Ibalong: the Richness of Olden Bikolandia

The Bicol region, historically referred to as Ibalong, holds a treasure trove of rich colonies inhabited by peace-loving people in pre-colonial Philippines. The name "Ibalong" has various interpretations, such as "to bring to the other side," "people from the other side," or "people who are hospitable and give visitors gifts to bring home."

The Bicolano people, by nature, are deeply religious, inheriting their religiosity from their ancestors. They firmly believe in the existence of the Supreme Being and honor their gods and goddesses through relics, artifacts, and monuments found in their ancient dwelling places, caves, and personal effects. These towering monuments signify deep respect for their anitos (ancient gods), with Gugurang being the Supreme Being and Mightiest God in their Kamurawayan.

Gugurang serves as their savior and protector from calamities, life challenges, tempests, and the evil Aswang, a deity dwelling in the scorching hell known as gagamban. The Bicolanos believe they are always protected and guided by the anitos, attributing all blessings and good fortunes to God, for which they are genuinely grateful. Additionally, they trust Batala, a lesser god whose mission is to instill peace and order, ensuring that all inhabitants in his reign live harmoniously and contentedly. Other spirits like Katambay, Okot, and Magindang are also recognized for their respective roles.

The early Bicolanos had peculiar rituals for each deity, one of which was the Atang or offering through dancing to Gugurang. This ritual involved offering the best produce as a token of thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest. It also served as a plea for rains during drought seasons. The Baliana, main priestess, danced the taruk, quick marching steps, in honor of Gugurang, while the community participated in singing the soraque or chant. The atang ritual encompassed the entire village, starting with the pounding of the gong to invite participants and culminating in a sumptuous banquet, songs, dances, and merry-making.

Apart from the atang, the Bicolanos had other rituals like pakikimaherak, begging for God's mercy and safekeeping of farms from pests and diseases. The Tinagba Festival in Iriga City originated from Atang, evolving into a celebration with a sumptuous meal, raucous songs, dances, and often a free-for-all riot.

The people of Ibalong held beliefs in gagamban (hell), kamburagan (paradise), and kamurayan (heavens). They also believed in ''liwat na pagkamundag'' or reincarnation and rebirth. The society had a strong belief in mortals who were given powers or knowledge from the gods, including Asog (ritualist, priest/ess), Balyan (ritualist, priest/ess), Parabawi (exorcist), Parabulong (medicine administrator), Hukloban (witch doctor), Matanda (wise old ruler), Nuom (clairvoyant), Parapalad (fortuneteller), Pintakasi (defender, patron), Sunat (high priest/ess), Tagohalim (shapeshifting sorcerer), Tagolainan (sorcerer), Tuyaw (prophet).

Like other pre-colonial colonies and minor kingdoms in the Philippines, the Bicolanos' belief system and prayers revolved around rituals and godspeakers who communicated with ancestor spirits and gods. Palihon, paliyon, or polion encompassed rituals, beliefs, and taboos, preserving their cultural heritage. Rituals were dedicated to anitos, gugurang, and tawong-lipod. Anitos were ancestor spirits found in nature, while gugurang represented ancestor spirits of households. Batala served as guardian angels for villages or clans, and tawong-lipod were spirits of the wind and clouds, believed to be servants of lunar gods Haliya and Bulan.

The Bicolanos also believed in the power of spells, charms, and talismans, such as anting (physical charm or talisman) and munay (general ointment). They used aguatiempo (potion), hinaw (charm for identifying thieves), huklob (root for witch doctors), kabal (amulet for invulnerability), laaw (root charm for causing sickness), lumay (love potion), mutya (pearl or precious stone), and many others.

 The people of Olden Bikolandia, or Ibalong, had a deep-rooted connection with their spirituality, rituals, and ancestral beliefs. Their unwavering faith in the Supreme Being, gods, and spirits shaped their daily lives, celebrations, and interactions within their communities. The richness of their cultural heritage, preserved through rituals and practices, paints a vivid picture of the profound religiosity and communal spirit that defined Ibalong in pre-colonial Philippines.

REMINDER

The orally transmitted mythology of the Philippines is intended for sharing and understanding, not for appropriation, commercial exploitation, or the promotion of foreigners and foreign products. It is a dynamic narrative tradition that evolves over time, distinct from the standardized mythologies found in Western and European cultures. Unlike these established mythologies, the Philippine government has not mandated standardized versions of stories and legends.

Orally transmitted stories undergo variations and evolve over time, resulting in numerous different versions. There are many different version told by Filipinos,and retold by Filipinos.