Urpi Ritual by Mumbaki at Brgy. Kinakin, Banawe, Ifugao

The video I am sharing on our vlog details our journey from Star Mall San Jose del Monte, Bulacan to Brgy. Kinakin, Banawe, Ifugao.

The BSB (Bahay Siadtala Binabaylan), along with Apu Adman Aghama, have been invited by our Spiritual Mumbaki Brother, Ka Mamerto Tindongan, and Ate Jennelyn Nanglihan to attend their “urpi” ritual. This ceremony will be held at their sacred site in Brgy. Kinakin, Banawe, Ifugao.

We have been granted a significant and sacred opportunity to experience and witness the Mumbaki performing their sacred Baki. The specific Baki we attended is the “Urpi Ritual,” performed annually before rice planting. This ritual blesses the farm and secures it against any negative energy or vibrations, which may manifest as pests.

During the Baki, we took the opportunity to listen to the sacred wisdom and knowledge of the Mumbaki. One of the insights shared by the Mumbaki pertained to the term for “prayer.” The Mumbaki explained that there is no direct term for “prayer” in their language, but the closest equivalent is the word “baki.”

I directly asked the Mumbaki seated beside me why he was not participating with the others in performing the Baki. He explained that the reason was his lack of memorization of the Baki ritual. He also shared that the Mumbaki rituals are passed down orally. He expressed his amazement at the Mumbaki who can easily memorize all the details of the Baki ritual, while he, despite being educated, struggles to remember the entire process.

I also inquired about the Ifugao Deity or Diwata, specifically whether individuals who are not Mumbaki can summon their Deity. He responded that it is dangerous for non-Mumbaki to attempt this. According to him, invoking the presence of their Deity requires proper offerings to both the Deity and other spirits. He also mentioned that each Baki ritual involves different offerings and specific procedural variations.

Based on my experiences, it is challenging to discern when and how the Baki will begin, unlike other rituals I have attended where the start and end are more apparent. In the Mumbaki’s ritual, I noticed that the initial acts of preparation, such as cleaning and setting up the venue, signify the commencement of the ritual. The Mumbaki also mentioned that some Baki rituals can last for three consecutive days without interruption. During these rituals, continuous chanting is maintained for the entire duration, with participants alternating to allow for rest.

They also mentioned that any activities not connected to the specific purpose of the Baki are prohibited. Engaging in unrelated activities could offend the Deity and other spirits, potentially invoking their anger.

They also shared some of their personal experiences with their elder Mumbaki, particularly regarding their healing abilities. One individual recounted experiencing a severe toothache in his mid-adult years. Seeking relief, he approached his elder Mumbaki for healing. The elder Mumbaki selected specific herbs, whispered prayers over them, and applied them to the affected area. By the next morning, the tooth had been automatically removed, and the pain had completely vanished.

Another story shared involved a person with wounds. The elder Mumbaki used his saliva as an ointment, applying it directly to the wounds. Remarkably, within minutes, the wounds began to close and heal on their own.

After hearing their stories, I asked where their elder Mumbaki is now. They informed me that their elder Mumbaki had passed away. I then inquired whether his healing abilities and skills had been passed down before his death. The response from the Mumbaki I was speaking with was heartbreaking. He said that no one had inherited the elder’s skills and abilities, meaning that those unique healing practices can no longer be performed.

After hearing this, I felt blessed and fortunate that my personal spirit and ancestral guides led me to them. Speaking with them directly and hearing their personal experiences and stories about their elder Mumbaki was invaluable. Through these stories, we can preserve and pass down the knowledge of how great and powerful our Mumbaki are to future generations and readers.

Mayari na! Magbaya!