A Statement on the Value and Integrity of Hilot Academy of Binabaylan

Hilot Academy of Binabaylan is a school, a center of learning, and a steward of Indigenous Filipino healing knowledge. We are not in the business of selling certificates, degrees, titles, or social status. What we offer is far more meaningful than a document or a designation.

The qualifications granted through our programs are not merely based on competency assessments or academic requirements. They represent the preservation, continuation, and responsible transmission of ancestral wisdom that has been carefully gathered, studied, practiced, and safeguarded through years of dedication and experience.

Our goal is not to produce individuals who possess impressive titles. Rather, our mission is to help form practitioners who are worthy of carrying this sacred knowledge forward. Those who complete our training are recognized not simply because they attended classes, but because they have demonstrated commitment to the discipline, values, and responsibilities entrusted to them. We seek to develop individuals who can serve as Practitioners, Lineage Bearers, and Lineage Protectors of Filipino traditional healing arts.

We deeply respect the academic degrees, professional credentials, and titles that our students have earned through their own educational and professional journeys. However, we also ask for the same respect in return. Choosing to study at Hilot Academy of Binabaylan is a voluntary decision made by individuals who recognize the value of Indigenous Filipino healing knowledge and wish to learn from it.

For this reason, we must be clear: the wisdom preserved and shared by the Academy is not a commodity to be bargained for as though one were negotiating prices in a public marketplace. Negotiation is not limited to financial matters alone. It can also involve requests that diminish the time, effort, standards, and integrity required to properly transmit this knowledge.

Many people ask whether a person can truly learn Hilot in a few hours, a day, or a weekend. This reminds me of a question once raised by Atty. Kent Almene: “Can a student genuinely acquire meaningful learning in one or two hours of instruction? Or even in one or two days?” Certainly, some knowledge may be gained. A person can be introduced to concepts, techniques, and basic practices. However, true proficiency, mastery, and responsible application require much more. They are cultivated through consistent study, disciplined practice, mentorship, reflection, and time.

No authentic healing tradition can be fully transmitted through shortcuts.

This principle is recognized not only by Hilot Academy but also by government accreditation and regulatory bodies. Institutions such as TESDA and PITAHC establish standards, regulations, and training requirements because meaningful education demands structure, accountability, and adequate learning hours. While Hilot Academy of Binabaylan operates as an independent and autonomous educational institution and ministry of Luntiang Aghama, we likewise uphold our own academic and professional standards.

The programs offered by the Academy have undergone numerous revisions and improvements over the years. Our curriculum continues to evolve to ensure that our students receive comprehensive instruction that meets both traditional expectations and modern educational standards. We do not reduce requirements simply for convenience, nor do we compromise quality in exchange for speed.

The purpose of Hilot Academy has never been driven by money. If financial gain were our primary objective, we would offer quick certifications, lower standards, and promise instant recognition. We choose not to do that because such practices would betray the very traditions we have committed ourselves to preserve.

Just as authentic Hilot is founded upon service, dedication, discipline, and responsibility, authentic learning requires the same qualities from the student.

At Hilot Academy of Binabaylan, what matters most is not how much a person can pay, how many titles they already possess, or how quickly they wish to complete the program. What matters is their willingness to learn, their commitment to the discipline, their respect for the lineage, and their dedication to preserving and serving the healing traditions of our ancestors.

These standards are not negotiable. They exist not to exclude people, but to honor the knowledge we have inherited and to ensure that it is passed on responsibly to future generations.

In the end, we do not confer value through titles alone. We affirm trust, responsibility, competence, cultural stewardship, and commitment. These are the true credentials of a Hilot Binabaylan.

The Anatomy of a Traditional Practice Covenant: Honor, Heritage, and the Law

When you graduate from a conventional university, you walk away with a degree, a cap, and a clear path toward state licensure. But what happens when you graduate from an academy dedicated to ancient, lineage-based healing methods?

In institutions teaching ancestral arts like Hilot Binabaylan, graduation looks a bit different. Graduates often sign a document called a Practice Covenant. While it reads like a deeply formal contract, its purpose, legal status, and boundaries are unique.

Let’s break down exactly what these traditional agreements mean, why violating them is not a crime, and how Philippine law actually protects this rich cultural heritage.

What is a “Practice Covenant”?

A Practice Covenant is a voluntary agreement between a traditional training academy and its graduates. Rather than acting as a standard corporate employment contract, it serves as a moral compass and a spiritual bond.

The primary goal of the agreement is stewardship. It ensures that the practitioner handles ancestral healing knowledge with respect, integrity, and cultural accuracy.

The typical covenant centers around five core pillars:

Ancestral Honor: Committing to preserve the cultural and traditional roots of the practice.
Ethical Practice: Promising to use the knowledge exclusively for healing and never for exploitation or harm.
Spiritual Alignment: Viewing the craft as a holistic calling tied deeply to nature and community.
Community Service: Pledging to support those in need and help others connect with their cultural roots.
Lifelong Mentorship: Maintaining an active link to the academy for continuous education and community gathering.

The Legal Reality: Breaking the Covenant is NOT a Crime

Because these documents use serious legal and formal language, a common point of confusion arises: If a practitioner breaks one of these rules, are they breaking the law?

The short answer is no.

Under the statutory laws of the land, an internal organizational covenant carries absolutely zero criminal liability. Because this is an internal ethical and spiritual code, failing to live up to its standards will never result in:

Police intervention or criminal records
Lawsuits in public, civil courts
Government fines or jail time

How Is It Enforced?

Accountability remains strictly internal and institutional. If a practitioner behaves unethically or violates the spirit of the tradition, the academy relies on community-based remedies:

Spiritual Counsel: Offering peer guidance to correct the practitioner’s course.
Healing Intervention: Peer-led remediation to address behavioral issues.
Withdrawal of Recognition: The academy’s ultimate recourse. They possess the legal right to strip the individual of their institutional titles, official certifications, and endorsement within their professional healing network.

Ultimately, the practitioner remains a free citizen under civil law. They can switch careers or walk away from the practice at any moment without facing legal penalties.

How Philippine Law Protects Traditional Healers: The TAMA Act (RA 8423)

You might wonder how an academy has the right to issue these titles and agreements in the first place. The answer lies in a landmark piece of legislation: Republic Act No. 8423, also known as the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act (TAMA) of 1997.

Authored by Senator Juan Flavier, the TAMA Act completely changed how the Philippine government views indigenous healing systems. It protects and legitimizes practices like Hilot through several key mechanisms:

1. Creation of PITAHC

The law established the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC), an attached agency of the Department of Health (DOH). PITAHC is specifically tasked with respecting, promoting, and integrating traditional medicine into the national healthcare delivery system.

2. Ownership of Indigenous Knowledge

The TAMA Act explicitly recognizes that indigenous societies own their traditional medical knowledge. The state provides a legally workable basis to ensure that outsiders cannot exploit ancestral recipes, rituals, or healing systems without permission, recognition, and proper financial sharing with the community.

3. Protection, Not Criminalization

As long as traditional or spiritual healing is performed in a safe, responsible, and non-deceptive manner, RA 8423 ensures it is fully legal. It acknowledges that spiritual and natural remedies are a vital part of primary healthcare, especially in rural areas with limited access to modern hospitals.

(Note: The law only steps in if a practitioner claims they can “cure all diseases,” explicitly misleads people, or stops critically ill patients from seeking emergency hospital care.)

The Takeaway

An organizational practice covenant is a beautiful bridge between ancient tradition and modern administrative structure. It provides traditional academies a way to protect the purity of their lineage while keeping accountability purely within their own community walls. Backed by the TAMA Act, it allows indigenous healing systems to thrive legally, responsibly, and respectfully.

What are your thoughts on traditional covenants versus standard state licensing? Let us know in the comments below!

