your heart be a vessel of compassion. Let your spirit carry the wisdom of our ancestors into the future.
📩 Message us today to reserve your spot. 🌿 Limited slots available. Begin your journey now.
In the heart of Filipino culture lies a healing tradition that predates modern medicine—Hilot. More than just a massage, Hilot is a holistic approach to wellness that addresses the body, mind, and spirit. As the Philippines continues to modernize its healthcare system, there is a growing movement to reclaim and integrate Hilot into the national healthcare delivery system.
🏛️ A Legal Foundation: RA 8423
The integration of Hilot is not just a cultural aspiration—it is supported by law. Republic Act No. 8423, also known as the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act (TAMA) of 1997, mandates the promotion and integration of traditional and alternative healthcare practices into the national health system. This law led to the creation of the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC), which now oversees the certification and regulation of traditional healers, including Hilot practitioners.
🔍 Understanding the Types of Hilot
There are three primary streams of Hilot practice in the Philippines:
Hilot Binabaylan: Rooted in indigenous spirituality, this form of Hilot is passed down through oral tradition and spiritual calling. It involves rituals, energy healing, and ancestral wisdom.
TESDA Hilot: Offered as a vocational course under TESDA, this version focuses on massage therapy and wellness, preparing practitioners for work in spas and wellness centers.
PITAHC Hilot: Recognized by the Department of Health, this form integrates traditional diagnostic and healing methods with public health services, emphasizing herbal medicine, community wellness, and preventive care.
🌀 A Framework for Integration
To fully integrate Hilot into the national healthcare system, a structured approach is essential. Here’s a five-phase model:
1. Diagnostic Phase
Recognize Hilot’s traditional diagnostic methods—such as pulse reading and energy assessment—as complementary to biomedical diagnostics, especially in rural health units.
2. Cleansing Phase
Train Hilot practitioners to offer non-invasive cleansing techniques like pahid, tuob, and ventosa in barangay health centers as part of wellness and preventive care.
3. Repair Phase
Allow certified Hilot practitioners to provide therapeutic massage and herbal remedies under DOH supervision, in collaboration with PITAHC-recognized healing centers.
4. Strengthening Phase
Mobilize Hilot practitioners to lead community herbal gardens and ethnobotanical documentation, in partnership with LGUs and the Department of Agriculture.
5. Maintenance Phase
Empower Hilot practitioners to serve as health coaches, teaching traditional wellness practices, nutrition, and stress management in barangay health education programs.
🤝 Policy and Institutional Support
PITAHC’s Circular No. 01, s. 2016 provides a clear pathway for:
Certification of Hilot practitioners
Accreditation of Hilot training and healing centers
Integration into public health services
With the legal and institutional framework in place, what’s needed now is community support, local government action, and national recognition of Hilot’s value in building a healthier, more culturally grounded Philippines.
📣 Final Thoughts
Integrating Hilot into the national healthcare system is more than a policy move—it’s a cultural revival. It honors our ancestors, empowers our communities, and offers a holistic path to wellness that is uniquely Filipino.
In our Code of Ethics, we have mentioned that we are Healthcare providers whose goals consist of prevention of premature death and disability, maintenance or improvement of life, maximization of personal growth and development, and preparation for a good death.
As a manghihilot, our role is not to promise a long life to our patients. Instead, we offer something deeper—we help them embrace life fully, with all its challenges and transitions. We guide them to find comfort, meaning, and joy in every moment, no matter how difficult.
We do not see death as an enemy to be fought. Rather, we recognize it as a gentle guide—one that reminds us to live with purpose, to cherish our relationships, and to find peace in the present. In our healing practice, death is not the end, but a companion that helps us appreciate the beauty of life.
“It has been taught to us as Manghihilot, our role in caring is from the time of conception to the moment of transition from this plane of existence to the next life.”
In our tradition as Manghihilot, healing is not just a profession—it is a sacred calling. We are taught that our responsibility begins at the very start of life, even before birth, and continues until the final breath. Our care spans the entire human journey, from conception to transition, from the womb to the world beyond.
More Than Healing the Body
Our work is not limited to treating physical ailments. We are called to listen deeply—to the body, the spirit, and the emotions. We understand that true healing involves the whole person, and that pain can come not only from the body, but also from the heart and mind.
