Filipino American Roots, Part 1

I am writing a piece on my other blog that is very important for readers of this blog to know about. Please view it at http://www.baylansnews.wordpress.com

“… What Are You?” It’s a question I was asked often as I grew up in California. No, I would reply, sometimes impatiently. I am Not Chinese. Or Japanese. Or Korean. Or Mexican. Or Hawaiian. “I am Filipino. My family is from the Philippines. ”My answer often prompted looks of puzzlement. Some even asked, “Where’s that?” or even “What’s that? ….”

Southern Philippines Maranao Legend “Arimaonga” for a Lunar Eclipse

The San Francisco Bay Area recently saw the Maranao legend “Arimaonga: Music, Poem and Dance for a Lunar Eclipse“. This legend from the Southern Philippines has only been performed twice in the United States by the Mindanao Kulintang Ensemble. The most recent occurred at Knox Theater Company in Contra Costa College in California.

I’ve been blessed through my work with The Center for Babaylan Studies to meet and learn about several people engaged in their work of culture and spirit.  Over the last two years, many members of the Filipino community throughout the United States and across the world have come together in cyberspace to share their interest and thoughts. Several members of the Mindanao Kulintang Ensemble have participated in the Center’s events.

To see this beautiful performance, click on the link below. Enjoy!

Maranao Legend Arimaonga: Music, Poem & Dance for a Lunar Eclipse from Usopay Cadar on Vimeo.

NaFFAA Empowerment Conference 2010 Kickoff

The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) will hold its next Empowerment conference in the San Francisco Bay Area from November 19th to 21st. Hosted by NaFFAA Region 8 Northern California, the theme is:

“Building the Next Generation of Community Advocates.”

To kick off the conference, a reception was held on August 12th that was attended by close to 100 local community leaders. A microcosm of the Filipino community, the gathered leaders networked and renewed contacts. Each was able to speak to the entire group to share their mission and current activities.

“This is one part of what NaFFAA was created to do — bring community leaders together to share and collaborate,” commented Ben Menor.

As the founders always believed, “NaFFAA should be a moderator and facilitator for the growing number of FilAm organizations to achieve their mission as we advocate their right to do so.”

Here are A FEW of the organizations and businesses that were present:

Philippine Department of Tourism

Philippine Consulate

Federation of Philippine American Chambers of Commerce

U.S. Filipinos for Good Governance

Books for the Barrios

KAYA

Philippine Airlines

United Association of California Careproviders

FANHS East Bay Chapter

Filipino Entrepreneurs Network

San Francisco Filipino American Jazz Festival

Asian Art Museum

Abundant Biofuels Corp.

West Bay Pilipino Multi-Services

Pilipino Networking Association of Santa Clara Valley

Mahal Foundation

San Francisco Filipino Cultural Center

Filipino-American Association of Foster City

Pacific Gas & Electric

South San Francisco Golden Gate Lions Club

4C’s / JTS Northside Community Center

Young Filipino Professionals Association

Balitang America

APAPA

Cayanan & Associates

SMS International

San Francisco FBI

San Francisco Public Utilities Commission

Couples for Christ / Gawad Kalinga

Ayala Foundation

Mabuhay Alliance

California Assembly candidate Alfonso Faustino

Filipino American Development Corporation

The Islanders TV Show

Philippine American Press Club

Lakbay Aral

Dayonot Associates

Aguaterra Institute

At the end of the evening, one of the young community members exclaimed,

“This is being in the room with the Who’s Who of the Filipino community!”

More than just saying that leaders would be brought together to share and cross-pollinate ideas and successful programs, NaFFAA started this conference off by putting the rubber to the road and actually making it happen. Shades of things to come.

Conference Blog updates at http://www.naffaae2010.wordpress.com

Filipino Veterans’ 17 Benefits Update

Filipino veterans of World War II have been given access to 17 benefits since the war ended.

Several community organizations, such as the National Alliance for Filipino Veterans  Equity (NAFVE) and the Veterans Equity Center (VEC), are dedicated to ensuring availability and access to veterans equity and benefits.