The Role of Cultural Bearers in Hilot Healing

Social Media like Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok and YouTube are platforms I use to share my thoughts. Though these are content creation platforms that an individual use to share their creation. These platform always advice to update your tax information to be monetize, provide what viewers want to become viral and trending, and follow certain rules of engagement.

But with all of that I would say, I am not a content creator nor a social media influencer and i may not be also worthy to be a Vlogger or Blogger at all. I am just a mere Manghihilot that has a desire to share what I know in order to preserve our Culture and Tradition.

I do not push everyone to like me nor love me or whatever terms that is appropriate. When i learn to use AI like Microsoft CoPilot, Google Gemini I employ them so that it could help me write perfect post.

Now, I am just relying on my own words not polished by any AI to write this post. So, I apologize if this writing sound bad.

But to continue to what I want to express here is, I want to talk about being a Cultural Bearing on which as someone who actively inherits, practices, safeguards, and transmits the intangible cultural heritage—such as traditional knowledge, arts, languages, beliefs, and customs—of a community to future generations. And that I believe who I am instead of claiming to myself as content creator, social media influencer, digital publisher, online personality, blogger, vlogger, podcaster, etc.

What I bear is the medicine of our Ancestor which is Hilot. And through Hilot it opened up to me to rediscover our very own spirituality. And through my dedication, i was able to retrieve our Sacred Ancestral Indigenous Filipino Healing Arts and Science which we call as Hilot Binabaylan. Now, this wisdom will not be lost to forgottenness, as long as I live. And teaching it was my means to preserve this knowledge so as in writing articles here and to all the websites that I personally manage. With this, I personally secure domain names and websites at my own cost, which are the landasnglahi.com, hilotacademy.com, anituhan.org, and FilipinoMagick here at BuyMeaCoffee.com. I may sound or look greedy by obtaining these domains. But my intention is to secure our Ancestral Presence visible online in this Virtual, Digital World and Heritage Sphere. Even when I die, this digital personality may remain. Though to be honest I am not sure about that. Aside from these digital platforms, I have written books which is copy righted until 50 years after my death. But most important is, I have taught the lessons and initiated and ordained people to do the work that i am doing.

MY LINEAGE

As a Cultural Bearer, I bear the Culture that been Cultivated in me. And that Cultivation started at Home. The Culture I bear, is the Culture that been Cultivated to me by my Parents, Grandparents, Uncle and Aunts who are my Elders. So, I could say that it is my Maternal and Paternal Grandparents starts the cultivation in me on which I honorably call and mention their names here. To my Maternal Grandparents, Tranquilino Dela Torre Gomez and Loreta Payco vda. De Gomez, and to my Paternal Grandparents Diomedes Paqueo Comon and Valencia Dolar Comon, to my Parents Roland Dolar Comon and Raquel Payco Gomez. They are my bloodline lineage, the people who lovingly raised and guided me from an early age, shaping who I am through their care and the experiences we shared together.

NON-FAMILY LINEAGE

I would also like to honor my non-family mentor, Dr. Rueben M. Galang Jr, Teacher and Curriculum Developer of the School of Alterntive Medicine at St. Francis Divine College. HIs Guidance and dedication played a significant role in shaping our understanding and practice of Alternative Medicine.

After his passing, Sir Arnel Belenzo and I continued the work and vision of our beloved teacher, striving to carry forward the knowledge he shared with us. In time, this journey led me to establish my own institution, the Hilot Academy of Binabaylan, dedicated to preserving, promoting, and advancing the healing tradition of our Ancestors.

Many of the individuals shown in this photograph have gone on to establish their own schools and training programs, contributing to the growth of traditional and complementary healing in their respective communities. Some have since crossed over to the realms of the ancestors, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and guide those who follow in their footsteps.

OUR HILOT BINABAYLAN LINEAGE

Hilot Academy of Binabaylan is the fruit of both ancestral cultivation and academic formation. It is where family heritage, lived experience, traditional wisdom, and scholarly learning converge to create a living lineage of healing, service, and cultural stewardship.

AS CULTURAL BEARER

I hold sacred the teachings entrusted to me by my ancestors and the wisdom generously shared by my teachers. Through years of personal research, community immersion, and service as a TESDA-accredited Trainer and Assessor for Hilot Wellness Massage NC II, I came to understand that the true strength of Hilot lies not in a single system of knowledge, but in the collective wisdom of the people.

As a trainer and assessor, I did not see myself as the sole source of knowledge. Instead, I listened first. I observed the practices, stories, and healing traditions that students brought from their families and communities. Before teaching, I learned from them. Before assessing, I documented the knowledge they had inherited.

While many of these practices fell outside government standards, I recognized them as valuable expressions of our cultural memory and healing heritage. Rather than allowing them to disappear, I preserved them through documentation, reflection, and continued study.

By weaving together, the wisdom of my ancestors, the guidance of my teachers, and the traditional knowledge shared by countless healers across the Philippines, I developed the foundations of what would later become the Hilot Academy of Binabaylan. It is a living lineage where ancestral cultivation, community knowledge, and academic formation converge in the service of healing, cultural preservation, and future generations.

Today, as a Cultural Bearer, I remain committed to preserving the lineage of knowledge entrusted to me through my ancestors, teachers, and the communities from whom I have learned. Along this journey, I have encountered individuals who, after receiving teachings, choose to claim the knowledge solely as their own and distance themselves from the lineage and community that nurtured their growth. Others pursue training primarily for titles or recognition, yet do not continue the practice or embody the responsibilities that come with the tradition.

While these choices sadden me, I respect each person’s path. My sadness comes from seeing individuals disconnect themselves from the very source that helped shape their understanding. To me, a lineage is more than a collection of techniques or information. It is a living relationship built upon gratitude, mentorship, service, and the continuous transmission of wisdom from one generation to the next.

Throughout my study of ancient Asian and Indigenous healing traditions, I have observed a deep respect for teachers, elders, and lineages. Knowledge is not viewed merely as a commodity to be acquired, but as a sacred trust to be cultivated, practiced, and passed on with integrity. The bond between teacher and student often continues long after formal instruction has ended.

In contrast, modern society sometimes promotes the idea that once a person graduates or receives a credential, they no longer need to maintain a relationship with those who guided their learning. While independence and personal growth are important, I believe that true mastery is rooted in humility and lifelong learning.

Hilot, as a Traditional Filipino Medicine and healing art, is a lifelong journey. No one ever truly finishes learning. Even medical doctors, despite completing years of formal education and professional training, continue their studies, engage in continuing education, and often maintain relationships with their mentors, institutions, and professional communities. In the same way, the practice of Hilot calls us to remain students throughout our lives while honoring the lineage, teachers, communities, and ancestors who have made our learning possible.

For me, the preservation of Hilot Binabaylan is not only about safeguarding techniques. It is about preserving relationships, gratitude, memory, and lineage so that future generations may know where the teachings came from and continue to carry them forward with respect and integrity.

The Filipino Chakra System: How Ancient “7-Soul” Anatomy and Pag-uukom Can Heal Modern Mental Health

For decades, the global wellness movement has looked to the East for answers to emotional burnout, trauma, and anxiety. Millions of people routinely discuss clearing their Chakras, moving their Prana, or adopting an Ayurvedic diet.

But while these systems are beautiful and ancient traditions deeply rooted in India, they often feel like an imported, foreign vocabulary to the modern Filipino.

What if the answers to our emotional and psychological struggles didn’t require borrowing foreign concepts? What if our ancestors already mapped out a highly sophisticated, localized subtle energy body—a native “Filipino Chakra System”—designed specifically to diagnose and treat the human mind, body, and spirit?

By looking into the traditional beliefs of indigenous groups like the Mamanwa people and analyzing the core DNA of the Filipino language, we can piece together a powerful, decolonized framework for mental health and holistic healing.

