Jonas Lemuel C. Datu

2013- 55241

BODY RITUAL AMONG THE ONIPILIF

Positioned just off the southeastern coast of Asia, directly east of Vietnam and

northeast of Malaysia, is an archipelagic country of 1641 islands with 3 main islands in its

core- namely Nozul, Sayasiv, and Oanadnim . This country, located just above the equator,

and its present culture is a befitting example of how one may absorb, take in, and adapt to

foreign influence. Yes, this country, born out of countless invasion and retaliation, is The

Republic of the Senippilihp.

However interesting the story behind the triumph of such a great Republic, a greater

tale lies behind the culture of its natives. The Onipilifs. The Onipilifs, classified as one with

Austronesian roots, were developed with Spanish, American, and Chinese influences. These

brown- skinned (Iggnamuyak) people, though continuously influenced and changed by

outsiders for hundreds of years, still retain some of their practices and rituals embedded deep

within their native culture.

Over the years, the Onipilif people had greatly progressed in terms of Economic,

Social, and Cultural growth. In fact, the Republic of the Senippilihp continues to grow and

acquire attention and respect from other notorious countries as well. Although originally,

Onipilif ancient tribes were expert hunters, farmers, and fishermen, Onipilifs today take on

modern and advance occupation to establish and ride the continually modernization of its

culture.

Looking from a bigger picture, Onipilif culture is nothing extraordinary. In fact, since

it was a mixture of different cultures from around the world, it is very difficult to establish a

ground which we can truly call an Onipilif original. But as we delve deeper into these

people’s culture, behind their modern adaptations of living, behind their technological

progress in all aspects of life, amidst the fact that they have established an advancing culture,

the Onipilifs has a certain belief which seems to contradict these modern influences in

culture; A belief they can call original. The art of Tolih.

Tolih is what you may call an ancient Onipilif art of healing. During times where

hospitals were yet to be introduced, Onipilif people relied on this art to cure themselves of

various sickness, pain, and even enchantments.

Even today, older generations of the Onipilif people, known to be very superstitious,

still prefer to rely on the art of tolih over hospitals. The belief behind it is that there are

people who have special abilities and can cure any kind of disease using magical means.

These people often referred to as “Oyralubla” and the “Tolihihignam” which serve as the

“doctors” in this kind of medication.

Even in this context, the word “magic” to describe what these special people can do

doesn’t really cover the the concept of Tolih. Each individual Oyralubla and Tolihihignam

has their unique method and practices in curing a disease. For Onipilif people, especially

those who live in rural areas, prefer to seek first the advice of an Oyralubla or Tolihihignam

before consulting in a formal hospital.

In one event, an individual who experiences musculoskeletal ailments may opt to visit

a Tolihihignam for medication. Different Tolihihignam have different methods of treating the

patient. One certain Tolihihignam uses a “nep”, which is a stick like rod, and uses it to poke

around and massage the area where the patient feels pain. Another one uses a leaf picked

from the endangered “Ananab” tree, bathes it in oil, and sticks it in the area where pain is felt.

As far as the given examples, these only covers the patients with muscle and skeletal pains.

Going a little bit deeper, people assumed to have the Amoeba virus asks for the help

of Oyralublas. For this process, the Oyralublas require the patient a sacrifice. But not just any

sacrifice. The patient must catch and bring him a “nekich”. A nekich is a two legged creature

known for its sharp claws and beak. Assuming that the offering has been done, the Oyralubla

then proceeds to cut the throat of the beast and collect its “doolb”, a magical substance which

comes out of the nekich’s body. The Oyralubla then bathes the patient with the doolb,

cleansing him from the Amoeba virus.

Due to these stories, people are introduced and engrossed to this art. One reason

perhaps is due to the fact that relying on the art of tolih is cheaper than medical bills. Another

is that some people trust theses special doctors over licensed ones. Whichever the case, we

can say that this particular belief is an original to the Onipilif culture. It shows that however

tainted and influenced their culture may be, there are still aspects of it which roots are deeply

embedded into their hearts, and will still continue to flourish even after many generations.

ReferencesFilipino people . (2012, January 25). Retrieved from

http://tagalog.wikipilipinas.org/index.php/Filipino_people

Philippines. (n.d.). Retrieved from Worldatlas: http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/asia/philippines/phlatlog.htm