However, full education and simple resources are not easy to find.

Most recently I found that while Congress was considering the different equity proposals, the Congressional Research Service (CRS) issued a report dated February 20, 2009 entitled, “Overview of Filipino Veterans’ Benefits.”

This report details the history of legislation,  the thinking behind each piece of legislation and funding, and any requirements or adjustments. Most importantly, “Table 1. Filipino Veterans and Survivors, Eligibility for VA Benefits” is a good visual that lists the 16 benefits in existence prior to the passage of the Equity bill. The full report can be downloaded at http://opencrs.com/document/RL33876/

When you add the Equity Compensation agreed in 2009, the total benefits that have been made available to Filipino WWII veterans now stands at 17 (eligibility depends on the branch of service):

1.  Compensation for service-connected disability

2.  Dependency and Indemnity Compensation / DIC (survivors)

3.  Medical care

4.  Education benefits (expired)

5.  Education benefits for children

6.  Pension for nonservice-connection disability

7.  Death pension (survivors)

8.  Burial allowance

9.  Burial flag

10. Burial in a national cemetary

11. Clothing allowance

12. Guaranteed housing loans

13. Small business loans

14. Veterans Employment Training Service (VETS)

15. Adaptive housing grants

16. Adaptive vehicle grants

17. Equity Compensation

I’ve recreated Table 1 from CRS RL33876, which indicates eligibility for each branch of service, and includes footnotes:

022009 CRS RL33876 Table 1 Overview of Filipino Veterans Benefits

I hope this special information series of blogposts has been helpful for you as our veterans finish their twilight years.

I will continue to post more information as it becomes available.

Filipino Veterans Equity and Benefits – Part Three: Appeals

PART 3: THE APPEAL PROCESS – for all Claims

I am sharing this information in hopes that it will make the Veterans Benefits Appeals process more understandable, especially for Filipino veterans and their families trying to receive their Filipino Veterans  Equity Compensation.

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DISCLAIMER: The information provided below was gathered from various documents provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs. In a short period of time I have done my best to figure out the requirements and interrelationships of the benefits, eligibility, etc. I am not an expert, nor do I claim to be. I share this information in the hopes that having it all in one place will be of help. This information was gathered on June 7^th, 2010, and changes regularly.  PLEASE contact your local VA office for assistance and updated information.

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The claim appeal process is handled by the Bureau of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA).  The VA provides one easy-to-understand pamphlet, “How Do I Appeal” at http://www.bva.va.gov/How_Do_I_APPEAL.asp .

Here are the steps to the Appeal Process, mostly in the VA’s words:

1. You file a Claim. It’s recommended that you have a representative help you with your claim and appeal. The representative can help make the process move faster. Representatives from the Veterans Services Organizations (VSOs) have offices in most VA offices.
2. VA makes a Decision on Your Claim and mails you the decision.
3. You are Not Satisfied.
4. You Send a Notice of Disagreement (NOD) within one year of the original decision’s mail date. Note: After you send your NOD, you can request your file be reviewed by a Decision Review Officer (DRO) from your local VA office.
5. VA receives your NOD, then creates and sends you a detailed Statement of the Case (SOC) with VA Form 9 Appeal to Board of Veterans, also known as the Substantive Appeal Form.
6. You submit VA Form 9 within 60 days of the date the SOC was mailed, or within one year of the original decision’s mail date, whichever is LATER. You also ask for a personal hearing.
   1. You can request a personal hearing with a local DRO at any time.
   2. Or on VA Form 9 you can request a hearing with a Member of the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA) either in person or by videoconference.
7. You have the hearing, which is an informal meeting.
   1. At this time you make sure the Board Member hears anything you think is important for your application review, and you may add evidence to your claim.
   2. No decision is made at this time.
8. A transcript of the hearing is provided to the Board Member, a review is completed, and a decision is made by the BVA.
9. You receive the BVA’s decision.
   1. If the application is Allowed, you can expect a check in the mail. This is a final decision.
   2. If the decision is to Remand, you are being asked for clarification or further information before the BVA can make a decision. Provide the information so the review can be completed.
   3. If the decision is to Deny, this is a final decision by the BVA. You can appeal the decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals.
10. If the Decision is to Deny, you can
    1. Go back to your local VA and try to reopen your claim;
    2. File a motion asking the BVA to reconsider or review again because there was a “clear and unmistakable error” (CUE) in the Board decision;
    3. File an appeal with the U.S . Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims;
    4. Do nothing.