Reclaiming the Subtle Body: The 7 Facets of the Filipino Soul

Unlike Western models that view the mind as a machine or Indian systems that view energy as spinning wheels along the spine, traditional Filipino cosmology views human consciousness as a collective family of seven distinct soul-facets.

Housed within the overarching vessel of our astral twin—the Dungan—these seven facets act as spiritual co-workers. When they are aligned, we experience complete vitality (Ginhawa). When they are fractured, shocked, or displaced, we fall into specific states of mental, emotional, or physical illness.

By mapping the natural vocabulary of Filipino awareness, we reveal our native energy centers and their pathological opposites:

                  [ 7. ISIP ]  ----------> Defect: Tanga / Tulala
                       |
                 [ 6. ALAALA ] ----------> Defect: Kalimot / Ulyanin
                       |
               [ 5. BAIT/KATINUAN ] ----> Defect: Sira / Nawala sa Katinuan
                       |
                  [ 4. ALAM ]  ----------> Defect: Mangmang
                       |
                 [ 3. MALAY ]  ----------> Defect: Baliw
                       |
                 [ 2. MUWANG ] ----------> Defect: Buwang
                       |
                [ 1. ULIRAT ]  ----------> Defect: Inutil

1. Ulirat (The Sensory Soul)

The Energy: Your physical alertness and sensory connection to the immediate present.
The Sickness (Inutil): When Ulirat is severed, the body becomes inert, paralyzed, or vegetative—present in form but completely unresponsive to the environment.

2. Muwang (The Innocent Instinct)

The Energy: Your primordial, instinctual knowing, pure gut intuition, and childlike emotional center.
The Sickness (Buwang): When Muwang is shattered by deep trauma or shock, a person becomes buwang—acting wildly erratic, chaotic, and ungrounded.

3. Malay (The Perceptive Soul)

The Energy: Active, cognitive awareness; knowing who you are, where you are, and awakening to your social identity.
The Sickness (Baliw): If a terrifying experience causes the Malay to flee, a person becomes baliw—completely detached from shared reality and experiencing spiritual disorientation.

4. Alam (The Cognitive Soul)

The Energy: The accumulator of wisdom, skills, memory, and learned capabilities.
The Sickness (Mangmang): A closing of this energy center results in being mangmang—an inability to process lessons, adapt, or absorb knowledge.

5. Bait / Katinuan (The Moral Soul)

The Energy: Your ethical compass, reason, sanity, and capacity for kabutihang-loob (inner goodness).
The Sickness (Sira ang Bait): A total collapse of empathy, conscience, and moral grounding, leading to malicious or unhinged sociopathic behavior.

6. Alaala (The Memorial Soul)

The Energy: Your connection to your past, your personal narrative, and the ancestral line.
The Sickness (Kalimot / Ulyanin): A severed link to time, resulting in severe forgetfulness, amnesia, or dementia—floating through life without a historical anchor.

7. Isip (The Higher Mind)

The Energy: The crowning zenith of intellect, critical strategy, execution, and divine willpower.
The Sickness (Tanga / Tulala): A weak or stagnant Isip leaves a person in a cognitive fog, deeply gullible, easily manipulated, and unable to find direction.

Pag-uukom: The Rational Science of Filipino Diagnostic Judgment

In Western medicine, a practitioner runs blood tests to form a diagnosis. In modern wellness, a healer might scan your aura. In traditional Filipino healing (Hilot and Panambal), the clinical protocol follows a highly logical, step-by-step process of investigation, evaluation, and judgment called Pag-uukom.

Derived from the root word hukom (to judge or pass a verdict), Pag-uukom is the formal spiritual and psychological diagnosis. A traditional healer (Manghihilot or Babaylan) acts as an objective cosmic judge who uses specific investigative tools to determine exactly which of the seven souls has been compromised:

The Investigation (Tawas or Pasubay): The healer uses diagnostic rituals like Pagtatawas (pouring wax or reading elements in water) or Pasubay (the physical and ancestral tracing of pulse points, known as himulso). They trace the timeline of the illness back to its energetic root.
The Analysis: The healer evaluates the findings. Is the body experiencing an elemental imbalance of heat and cold (init/lamig)? Has a boundary been crossed? Which specific soul-facet has wandered away?
The Judgment (Pag-uukom): The healer passes the definitive verdict. They do not just treat symptoms; they declare the spiritual reality (e.g., “The patient is experiencing severe anxiety because their Malay was startled and has lost its way”).
The Treatment Plan: With the judgment finalized, a targeted treatment plan is executed to affect a true cure. Physical blockages are cleared using Hilot massage to reset the ugat (energy lines), elemental balances are restored with local herbal medicine (halamang gamot), and the scattered soul is called back home through Suob (smoke clearing) and Orasyon (spoken charms).

Bringing the Souls Back Home: The Future of Pinoy Mental Health

When we look at mental health through this indigenous lens, the stigma of emotional illness completely dissolves. A person suffering from severe depression or a psychological breakdown is not “broken” or permanently defective; they are simply experiencing a fragmentation of their spiritual companions. They are suffering from a loss of Ginhawa.

The ultimate goal of traditional Filipino healing is never just “coping”—it is Pagsasauli (The Return) or Pagbabalik (The Homecoming). It is the gentle, loving act of calling all seven scattered parts of your consciousness back into your physical vessel until you are entirely buo (whole) once again.

By embracing our own native framework of the seven souls and the rigorous diagnostic wisdom of Pag-uukom, we can provide deeply resonant, culturally safe support for emotional and mental well-being. It is time to look inward, speak our own language of healing, and welcome our wandering souls back home.

From Babaylan to Modern Biomedicine: Reimagining Mental Health through the Filipino Soul

For decades, we have looked at conditions like depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and autism strictly through a Western, clinical lens. We talk about chemical imbalances, neural pathways, and diagnostic manuals. But long before European ships arrived on our shores, our ancestors were already navigating the deep complexities of human behavior, mood shifts, and neurodivergence.

They did not have words like “psychiatry” or “neurodevelopmental,” yet they had a sophisticated, deeply empathetic system for understanding the mind and the spirit.

By looking back at our pre-colonial past, we can bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and modern science, discovering how traditional practices like Hilot Binabaylan can work hand-in-hand with modern medicine today.

1. The Pre-Colonial View: Harmony, Spirit, and Community

In the pre-colonial Philippines, health was not an individual asset; it was a collective state of being. Life was dictated by kapwa (shared identity), kalikasan (nature), and the spirit world. Our ancestors did not view psychological distress or alternative ways of thinking as biological “defects.” Instead, they framed them through spiritual harmony or disharmony.

Here is how the traits of modern mental health conditions were understood and responded to by pre-colonial communities:

Depression and Anxiety (Gupiling or Soul Loss): Intense grief, worry, or trauma were often seen as a state where the kaluluwa (soul) had wandered off or been startled away from the body. It could also mean a person had accidentally offended an engkanto (nature spirit), causing a heavy, anxious cloud to settle over them.
Bipolar Disorder (The Shamanic Calling): Sudden, extreme shifts between deep melancholy and high-energy, ecstatic states were rarely feared. Instead, someone who spoke to unseen beings, sang erratically, or entered deep, trance-like states was often viewed as experiencing sapi (spirit possession) or receiving a calling to become a Babaylan (shaman).
ADHD and Autism (Natural Variations in Character): In a society focused on tribal survival, diverse skills were highly valued. There were no rigid, standardized corporate offices or classrooms. A person with hyper-focus (Autism) might become a master craftsman or weaver. A person with high energy and hyper-awareness (ADHD) might excel as a specialized hunter or gatherer. They were simply integrated into roles that matched their natural traits.

The Ancestral Treatment: Rituals of Reconnection

When someone’s spirit was broken or imbalanced, the village did not isolate them. The Babaylan would step in to conduct rituals. They used herbal baths, chanting, and community feasts to appease the spirits and gently entice the wandering soul back into the body. Healing was a communal event designed to bring the individual back into the fold of the tribe.

