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I remember my dad wearing a gold chain necklace with a gold and diamond-studded Santo Niño pendant—an image of the child Jesus holding the globus cruciger ("cross-bearing orb" in Latin) in one hand and making the gesture of benediction with the other. The globus cruciger symbolizes Christ’s dominion over the world, while the blessing hand represents divine favor and the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).  By the way, I've always wondered why the mother got replaced with a spirit in the form of a bird.  Perhaps it should have been: "Father, Son, and Mother?" Just my two cent...

The vibrant scent of lemongrass instantly transports me back to my childhood kitchen, watching my lolo add it to his delicious dishes, like chicken binakol.  That fragrant, citrusy aroma is both comforting and invigorating.  But lemongrass is more than just a culinary delight.  In Halamanism*, plants have stories to tell, lessons to share.  Lemongrass, with its sharp leaves and potent fragrance, speaks of centeredness, joy, and the importance of staying true to your path.  Its very essence whispers warnings: stray from the right direction, and you might get cut.  Beyond its culinary uses, lemongrass is a powerful healer and spiritual...

Discover the Healing and Spiritual Power of Guava Leaves Guava leaves have been revered for centuries for their powerful medicinal, spiritual, and cultural significance.  In this ultimate guide, explore their many benefits—from promoting weight loss, boosting immunity, and enhancing skin and hair health to their use in spiritual cleansing, manifestation rituals, and ancestral offerings.  Learn how to prepare guava leaf tea, create herbal remedies, and engage with this sacred plant in a way that fosters healing and respect.  Rooted in Filipino traditions and Indigenous wisdom, this guide reconnects us to the profound teachings of Mama Guava and the practice of...

Incense has held deep cultural and spiritual significance across civilizations, and the Philippines is no exception. One of the most revered types of incense in Filipino tradition is Kamangyan incense resin, derived from the Canarium luzonicum tree, also known as the elemi tree. What is Kamangyan? The Canarium luzonicum is a tall, evergreen tree native to the Philippines, reaching heights of over 30 meters.  Its resin has been used for centuries as incense, prized for its aromatic, medicinal, and spiritual properties.  Beyond incense, it has applications in skincare, medicine, food, and industry, thanks to its antifungal, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, and rubefacient...