Throughout the Appeal Process, give as much full detail as possible, and make sure your local VA office knows your correct address while your claim is being decided. Also, put your claim number on all letters or other evidence you send to the VA.

TIMING

In October 2009, the VA expanded the Board of Veterans’ Appeals to include 60 Veterans Law Judges to decide benefit claims and “remove the backlog of benefits decisions.”

Health insurance claims appeals are considered “rated claims,” and currently are taking 700 days to move through the system.

Because Filipino Equity Compensation claims are considered “non-rated claims”, it has been strongly  recommended that an expedited process be created specifically for these appeals.

This would help move the backlog, and hopefully manage to contain the frustration level of the veterans and their communities.

FILIPINO VETERANS EQUITY COMPENSATION – SUMMARY

The VA has taken on what has become a gargantuan task. It has an impaired ability to make swift decisions to address growing problems related to overloads in the existing systems. Unfortunately the result is that the discontent among rapidly aging veterans and their communities continues to grow.

The creation of a small group focused on ensuring an organized system for information accessibility and distribution would provide significant relief from the anxiety created from little or no information.

To decrease the backlog of appeals claims, an expedited process should be put in place for these “non-rated claims.”

Finally, with such a large number of unexpected claims, the original Compensation Fund of $198 million will run out.  Financial solutions must be identified and secured.

Overall, the VA is doing a decent job of trying to manage a herd of impatient elephants. Unfortunately, we are quickly losing our Filipino veterans who have waited for almost two-thirds of their lifetimes to receive what the U.S. government now agrees they are due.

As each day passes, patience becomes thinner and thinner, and the possibility of bringing a mutually satisfactory completion to this more than 60-year ordeal fades further and further away.

Filipino Veterans Equity and Benefits – Part Two

PART 2: FILIPINO VETERANS EQUITY COMPENSATION

This is provided to bring information together about veterans benefits  and compensation for Filipino Veterans of WWII.

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DISCLAIMER: The information provided below was gathered from various documents provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs. In a short period of time I have done my best to figure out the requirements and interrelationships of the benefits, eligibility, etc. I am not an expert, nor do I claim to be. I share this information in the hopes that having it all in one place will be of help. This information was gathered on June 7^th, 2010, and changes regularly.  PLEASE contact your local VA office for assistance and updated information.

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In February 2009, the U.S. government provided $198 million to make one-time, lump sum payments to the remaining Filipino veterans. Claims for the one-time lump sum Equity payment were submitted by February 16, 2010 using Form 21-4138(CF).

As of today, all forms are being processed by the Department of Veterans Affairs in the Philippines. This centralization in the Philippines was decided in large part because the majority of applications were anticipated to come from the Philippines. A concentrated effort was made to reach out to all provinces to gather the applications. The Philippine Embassy has been very cooperative in implementing an effective outreach campaign in the Philippines.

COMMUNICATION

One early problem in the process was one of communication. Letters of Receipt from the VA to veterans were delayed, causing many veterans to wonder if their applications had been received.

When no word was received after what seemed a reasonable amount of time, a huge percentage of applicants resubmitted applications. Some even submitted three and four applications. (I can imagine the nightmare this must have created.)

As a result, the final volume of claims far, far exceeded the original anticipated number. Claims processing has been bogged down by the sheer volume. After numerous complaints that applicants had not heard anything about their applications, the VA tightened procedures and letters of receipt were sent out more quickly.