2. The Modern Era: Biomedical Intervention and Treatment

As the centuries progressed through Spanish and American colonization, the Western medical framework took root. Today, the global scientific community recognizes these conditions as distinct neurobiological, genetic, or psychosocial dysfunctions. Modern medicine treats them using rigorous, evidence-based interventions:

Pharmaceuticals: Medications like Antidepressants (SSRIs) for depression/anxiety, Mood Stabilizers (like Lithium) for bipolar disorder, and Stimulants for ADHD help regulate neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. They stabilize the biological “thermostat” of the brain.
Evidence-Based Therapies: Practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) help individuals reframe negative thought patterns, while specialized interventions like Occupational Therapy (OT) and Speech Therapy assist neurodivergent individuals (such as those on the autism spectrum) in navigating sensory processing and communication.

Modern medicine provides the clinical precision and biochemical support necessary to manage severe symptoms, prevent crises, and help individuals function in a fast-paced, modern world.

3. The Bridge: How Hilot Binabaylan Can Help Today

Can an ancient practice coexist with modern psychiatry? Absolutely. Hilot Binabaylan—formally recognized by the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC)—is far more than a physical massage [↑]. It is a holistic healing science that targets the intersections of the physical, emotional, and energetic bodies.

When used as a complementary, supportive care system alongside modern medical treatment, Hilot offers profound benefits:

Calming the Nervous System

Chronic anxiety and depression cause the physical body to hoard stress, tightening the muscles, veins (urat), and tendons (pennet). A skilled manghihilot uses physical manipulation and warming herbal oils to release this physical trauma. This process lowers cortisol (stress hormone) levels and grounds an overstimulated mind.

Regulating Moods and Energies

In traditional medicine, bipolar cycles can be viewed as extreme shifts between “hot” (pasingaw) and “cold” (lamig) bodily energies. Hilot focuses on clearing energetic blocks to restore equilibrium. Furthermore, the deep relaxation induced by Hilot improves circulation and promotes better sleep, which is critical for preventing manic or depressive episodes.

Sensory Soothing for Neurodivergence

For individuals with ADHD or Autism, the world can be an overwhelming sensory minefield. The predictable, deep-pressure touch of an authentic Hilot session acts much like a weighted blanket. It helps organize the nervous system, reduces physical restlessness, and provides a safe, quiet environment to unwind without the pressure of verbal communication.

Embracing a Whole-Soul Approach to Healing

We do not have to choose between the science of the future and the wisdom of our ancestors. The safest, most empowering path forward is a beautifully blended approach:

Use Modern Medicine to stabilize brain chemistry, manage acute clinical symptoms, and learn cognitive coping strategies.
Embrace Hilot Binabaylan to release physical trauma from your muscles, soothe your nervous system, and reconnect with your cultural roots and spiritual peace.

By honoring both the laboratory and the ritual, we can build a deeply compassionate framework for mental health—one that heals the brain, respects the body, and feeds the unique Filipino soul.

If you enjoyed exploring this intersection of history and healing, let me know what caught your attention! Would you like to read a deep-dive blog post into specific indigenous herbs used for mental calming, or learn more about how modern Filipino psychologists combine culture and science?

OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

Hilot Binabaylan Council Inc. Is Now Officially Registered

The Hilot Binabaylan community is pleased to announce that Hilot Binabaylan Council Inc. has officially received its Certificate of Incorporation from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on 20 July 2026 and has successfully completed its registration with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) as a Non-Stock, Non-Profit Organization.

This milestone marks the formal establishment of the first professional, educational, accrediting, and lineage-preserving council dedicated specifically to the protection, preservation, and advancement of the Hilot Binabaylan tradition.

The Council was established to serve as a professional home for practitioners, mentors, healers, educators, researchers, and advocates committed to Indigenous Filipino Healing Arts and Sciences.

Our Mission

The Hilot Binabaylan Council Inc. exists to:

Preserve and protect the integrity of the Hilot Binabaylan lineage;
Establish ethical and professional standards for practitioners;
Provide licensure, certification, accreditation, and professional recognition;
Develop competent practitioners and future leaders;
Support research, cultural preservation, and community wellness;
Strengthen the transmission of Indigenous Filipino Healing Arts and Sciences to future generations.

Why Become a Member?

Membership in the Council provides the opportunity to belong to an international community dedicated to the advancement of Hilot Binabaylan.

Benefits of Membership

✅ Official recognition within the Hilot Binabaylan professional community

✅ Access to licensure and professional advancement pathways

✅ Eligibility for recognition as a Licensed Hilot Binabaylan Practitioner

✅ Opportunity to advance toward Hilot Tanglaw Mentor recognition

✅ Eligibility for future advancement toward Hilot Doctor recognition

✅ Participation in continuing education, training programs, seminars, and conferences

✅ Access to mentorship and professional development opportunities

✅ Inclusion in the Council’s official registry of recognized members

✅ Eligibility to participate in governance, elections, and organizational development

✅ Opportunities to contribute to research, cultural preservation, and community initiatives

✅ Access to international networking and leadership opportunities

✅ Participation in the preservation and advancement of Indigenous Filipino Healing Arts and Sciences

Professional Development Pathway

The Council recognizes a pathway of growth and leadership:

Student Member
↓
Licensed Hilot Practitioner
↓
Hilot Tanglaw Mentor (Lineage Bearer)
↓
Hilot Doctor (Lineage Protector)
↓
Trustee (Guardian of the Council)

This pathway supports the development of future practitioners, educators, mentors, researchers, and organizational leaders.

Invitation

We warmly invite:

Hilot Practitioners
Traditional Healers
Healthcare Professionals
Researchers
Educators
Students
Indigenous Culture Advocates
Community Leaders
Supporters of Filipino Healing Traditions

to become part of this historic movement.

Together, let us preserve the lineage, uphold professional standards, and advance Indigenous Filipino Healing Arts and Sciences for the benefit of present and future generations.

Organizational Motto

“Preserving the Lineage. Upholding the Standards. Advancing the Healing Tradition.”

For membership inquiries, accreditation information, and organizational updates, please contact the Hilot Binabaylan Council Inc.

Declaration

The Hilot Binabaylan Council Inc. stands as a steward of tradition, a guardian of standards, and a home for those called to preserve and advance the healing wisdom of our ancestors.

Welcome to the Hilot Binabaylan Council Inc.

Bridging Tradition and Science: The Art of Finger Poking Diagnosis (Tudluan) Using Black Coral

In traditional energy medicine, each finger serves as a gateway to the cosmos, representing the five great elements:

Thumb: Spirit (Ether)
Forefinger: Fire
Middle Finger: Air
Ring Finger: Water
Pinky Finger: Earth

When an imbalance or “blockage” (bara) exists within an element, the Black Coral pendant acts as a conductor, reacting physically by becoming heavy, throbbing, or generating intense heat.

While this practice holds deep spiritual roots, modern science and medicine offer an equally profound explanation for why these intense physical sensations occur at the fingertips during a session. Here is how the worlds of folk healing and anatomy collide.

The Conductor: Why Black Coral?

Before diving into human anatomy, we must look at the tool itself. True Banaog (Black Coral) is a highly dense, organic marine material. Because it is incredibly compact and naturally rich in organic oils, it does not absorb water or decay easily. It possesses an excellent thermal and tactile conductivity. This means any minute change in human skin temperature, sweat, or pressure is immediately amplified by the coral, making it the perfect tool for a sensitive practitioner.

The Psychological & Neurological Reflexes

When a practitioner presses the Black Coral against a client’s finger, the physical reactions felt—such as sudden warmth, a “magnetic” heaviness, or a sudden twitch—can be mapped directly to human psychology and neurology.

1. Galvanic Skin Response (GSR)

The human autonomic nervous system controls our stress, anxiety, and emotional responses through the sympathetic branch. The fingertips contain one of the highest concentrations of eccrine sweat glands and nerve endings in the entire body.

