Binabaylan music is a traditional musical form used in healing rituals led by babaylans or folk healers in Tubungan, Iloilo, especially in barangays Igtuble, Igpaho, and Molina. It uses native instruments like the bandyo and gitara, creating spiritual soundscapes that accompany rituals such as awag and pasaka. This music plays a central role in the community’s spiritual life and is passed down through hands-on mentorship, participation in rituals, and oral tradition. Banda musicians and elders serve as cultural bearers, guiding the younger generation through active involvement in ceremonies. However, its survival is threatened by modern influences, lack of youth interest, and minimal documentation. While the community welcomes research efforts, there are currently no strong safeguarding measures in place to ensure the practice’s long-term preservation.
Photo Credit/s:
Tanate, Jose Victor (2020)
Mappers:
Jean Mae Fundal
Tags:
awag ritual, babaylan traditions, bandyo, , , , Binabaylan music, community rituals, cultural bearers, folk healing music, hands-on mentorship, healing rituals, indigenous instruments, modern influence threat, native gitara, Oral Tradition, pasaka ritual, ritual music, Spiritual Heritage, spiritual music, Tubungan Iloilo, undocumented tradition, youth engagement challenges
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