In addition, following strong recommendations by Filipino community representatives, the VA began to shift its communication to provide more information about what was happening.

However, it’s clear that much more could occur to provide outreach and two-way communication between the VA and the applicants / communities.

Early this year, the VA heard a strong recommendation to create a group organized and focused on providing this information outreach, and it seems the VA has not yet made a decision. In the meantime, confusion resulting from lack of information and incorrect information continues to grow.

The availability of correct information relevant to the process and to individual applications is critical for keeping community frustration levels down as the government proceeds through the Mt. Everest of applications.

SPOUSES

Concern was raised early on for the veteran’s spouse in the case of the veteran’s death prior to receipt of the compensation payment. Following considered recommendations, the law was amended to allow the transfer of payment to the surviving spouse.

APPLICATION REVIEW – The LISTS and ELIGIBILITY

Each area of every application is reviewed and verified for eligibility based on several criteria. Verification of Eligibility is the goal, as well as the most important and the most difficult aspect of the review process.

During World War II several lists were created that verified one’s participation in the war in the Philippines. Documentation that corroborated the lists is held at the Department of Defense’s National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis. Unfortunately, documents were destroyed in the Philippines during the war, plus millions more original documents were destroyed in a St. Louis fire in 1973.

At this point we should remember that the entity performing these reviews is a government bureaucracy. It is organized to methodically process millions and millions of pieces of paper and information each year.

The reality is that the VA is valiantly moving through the mountain of claims with existing staffing levels and technology. Each step of the way is not fully automated, as one would assume, and therefore each review takes (what in today’s electronic age would be considered) an eternity.

Therefore — It takes time.

I am not sure I heard right when I thought I heard someone say that the original number of applications was expected to be 18,000, but the final count was more like 41,000. I’m sure you get the picture.

THE APPLICATION REVIEW PROCESS

Once an application is received at the VA in Manila, it is reviewed for eligibility. The main piece needing verification is dates of military service.

To verify military service, a request for verification is sent by the Department of Veterans Affairs in Manila to the Department of Defense’s National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis. This is a department-to-department communication that is allocated approximately 30 days for a reply.

There are several service lists to check where a veteran’s name could be found. If not on one of these lists, a veteran would be responsible for providing proof of service. A common form of proof would be discharge papers.

Records also exist of payments to Filipinos drawn on Japanese banks. Inclusion on one of these lists would trigger a request for further information. Depending on the explanation, such an inquiry could prompt difficult discussions, and trigger unanticipated and unwanted actions.

Once reviewed, there are three possible outcomes: Allowed/Approved, Denied, and Remanded.

The decision then is mailed to the applicant.

If the decision is to Allow/Approve, you can expect a check in the mail.

If the decision is to Deny, you have the option to appeal the decision. There is a whole process in place for an Appeal through the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA). There are representatives from veterans service organizations who understand the process and what is needed, and who can help you during the appeal process.  This does not require an attorney, though you are welcome to have one.

If the decision is to Remand, you are being asked for clarification or further information. In the situation where the applicant’s name is not on any of the lists, it is the applicant’s responsibility to provide proof that he/she was activated into service during the war.

** NOTE: Some applicants are confusing the Remand with the Deny decision. Contact your local VA to make sure you understand the decision and if anything is being asked of you before you proceed any further. **

NEXT: The Appeal Process

Filipino Veterans Equity and Benefits – Part One

My father is a Filipino Veteran from World War II. He served as a guerrilla in the Philippines during the war, then served alongside the U.S. military after the war for awhile. He has shared a few very poignant and harrowing snippets of stories, but in general he hasn’t talked much about that time of his life. Judging from his generally pleasant demeanor, you would never guess at the horrific sights he witnessed.

Like thousands of aging Filipino Veterans last year, he filed a claim for Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation after it was passed in Congress. Several times I heard “12 benefits” mentioned that the FilVets are eligible for, but didn’t have the time to find out more. The other day, my mother said within earshot, “I don’t know what other benefits he’s eligible for.” Okay, that was my cue to find out.