When a client is anxious, in pain, or deeply focused during a diagnosis, their nervous system triggers microscopic amounts of moisture to release from these glands. Even if the skin looks dry, this micro-sweat changes the skin’s electrical conductance. When the dense Black Coral touches this moisture, it alters the friction and thermal trap between the skin and the object. This creates a sudden sensation of heaviness or warmth, indicating emotional or physical stress in the patient.

2. The Ideomotor Phenomenon

Folk healing requires immense mental focus and deep connection between the healer and the patient. This focus can trigger the Ideomotor Phenomenon—a scientifically proven psychological reaction where the brain signals the muscles to make microscopic, involuntary movements (unconscious micro-movements) based on an expectation.

Because an experienced healer subconsciously picks up on the patient’s body language, breathing, and facial tension, the healer’s hand might subtly shift its grip, angle, or pressure on the coral. This micro-adjustment is felt by both the healer and patient as a sudden throb, prick, or pulse from the wood, which traditional arts interpret as the element “speaking.”

The Medical Reality of Energetic “Blockages”

In Hilot, a cold, numb, or painful reaction in a specific finger indicates a blockage (bara). In modern medicine, these exact symptoms in the fingertips are primary indicators of underlying neurological and cardiovascular conditions.

1. Peripheral Neuropathy (Nerve Damage)

Our fingertips are packed with delicate nerve endings. If a patient suffers from underlying issues like high blood sugar (Diabetes), Vitamin B deficiencies, or chronic nerve compression, they may develop Peripheral Neuropathy.

Damaged nerves send erratic, hyper-sensitive electrical signals to the brain. When the hard, dense Black Coral presses against a finger with neuropathy, it can trigger an immediate sharp pain, tingling, or “electric shock” sensation, perfectly aligning with the traditional diagnosis of a severe elemental blockage.

2. Poor Blood Circulation

A “cold” blockage or a lack of energy response in a finger often points to poor blood circulation. Conditions like Raynaud’s Phenomenon or narrowed arteries cause the blood vessels in the fingers to spasm and constrict, drastically reducing blood flow.

When the coral touches these specific fingers, the skin is naturally much colder and less responsive, and it rapidly siphons the warmth away from the healer’s hand. Medicine views this as poor vascular health, while tradition views it as a lack of vital life force (isang nanunuyo o malamig na bara).

3. Somatoform and Stress-Related Disorders

The mind and body are intrinsically linked. When individuals suffer from severe emotional trauma, chronic anxiety, or unexpressed depression, the brain often translates this mental anguish into very real physical symptoms—a condition known as a somatoform disorder.

These patients constantly live in a “fight-or-flight” state, causing rapid heart rates, shallow breathing, and erratic hand temperatures. During a Tudluan session, their highly sensitive nervous system reacts intensely to the touch of the coral, manifesting as a profound energetic imbalance across the elements.

Conclusion: Two Sides of the Same Coin

Understanding the science behind Tudluan does not diminish the magic or historical value of traditional Filipino healing. Instead, it validates it.

Ancient healers did not have access to modern neurological equipment, yet they intuitively understood that the fingertips were the map to a person’s inner health. By using Black Coral as a physical diagnostic amplifier, practitioners were—and still are—successfully detecting real, physical markers of stress, circulatory issues, and nerve sensitivity.

By combining the spiritual comfort of traditional Hilot with the awareness of modern medicine, folk practices can safely continue to provide holistic comfort, stress relief, and early warnings for those seeking balance in a chaotic world.

Hilot: My Journey from Healing Hands to a Global Movement

There are moments in life when a calling begins so quietly that we do not realize how far it will take us.

When I first began practicing Hilot, I never imagined that it would one day bring me across oceans, connect me with Filipinos around the world, and open doors to rediscovering the ancient wisdom of our ancestors. I simply saw people in need of healing and responded with my hands, my heart, and my commitment to service.

What began as a desire to help others gradually became a lifelong quest—one that continues to this day.

The Quest for Legitimacy

One of my earliest goals was to ensure that Hilot would be recognized as a legitimate healing profession. I wanted the people I served to feel confident that they were receiving care from a practitioner who had undergone formal training and government-recognized competency assessment.

This led me to earn my National Certification through TESDA, providing professional recognition for my practice and assuring clients that my skills met established standards.

The journey did not stop there.

TESDA saw my abilities and credentials and eventually accredited me as a Trainer and Assessor in Hilot Wellness Massage. Becoming a TESDA-accredited trainer changed everything for me. It allowed me to move beyond healing people one by one.

I was now able to multiply myself.

Every student I trained became another pair of healing hands. Every practitioner I certified became another person capable of bringing comfort, wellness, and hope to communities in need.

Bringing Hilot Beyond the Philippines

In 2011, I established the Philippine Japan Hilot Association and began training Japanese students in the practice of Hilot.

For the first time, I witnessed our indigenous healing tradition crossing cultural and national boundaries.

What was once considered a local healing art was proving itself to be a universal language of wellness.

Years later, in 2016, I officially established the Hilot Academy of Binabaylan. The academy was created not merely as a school but as a living bridge connecting Filipinos in the diaspora to their ancestral heritage.

I observed that many Filipinos born or raised abroad longed for a deeper connection to their roots. Hilot became the answer.

Hilot as a Bridge

Hilot is more than a healing modality.

It is a bridge.

Through Hilot, Filipinos around the world reconnect with the wisdom, values, and traditions of their ancestors. They rediscover the cultural identity that colonialism, migration, and time have sometimes obscured.

Students come seeking healing techniques but often leave with something much deeper—a renewed understanding of who they are as Filipinos.

They learn that our ancestors possessed sophisticated systems of health and wellness that integrated body, mind, spirit, family, community, and nature.

Hilot reminds us that our heritage is not something buried in the past.

It is alive.

Hilot as a Door

At the same time, Hilot has become a door.

As I continued teaching and researching, the practice led me to rediscover Indigenous Filipino Spirituality—the worldview that shaped our ancestors’ understanding of health and wellbeing.

Our ancestors recognized that human wellness extends beyond the physical body.

True healing occurs when the physical body exists in harmony with the spiritual body.

This understanding led me deeper into the study of the Diwata, Engkanto, and Anito; the indigenous spiritual traditions of our people; our sacred relationship with nature; and the healing wisdom passed down through generations.

The more I learned, the more I realized that Hilot was never merely about manipulating muscles or relieving pain.

It was about restoring harmony.

Carrying Filipino Heritage Across the World

Whenever I travel to teach Hilot outside the Philippines, I do not bring only a healing technique.

I bring an entire cultural heritage.

I share the stories of the Diwata, Engkanto, and Anito.

I teach students to read and write Baybayin, our precolonial writing system.

I introduce the significance of the Malong and the cultural connections that unite the peoples of Southeast Asia.

I share our indigenous understanding of healing, spirituality, and community.

In doing so, students discover that Hilot is not simply a method.

It is a living tradition.

More Than Knowledge—A Living Lineage

People often ask what makes Hilot Binabaylan different.

The answer is simple.

People do not come to us merely to learn techniques.

They come to reconnect with a lineage.

What they receive is not only knowledge but an invitation to participate in the ongoing revival of our ancestral healing arts and sciences.

The value of the training is not found solely in the modality itself.

It is found in the commitment to preserve, practice, and pass on the wisdom of our ancestors for future generations.

Every cohort becomes part of a growing movement dedicated to ensuring that the sacred knowledge of Filipino healing traditions remains alive, relevant, and respected in the modern world.

The Journey Continues

Today, my quest remains unfinished.

I continue to advocate for broader recognition of Hilot—not only in the Philippines but throughout the world. I dream of a future where Hilot is recognized alongside other respected traditional healing systems and where Filipino Indigenous Healing Arts and Sciences receive the honor they deserve.