Honoring Life and Death
As Manghihilot, we do not fear death. We do not see it as something to fight or avoid. Instead, we recognize it as a natural part of life’s sacred cycle. We walk with our patients through every stage of life, including the final one, offering comfort, peace, and dignity.
A Tradition That Evolves
Our practice is rooted in the wisdom of our ancestors, but it is not stuck in the past. We continue to learn, grow, and adapt—bringing Hilot into the modern world while staying true to its spiritual essence. We believe that healing is a lifelong journey, and our presence is a gift of love and service from beginning to end.
Recently, a graduate of the Hilot Academy asked me whether we have any documented cases involving palliative care or end-of-life care within the practice of Hilot. Regretfully, I had to respond that we do not. The graduate pointed out that other traditional healing modalities have such documentation, while Hilot appears to lack it.
This absence is not due to a lack of experience or wisdom among Manghihilot, but rather a reflection of how our tradition has been preserved. Most Manghihilot have not been formally educated in colleges or universities. Their knowledge is deeply rooted in oral tradition and lived experience. They act rather than write. Their learning is carried in the mind and heart, passed down through narration and demonstration, not through modules or modern training materials.
This way of transmission is sacred and powerful, but it also means that much of our healing work remains undocumented. As we move forward, perhaps it is time to begin bridging the gap—honoring our oral traditions while also finding ways to preserve them in written form, so that future generations may continue to learn, grow, and share the wisdom of Hilot.
“In the sacred silence between life and death, the Manghihilot does not surrender—he pleads, he prays, and he offers his soul in service, asking for one more chance to heal.”
For the sake of documentation, I want to share a personal experience on how I, as a Manghihilot, have cared for a dying patient.
First and foremost, it is never our intention for a patient to die under our care. If that were the case, why would we devote time, energy, and spirit to preserving life? Our role is rooted in the belief that life is sacred and worth fighting for—even in its most fragile moments.
When a patient is facing a serious illness, it may seem that death is near. But as Manghihilot, we do not simply accept this. Instead, we plead with death—asking it to grant the patient another chance to live. It is a spiritual negotiation, a bargaining of life with death.
And if death allows the patient to stay, a promise must be made and fulfilled. This promise is not just a ritual—it is a sacred commitment to honor the life that was spared. In this way, our healing practice becomes not only physical but deeply spiritual, rooted in reverence for both life and the mystery of death.
“In the quiet moments before farewell, the Manghihilot becomes not just a healer—but a guide, preparing the soul for its sacred journey home.”
I remember my 80-year-old neighbor, Tata Piyo, who was undergoing dialysis for a kidney condition. His daughter, Ate Belen, came to me one day and asked for help in caring for her father. Despite his age and fragile condition, we chose to fight for life. As a Manghihilot, I did everything I could to ease his suffering—applying hilot pahid to relieve his pain, performing suob and paligo, and even designing a special diet to support his condition.
One day, Tata Piyo was in great pain. Ate Belen rushed to my house, asking me to attend to him. When I entered his bedroom, he looked at me and said in Tagalog, “Ihatid mo na ako.” I responded in a light-hearted way, “Where do you want me to send you? Don’t worry, when you regain your strength, we’ll go to Jollibee.” He laughed, gathering all his remaining strength, and replied, “Hindi, ihatid mo na ako sa ating Ama sa langit.”
I wasn’t prepared for those words. But I kept my composure and gently asked Ate Belen to call the rest of the family. I told them that Tata Piyo was asking to rest, and that the decision must come from them—not from me.
Together, we discussed whether to continue fighting for his life or to let him go peacefully. The family, acknowledging his age, his weakened body, and their readiness to accept his passing, decided to let him go. They remained composed, not wanting Tata Piyo to see them cry.
Everyone began preparing his clothes—underwear, socks, pants, t-shirt, and barong. I clipped his fingernails and toenails and gave him his last bed bath, ensuring he was clean and dignified for his journey.
At exactly 6:00 PM, Tata Piyo took his final breath.
This experience reminded me that as Manghihilot, our care extends beyond healing—it reaches into the sacred space between life and death. We do not just treat the body; we honor the soul. And in moments like these, we become witnesses to the most profound transitions of life.
Hilot Academy of Binabaylan 
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