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DISCLAIMER: The information provided below was gathered from various documents provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs. In a short period of time I have done my best to figure out the requirements and interrelationships of the benefits, eligibility, etc. I am not an expert, nor do I claim to be. I share this information in the hopes that having it all in one place will be of help. This information was gathered on June 7th, 2010, and changes regularly. PLEASE contact your local VA office for assistance and updated information.

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PART ONE: FILIPINO VETERANS BENEFITS, including Health Care

START HERE

The Department of Veterans Affairs website at http://www.va.gov has a wealth of information, and like all government sites, you could get lost there for days and days. If you want to zero in, search for “Filipino Veterans” in the database of more than 77,000 documents on “All VA Web Pages.”

Download or get the “Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents & Survivors 2010 Edition” (http://www1.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book.asp ). This “Benefits Book” explains all the different benefits available through the VA, and lists all the VA facilities and locations.

SERVICE UNIT and ELIGIBILITY

These are the Philippine military units generally eligible for U.S. veteran benefits:

• Commonwealth Army of the Philippines

• Regular Philippine Scouts and Insular Force of the U.S. Navy

• New Philippine Scouts

• Recognized Guerrilla Forces

It’s VERY important to note that not all Philippine military units are eligible for the same VA benefits.

In Chapter 9 of the Benefits Book, “Special Groups of Veterans,” this is what the book says about Filipino Veterans:

“World War II era Filipino veterans are eligible for certain VA benefits. Generally, Old Philippine Scouts are eligible for VA benefits in the same manner as U.S. veterans. Commonwealth Army veterans, including certain organized Filipino guerrilla forces and New Philippine Scouts residing in the United States who are citizens or lawfully admitted for permanent residence, are also eligible for VA health care in the United States on the same basis as U.S. veterans.

“Certain Commonwealth Army veterans and new Philippine Scouts may be eligible for disability compensation and burial benefits. Other veterans of recognized guerrilla groups also may be eligible for certain VA benefits. Survivors of World War II era Filipino veterans may be eligible for dependency and indemnity compensation. Eligibility and the rates of benefits vary based on the recipient’s citizenship and place of residence. Call 1-800-827-1000 for additional information.”

BENEFITS

There are two main documents to look at (both dated October 2008) for a quick benefits list:

1. Benefits for Filipino Veterans (www.vba.va.gov/VBA/benefits/factsheets/serviceconnected/filipinovets.doc )

2. Benefits for Survivors of Filipino Veterans (www.vba.va.gov/VBA/benefits/factsheets/survivors/FilipinoSurvivors.doc )

From what I found mostly on these two pages, here are what I think are the 12 benefits mentioned to me (I’ll update them if knowledgeable people send me corrections):

FOR THE VETERAN:

1. Disability Compensation for veterans disabled by an injury or a disease incurred or aggravated on active service. Must have been, discharged under other than dishonorable conditions, and currently suffer from disabling symptoms.

2. Pension for wartime veterans with limited income, and who are permanently and totally disabled or age 65 or older.

3. Clothing Allowance paid annually if the veteran has a service-connected disability or condition that requires 1) wear or use of a prosthetic or orthopedic device that wears out or tears clothing, or 2) physician-prescribed medication for a service-connected skin condition that causes irreparable damage to clothing.

4. Health care benefits, including hospital and outpatient medical care.

a. There are 8 levels of Priority Enrollment for health care benefits (http://www4.va.gov/healtheligibility/eligibility/PriorityGroupsAll.asp).

b. VA provides hospital and outpatient medical care to certain Filipino veterans in the same manner such care is provided to U.S. veterans.

c. Regular Philippine Scouts are eligible for health care benefits based on their status as U.S. veterans.

d. Commonwealth Army, Special Philippine Scouts, and Guerilla veterans are eligible for health care benefits in the U.S. on the same basis as U.S. veterans if they reside in the U.S. and are citizens or are lawfully admitted for permanent residence.