But more importantly, I dream of a future where our descendants will never again have to search for their roots because those roots have remained alive and strong.

The journey continues.

And I invite you to become part of it.

Experience Hilot at Its Source

The Philippines is more than a destination. It is the homeland of Hilot.

If you desire an authentic experience of Filipino Indigenous Healing Arts and Sciences, we invite you to study directly at the Hilot Academy of Binabaylan.

Come and learn from experienced practitioners.

Come and immerse yourself in the living traditions of our ancestors.

Come and discover Hilot not merely as a technique, but as a complete system of healing, culture, spirituality, and identity.

Learn: ✅ Traditional Hilot Practice
✅ Indigenous Filipino Healing Philosophy
✅ Baybayin Writing System
✅ Filipino Cultural Heritage
✅ Indigenous Spirituality and Wellness
✅ The Living Traditions of the Binabaylan

Whether you are a healthcare practitioner, wellness professional, spiritual seeker, educator, or a Filipino in the diaspora longing to reconnect with your roots, the Hilot Academy of Binabaylan welcomes you.

Answer the call of your ancestors.

Visit the Philippines. Learn from the source. Become part of the revival of the Filipino Healing Arts and Sciences.

Enroll Today

Hilot Academy of Binabaylan
Preserving the Past. Healing the Present. Inspiring the Future.

Come home to your heritage. Come home to Hilot.

JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 2026-07-04: A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF TEMPLONG ANITUHAN INC. AND BAHAY SIADTALA BINABAYLAN INC. ESTABLISHING A NEW EDUCATIONAL, PROFESSIONAL, AND MINISTERIAL FRAMEWORK FOR HILOT BINABAYLAN PRACTICE; DISCONTINUING THE NINE-DAY INITIATORY PRACTITIONER PROGRAM; ELEVATING THE STANDARDS FOR PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION; AND SAFEGUARDING THE INTEGRITY, DIGNITY, AUTHENTICITY, AND FUTURE OF INDIGENOUS FILIPINO HEALING ARTS AND SCIENCES.

WHEREAS, Templong Anituhan Inc. and Bahay SiAdtala Binabaylan Inc. are institutions dedicated to the preservation, promotion, protection, cultivation, and transmission of Indigenous Filipino Spirituality, Indigenous Filipino Healing Arts and Sciences, and the sacred traditions collectively known as Hilot Binabaylan Practice;

WHEREAS, Hilot Binabaylan Practice represents a holistic Indigenous Filipino system of healing that addresses the physical, emotional, mental, social, cultural, environmental, and spiritual dimensions of human life;

WHEREAS, the Founders and Trustees recognize their sacred duty as custodians, stewards, and guardians of the teachings, principles, practices, ethics, and heritage of Hilot Binabaylan Practice for present and future generations;

WHEREAS, it has come to the attention of the Trustees that certain individuals pursue enrollment in Hilot Binabaylan programs primarily for the acquisition of titles, credentials, ranks, and recognition without demonstrating a commitment to actual practice, community service, continuing education, and the preservation of the teachings;

WHEREAS, the Trustees have determined that the former Nine-Day Initiatory Hilot Binabaylan Practitioner Program is no longer sufficient to ensure competency, mastery, ethical conduct, accountability, scholarship, and stewardship of the tradition;

WHEREAS, the Trustees believe that the title and rank associated with Hilot Binabaylan Practice should only be conferred upon individuals who have undergone a rigorous process of education, training, research, supervised practice, community engagement, and competency assessment;

WHEREAS, it is necessary to establish a comprehensive educational ladder that reflects the level of knowledge, skill, responsibility, and leadership expected of those who will represent Hilot Binabaylan Practice both in the Philippines and internationally;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, as it is hereby RESOLVED by the Board of Trustees of Templong Anituhan Inc. and Bahay SiAdtala Binabaylan Inc., that:

SECTION 1

DISCONTINUATION OF THE NINE-DAY INITIATORY PROGRAM

Effective immediately upon the adoption of this Resolution, the former Nine-Day Initiatory Hilot Binabaylan Practitioner Program is hereby abolished and shall no longer serve as a pathway for obtaining the title, rank, or designation of Hilot Binabaylan Practitioner.

All future applicants shall comply with the educational and competency requirements established under this Resolution.

SECTION 2

PURPOSE OF THE NEW FRAMEWORK

The purpose of this Resolution is to:

1. Preserve the integrity and authenticity of Hilot Binabaylan Practice.

2. Protect the dignity of Indigenous Filipino Healing Arts and Sciences.

3. Promote competency-based education and ethical practice.

4. Ensure that titles and ranks reflect demonstrated mastery rather than attendance alone.

5. Promote scholarship, research, and community service.

6. Strengthen international standards for Hilot Binabaylan education.

7. Develop future teachers, mentors, healers, and ministerial leaders.

8. Ensure the responsible transmission of Indigenous Filipino healing traditions.

SECTION 3

FOUR LEVEL PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION PATHWAY

The following certifications are hereby established as the foundational professional pathway of Hilot Binabaylan Practice:

LEVEL I

CERTIFICATE IN MAGTATAWAS OR HILOT DIAGNOSTIC PRACTICE

Competencies shall include:

• Pantay Daliri

• Tudluan

• Himulsuhan

• Pasubay (Physiognomy and Kinesics)

• Tawas sa Papel

• Tawas sa Kandila

• Tawas sa Itlog

LEVEL II

CERTIFICATE IN HILOT GAMUTAN OR MANGGAGAMOT PRACTICE

Cleansing Competencies:

• Pagbababad

• Paglalanggas

• Pagbubuhos

• Paghihilod

• Pagpupunas

• Pagsusuob

• Paglalabatiba

Treatment and Repair Competencies:

• Pagtatapal

• Pagbibigkis

• Dagdagay

• Pahid

• Haplas

• Masahe

• Bentusa

• Tawak

• Tandok

• Lunas Pilay (Traditional Bonesetting)

LEVEL III

CERTIFICATE IN HILOT ALBULARYO AND HERBALISM

Competencies shall include:

• Herbalist Philosophy

• Earth Stewardship

• Ethical Use of Herbs

• Commercial Herbs

• Wild and Natural Herbs

• Herbal Preparations

• Traditional Medicine Making

• Amulet, Charm, and Talisman Making

• Studies on Gayuma and Related Folk Traditions

LEVEL IV

CERTIFICATE IN HILOT MANDADALUMAT OR SPIRITUAL HEALING

Competencies shall include:

• Emotional Healing

• Mental Healing

• Social and Community Healing

• Healing of Usog

• Bati

• Dalaw

• Tawag

• Shamanic Illness

• Kulam-Related Healing Protocols

• Altar Set Up

• Kilubansa

• SiAdtala Baybayin Mystic Attunement

• Orasyon

• Luop and Palina

• Pagpag-Taboy

• Dampi-Pauli

• Rituals and Ceremonies

SECTION 4

BACHELOR OF INDIGENOUS FILIPINO HEALING ARTS AND SCIENCE (B.IFHAS)

Any individual who successfully completes all four (4) certification programs shall become eligible to apply for the Bachelor of Indigenous Filipino Healing Arts and Science (B.IFHAS).

To qualify for graduation and conferment of the bachelor’s diploma, the candidate must additionally complete the following requirements:

• Supervised Practicum and Clinical Field Training

• Documented Case Studies

• Community Service and Indigenous Health Outreach

• Research Project, Thesis, or Capstone Study

• Oral Defense, Competency Demonstration, or Scholarly Presentation

• Evaluation, Certification, and Approval by the Hilot Binabaylan Council

The Bachelor of Indigenous Filipino Healing Arts and Science shall recognize that the graduate has demonstrated foundational mastery and competency in Indigenous Filipino Healing Arts, Sciences, and Community Healing Service.

SECTION 5

MASTER OF MINISTRY IN HILOT BINABAYLAN PRACTICE

(HILOT TANGLAW MENTOR)

Only holders of the Bachelor of Indigenous Filipino Healing Arts and Science (B.IFHAS) shall be eligible for admission into the Master of Ministry in Hilot Binabaylan Practice Program.

Upon successful completion of all master’s degree requirements, the candidate shall be awarded the title:

HILOT TANGLAW MENTOR

The Hilot Tanglaw Mentor shall be authorized by the Hilot Binabaylan Council to:

• Teach approved Hilot Binabaylan courses

• Mentor students and apprentices

• Supervise practicum training

• Conduct educational outreach

• Participate in curriculum development

• Assist in community-based healing initiatives

• Serve as an official representative of the Hilot Binabaylan educational system

Such teaching authority shall remain subject to ethical conduct, continuing professional development, and compliance with Council standards and policies.

SECTION 6

DOCTORATE IN HILOT BINABAYLAN PRACTICE

Only individuals who have successfully completed the Master of Ministry in Hilot Binabaylan Practice Program shall be eligible for admission into the Doctorate Program.

Upon completion of all doctoral requirements prescribed by the Hilot Binabaylan Council, the candidate shall be awarded the degree:

DOCTOR OF INDIGENOUS FILIPINO HEALING ARTS AND SCIENCE IN HILOT BINABAYLAN PRACTICE

(D.IFHAS-HBP)

or such other doctoral designation as may be approved by the Council.

SECTION 7

CONFERMENT OF THE TITLE AND RANK OF HILOT BINABAYLAN PRACTITIONER

The title and rank of:

HILOT BINABAYLAN PRACTITIONER

shall be reserved exclusively for graduates of the Doctorate Level Program who have demonstrated exceptional knowledge, competence, ethical conduct, service, leadership, and commitment to the preservation of Hilot Binabaylan Practice.

The title shall represent the highest professional and academic recognition within the Hilot Binabaylan educational framework.

SECTION 8

ORDINATION AND MINISTERIAL AUTHORITY

Graduates holding the title of Hilot Binabaylan Practitioner may apply for ecclesiastical ordination under the authority of Templong Anituhan Inc. and Bahay SiAdtala Binabaylan Inc.

Candidates for ordination shall undergo review and approval by the Hilot Binabaylan Council and appropriate ecclesiastical authorities.

Upon successful ordination, the individual may be granted authority to:

• Establish and administer a Ministerial Center

• Conduct healing ministries

• Officiate approved rituals and ceremonies

• Teach and supervise educational programs

• Serve as an official ambassador of the Hilot Binabaylan tradition

SECTION 9

AUTHORIZATION OF MINISTERIAL CENTERS

No person shall establish, advertise, operate, franchise, charter, or represent an official Hilot Binabaylan Ministerial Center, Training Center, Academy, Seminary, or Educational Institution without prior authorization, recognition, charter, accreditation, or approval by the Hilot Binabaylan Council and the governing authorities of Templong Anituhan Inc. and Bahay SiAdtala Binabaylan Inc.

SECTION 10

CONTINUATION OF THE HILOT BINABAYLAN ALIGNMENT TRAINING PROGRAM

The Board hereby approves the continued offering of the Hilot Binabaylan Alignment Training Program for:

• Traditional Filipino healers without formal certification

• Hilot Wellness NC II holders

• Massage Therapy NC II holders

• Filipino individuals seeking foundational Hilot education

The program shall consist of twenty (20) weekly sessions and shall serve as a foundational education and orientation program in Indigenous Filipino Healing Arts and Sciences.

The approved twenty-session curriculum attached hereto as Annex “A” shall form an integral part of this Resolution.

SECTION 11

INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION

This educational framework shall apply to all local and international students, affiliates, ministerial centers, educational branches, and training programs operating under the authority, recognition, or affiliation of Templong Anituhan Inc., Bahay SiAdtala Binabaylan Inc., and the Hilot Binabaylan Council.

SECTION 12

EFFECTIVITY

This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its approval and adoption on the Fourth Day of July Two Thousand Twenty-Six (July 4, 2026).

APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 4TH DAY OF JULY 2026.

FOR TEMPLONG ANITUHAN INC.

_______________________________

REV. ROLANDO G. COMON

Co-Trustee and Founder

_______________________________

REV. ALVIN L. SENTIN

Co-Trustee and Founder

FOR BAHAY SIADTALA BINABAYLAN INC.

_______________________________

REV. ROLANDO G. COMON

Co-Trustee and Founder

_______________________________

REV. ALVIN L. SENTIN

Co-Trustee and Founder

CERTIFIED TRUE AND CORRECT:

_______________________________

REV. ROLANDO G. COMON

Chairperson, Meeting

_______________________________

REV. ALVIN L. SENTIN

Secretary, Meeting

Resolution No. 2026-07-04

Adopted on July 4, 2026

ANNEX A HILOT BINABAYLAN ALIGNMENT TRAINING PROGRAM

Session 1

1:00 PM- 2:00 PM Orientation/ terms and condition

2:00 PM-3:00 PM Definition & History

3:00 PM- 4:00 PM Hilot Philosophy and Principles

4:00 PM- 5:00 PM Concept of Life, Health, Illness and Wellness

5:00 PM- 6:00 PM Faculties and Concept of Man

Session 2

1:00 PM- 2:00 PM Traditional Health Care Delivery System

2:00 PM- 3:00 PM Hilot Healing Process

3:00 PM – 6:00 PM Code of Ethics/ Laws/ Policies/ Regulation regarding the practice of Hilot

Session 3

1:00 PM- 3:00 PM Introduction to Human Body, Organismal System & Functions

3:00 PM- 6:00 PM Anatomical Position & Basic Range of Motion

Session 4

1:00 PM- 2:00 PM Hilot Diagnostics

2:00 PM- 3:00 PM Dimensions of Reality & Plane of Existence

3:00 PM- 4:00 PM The 7 Souls according to our Indigenous Filipino Ancestors

4:00 PM- 5:00 PM Traditional Alternative Wellness Analytic System (TAWAS)

5:00 PM- 6:00 PM Finger Alignment

Session 5

1:00 PM- 2:00 PM Finger Poking

2:00 PM- 3:00 PM Introduction to the Practice of Tawas

3:00 PM- 4:00 PM Discussion on the Indigenous Spiritual Realms of the Filipino

4:00 PM- 5:00 PM The Power of words in creation and destruction

5:00 PM- 6:00 PM Recognizing Shapes and Symbols

Session 6

1:00 PM- 6:00 PM Demonstration and Practice of Tawas sa Papel

Session 7

1:00- 6:00 PM Demonstration and Practice of Tawas sa Kandila

Session 8

1:00 PM- 6:00 PM Demonstration and Practice of Tawas sa Itlog

Session 9

1:00 PM- 2:00 PM Hilot Body Parts

2:00 PM- 3:00 PM Visual Assessment

3:00 PM- 4:00 PM Auditory Assessment

4:00 PM- 5:00 PM Olfactory Assessment

5:00 PM- 6:00 PM Tactile Assessment

Session 10

1:00 PM- 2:00 PM Introduction to Vital Signs

2:00 PM- 3:00 PM Elemental Correspondence of the Vital Signs of LIfe

3:00 PM- 4:00 PM Tools used in Measuring Vital Signs

4:00 PM- 5:00 PM Manual measurement of Respiration and Pulse Rate & use of Oxy Meter

5:00 PM- 6:00 PM Manual measurement of Blood Pressure and use of sphygmomanometer and stethoscope

Session 11

1:00 PM- 2:00 PM Understanding Traditional Pulse Reading Analysis

2:00 PM- 3:00 PM The Left and Right Pulse

3:00 PM- 4:00 PM Determining the Distal, Medial, Proximal Radial Arterial Pulse Site