5. Nursing home care (ask about which program the veteran is eligible for) for certain veterans.

6. Equity Compensation: One-time lump sum Equity Compensation payment from the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund.

FOR SURVIVORS of FILIPINO VETERANS:

1. Dependency and Indemnity Compensation if veteran died in service or died due to a sickness or injury incurred in service.

2. Death Pension for eligible dependents who have limited income.

3. Burial Benefits: Burial in a national cemetery, government provided headstone or marker, and Presidential Memorial Certificate.

4. Burial Allowance – partial reimbursement of an eligible veteran’s burial and funeral costs.

5. Burial Flag.

6. Dependents’ Educational Assistance for surviving children.

**NOTE: I’m going to concentrate on Health Care Enrollment and Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation. **

HEALTH CARE

Health care eligibility is explained at http://www4.va.gov/healtheligibility/eligibility/Filipino.asp

VA health care benefits are now available for:

• Filipino Commonwealth Army Veterans,

• New Filipino Scouts,

• Veterans recognized as belonging to organized Filipino Guerilla Forces who reside in the United States and who are citizens or lawfully admitted for permanent residence, and

• Old Filipino Scouts are also eligible for VA health care benefits; however, they do not have to meet the citizenship and residency requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are at http://www4.va.gov/healtheligibility/Library/FAQs/EnrollmentFAQ.asp.

APPLY for VA Healthcare benefits by submitting Form 10-10EZ (https://www.1010ez.med.va.gov/sec/vha/1010ez/ ).

You may have to provide Proof of Citizenship or Residency “Service-connected Filipino veterans receiving VA disability compensation at the full-dollar rate do not have to furnish proof to qualify for the benefit.

Other Filipino veterans must provide one of the following pieces of evidence to be eligible for this benefit:

• A valid U.S. passport

• A birth certificate showing he or she was born in the U.S.

• A Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the U.S. issues by a U.S. consulate abroad

• Verification by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to VA that the Filipino veteran is a naturalized citizen of the U.S.

• Verification by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to VA that a veteran is an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the U.S.”

APPLICATION REVIEW

“Once you apply for enrollment, your eligibility will be verified. Based on your specific eligibility status, you will be assigned a Priority Group.The Priority Groups range from 1-8 with 1 being the highest priority for enrollment. Some veterans may have to agree to pay copay to be placed in certain Priority Groups.”

More on the Priority Enrollment Groups can be found at: http://www4.va.gov/healtheligibility/eligibility/PriorityGroups.asp

Next: Part 2: Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation

Social network tools

Checking out http://ping.fm to post to my social networks from one place. Have used Seesmic, too. Do you use a service?

Changing the Filipina Image

Filipina women fight an uphill battle in the quest to find a strongly positive image in mainstream media.

As an American-born Filipina, it’s always alarming to see the many stereotypical ads for mail order brides, or penpals, or hot dates, or the latest skin-whitening products. Is this what colonization has brought us to?

Before the Spanish arrived on Philippine shores and had the audacity to “claim” the islands for Spain, we had largely egalitarian communities that honored the role women fulfilled in society as mothers, priestesses, healers, and spiritual advisors. These women were the pillars of the community, along with the datu/chief and the warrior.

In the pre-colonial islands, women had rights roughly equal to men. While I am not an expert on the subject, you can find more in several books, including Carolyn Brewer’s “Holy Confrontation: Religion, Gender and Sexuality in the Philippines 1521 – 1685.”

Under the Spanish, Filipina spiritual women went from “babaylan” to “bruja”, from honored leader to witch, and were massacred and sometimes fed to crocodiles. We went underground to survive the more than 300 years of Spanish colonial rule.

Under the Americans, we traveled even further from our indigenous heritage to the world of Hollywood. Images of desired women left our shores completely. Light skin and romantic sensuality dominated our images of desirable traits.

I remember in my younger years how men often looked at me and made instantaneous assumptions: cute, sedate, malleable, child-like, needs to be taken care of. It wasn’t until they spent time with me and my friends that they often learned the reality was more rounded and, I believe, much more interesting.