4:00 PM- 5:00 PM Taking the Deep & Superficial Pulse

5:00 PM- 6:00 PM Analyzing Pulse and Making Feed Back

Session 12

1:00 PM- 2:00 PM Importance of Cleansing in Healing the Physical and Spiritual Body

2:00 PM- 3:00 PM Internal and External Cleansing

3:00 PM- 4:00 PM Different Cleansing method and its indication

4:00 PM- 5:00 PM Suob

5:00 PM- 6:00 PM Paligo

Session 13

1:00 PM- 6:00 PM Dagdagay/ Kulis Traditional Filipino Stick Foot Massage

Session 14

1:00 PM- 6:00 PM Pagsasala Leaf Scanning

Session 15

1:00 PM- 6:00 PM Tawak/ Bentusa/ Tandok Treatment

Session 16

1:00 PM- 2:00 PM Pindot Earth Elemental Touch

2:00 PM- 3:00 PM Haplos Spirit Elemental Touch

3:00 PM- 4:00 PM Hagod Water Elemental Touch

4:00 PM- 5:00 PM Pisil Air Elemental Touch

5:00 PM- 6:00 PM Piga Fire Elemental Touch

Session 17

1:00- 6:00 PM Demonstration and Practice of Dry Hilot Touch Manipulation

Session 18

1:00 PM- 2:00 PM Hands, Arms & Shoulder

2:00 PM- 3:00 PM Chest, Head & Face

3:00 PM- 4:00 PM Stomach/ Abdomen

4:00 PM- 5:00 PM Side Lying Position

5:00 PM- 6:00 PM Side Feet, Calf and Legs and sitting as Final position

Session 19

Supervised Practice Session with client

Session 20

Graduation Ceremony & Ordination

ADOPTED THIS 4TH DAY OF JULY 2026

From Soil to Healing: My Journey Back to the Roots of Albularyo

“Before I learned how to touch the body as a Manghihilot, I first learned how to touch the soil.”

Many people assume that the journey of a Manghihilot begins with healing aches and pains, performing therapeutic massage, or learning traditional diagnostic methods. Yet my own story began somewhere far simpler—inside a small patch of soil.

As a child, I was fascinated by growing plants.

I would collect soil from around our home and improve it using what we now call composting. I buried vegetable peels, kitchen scraps, and the dust I gathered while sweeping the floor. At that age, I did not know the scientific terms for decomposition, organic matter, or microbial activity. I only knew that healthy plants required healthy soil.

After patiently caring for the soil, I planted seeds. Tomatoes and chili peppers were among my favorites. Later, I learned how to grow herbs through stem cuttings. What seemed almost magical to me then was how a small cutting from a living plant could become a completely new plant when given enough care and patience.

When I was young, propagating plants felt effortless.

As I grew older, life became busier. Responsibilities expanded. My attention shifted toward ministry, healing, teaching, and community work. Somewhere along the way, I began to feel that I had lost my natural ability to grow plants. Attempts at gardening became less successful than before, and I wondered if the gift had somehow disappeared.

Then something unexpected happened.

The Return of an Old Gift

On June 22, 2026, I returned to our ancestral home and shared lunch with my sister. During that visit, I noticed a Lagundi plant. On impulse, I cut several stems and decided to grow them.

The cuttings were placed in water.

Days passed.

Then something remarkable occurred.

Tiny leaves began to emerge.

One stem sprouted. Then another. Then all three.

As I watched those fresh green leaves unfold, I felt a deep sense of gratitude. The ability I thought I had lost had never truly disappeared. It had simply been waiting for the right moment to be remembered.

Today, those Lagundi cuttings are still developing their roots. Soon they will be transferred into healthy soil where they can continue their journey of growth.

For me, these small buds represent more than gardening. They are a reminder that healing traditions must also be planted, nurtured, and passed forward.

Healing Beyond the Human Body

Modern people often associate Hilot exclusively with physical healing. While bodywork is certainly important, traditional Filipino healing has always encompassed much more.

A true Manghihilot understands that healing involves the body, mind, spirit, community, and environment.

This is where the role of the Albularyo, Herbularyo, or traditional plant medicine practitioner becomes important.

The term “Albularyo” became widely used during the colonial period, but throughout the Philippines, traditional healers are known by different names.

In the Visayas, many are known as Mananambal.

In my father’s hometown in Siargao Island, traditional healers are often referred to as Binisaya. While I am not entirely certain about the historical origin of this local term, the healers known by this name are respected for their knowledge of medicinal plants and their ability to communicate with unseen spiritual forces in seeking healing for those who come to them.

Long before the arrival of foreign colonizers, there were no universities, medical colleges, or certification programs teaching plant medicine.

There were no laboratory reports.

No scientific journals.

No botanical databases.

Yet our ancestors developed an intimate understanding of the healing properties of plants.

Their classroom was the forest.

Their library was nature.

Their teacher was direct experience.

Many traditional healers learned through observation, practice, dreams, spiritual experiences, mentorship, and generations of oral transmission.

Ancient Wisdom in the Age of AI

Today we live in a different world.

Information that once took years to acquire can now be accessed in seconds through search engines, online libraries, and artificial intelligence platforms such as Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, and Gemini.

This is both a blessing and a challenge.

Technology allows us to identify plants, research traditional uses, compare scientific studies, and explore healing traditions from around the world. However, information alone does not create wisdom.

Reading about a plant is different from growing it.

Looking at a photograph is different from caring for it daily.

Memorizing medicinal uses is different from developing a relationship with the living plant itself.

Traditional healing requires participation.

It requires dirt beneath the fingernails.

It requires patience.

It requires observation.

It requires respect.

Introducing the Certificate Program on Albularyo

At Hilot Academy of Binabaylan, we believe that traditional healing must remain connected to lived experience.

This is why we are preparing to offer a Certificate Program on Albularyo, alongside our programs in Hilot Binabaylan Practice, Magtatawas, and Hilot Diagnostics.

The Albularyo Certification Program is not designed to be a spoon-feeding course.

Students should not expect to simply watch videos, memorize information, and receive a certificate.

Instead, they will be challenged to become students of nature itself.

Participants may be required to:

Create and nourish their own soil.
Learn basic composting practices.
Grow medicinal plants from seeds.
Propagate plants through roots and stem cuttings.
Observe plant growth and development.
Identify medicinal herbs in their local environment.
Research traditional and modern uses of plants.
Learn safe preparation methods for herbal remedies.
Maintain a personal herbal garden.
Document experiences and observations through practical assignments.

This approach ensures that learning moves beyond theory and enters direct experience.

A student who successfully grows Lagundi understands something that cannot be fully taught in a lecture.

A student who nurtures a medicinal plant from seed learns patience.

A student who observes growth cycles learns timing.

A student who works with soil learns humility.

These are qualities that every healer needs.

A Call to Future Albularyos

The future of traditional Filipino healing depends not only on preserving knowledge but also on preserving our relationship with the living world.

The next generation of Albularyos must be willing to learn from both tradition and modern research.

They must be comfortable using books, scientific references, and digital tools, while also being willing to kneel on the ground, touch the soil, and cultivate medicinal plants with their own hands.

The small Lagundi cuttings growing in my home remind me that healing traditions are much like plants.

If neglected, they wither.

If nurtured, they grow.

If shared, they multiply.

And just as a simple stem cutting can eventually become a strong medicinal shrub, a sincere student can grow into a healer who serves family, community, and future generations.

The journey of an Albularyo begins not with receiving a certificate.

It begins with planting a seed.

Interested in becoming a student of traditional Filipino plant medicine?

Watch for the upcoming launch of the Certificate Program on Albularyo at the Hilot Academy of Binabaylan, where healing begins with the soil, grows through experience, and blossoms into service.

🌿 “To heal the people, we must first learn to heal our relationship with the plants.” – Rev. Rolando Gomez Comon