Today we see Filipinas in education, health, engineering, business — all areas of the working world.

Professor Elenita (Leny) Strobel is at Sonoma State University in California, and is the Director of the Center for Babaylan Studies. Through her books and activities, she has journeyed to reclaim and honor the babaylan, our indigenous women whose traditions, practices and descendants are alive today. Professor Strobel has endeavored to peel back the layers of colonial mentality, past the physical external, to uncover our timeless indigenous soul. In her latest collection, “Babaylan: Filipinos and the Call of the Indigenous” she poses a question. “Babaylan work begins in the body: Where is your body?” Where indeed.

Here are just a few places on the Internet where you can find a different view of Filipinas today.

http://www.Babaylan.net – the Center for Babaylan Studies

http://www.FilipinaImages.com

http://www.Pinay.com

http://www.NewFilipina.com

http://www.FFWN.org – Filipina Women’s Network

Check them out and share them with your friends – and I’m sure there are more! Please help list any other positive Filipina image websites in Comments.

Babaylan is Alive and Well

The Filipino babaylan is the spiritual leader of traditional indigenous, pre-colonial Philippine cultures. Also known as mombaki, catalonan, maganito, each of the more than 80 separate tribes have a distinct term in their language for the community’s healer and priestess.

Carlos Villa describes the babaylan:

Babaylan is a Filipino word that refers specifically to an individual or a group of healers, mostly women, who were acknowledged by friends and family as possessing extraordinary gifts… having a gift of vision; an ability to see through schemes or situations and later advise on future plans… or the gift for healing; a specific touch or intuited or passed-on knowledge to specific processes of ‘fixing’ and ‘putting’ people and things together. The first priority of all Babaylan [is] her community.

The babaylan ensured the continuity of culture and spiritual connection, while the datu/chief created governance, and the warrior protected the community. More than a “medicine woman”, she is the advisor whose main focus is the community.

In this role, she clearly was a threat to the spread of Westernized religion, and as a result was demonized.  To enable the Spanish colonizers to spread their religion and wrest influence over one’s spirit/soul, the babaylan was referred to as the “bruja”, or the “witch”.  To ensure she would not be able to return, in some places she was killed, chopped into pieces, and fed to the crocodiles. One book to look into this is Carolyn Brewer’s “Holy Confrontation: Religion, Gender and Sexuality in the Philippines, 1521-1685.”

The colonizers were able to force the babaylans underground, and into the distant mountains, but they were unable to totally eradicate her. However, unlike many other cultures who have lost their “babaylan” as their cultures were destroyed, today we are very fortunate to have many traditional, indigenous babaylans in our midst. Even today they focus on the community and continuation of the many practices of the culture.

Understanding this piece of the Philippine cultural history is important for two reasons (well, there are more, but I will only list two here).

1.  First, it is the longed-for missing link to our identity, the amputated member of our body/mind/soul, the Filipino’s innate soul connection to universal Oneness that is at the core of how we see and navigate through our world. If you wish to understand Filipinos, you cannot skip this piece that helps integrates the whole.

2.  Second, once we as Filipinos know of this piece, we can come to an understanding through our individual exploration, more steadily take our place in the modern world, experience our wholeness, and offer from that place.

Some outsiders will view the babaylan as a curiosity, much like the Native American medicine people and elders.  However, for the Filipino, this is not taken lightly. We have an understanding of our spiritual connection that is waiting to be articulated.

The Center for Babaylan Studies helps us learn more at  http://www.babaylan.net .  They will hold the 1st International Babaylan Conference in Sonoma State from April 17-18, 2010. Check their website for details.

Grace Nono studied for 15 years with babaylans to learn their songs, and will share them. Virgil Apostol is a practicing hilot in the Ablon tradition. Katrin de Guia has studied the babaylan and Philippine culture.  Many others will share their knowledge through presentations of word, song, dance, and ritual. From what I know, people are coming from around the world, as well as from the Philippines to participate. And, of course, I will be there.

More to come . . .