The Señor San Blas sculpture, made of hardwood and about 36 cm tall, belongs to the Iglesia Filipina Independiente Church in Brgy. Balanti-an and is estimated to be over 80 years old. Donated by the Bataga family, it plays a central role in local religious life, serving as the barangay’s patron saint. It is believed to have healing powers, with rituals like “haplas” and “patapak” where devotees touch or step on it for relief from illness. The statue is featured in annual fiestas, processions, and vows, and its presence is tied to stories of miraculous recovery. Originally found in a river and resized, it has been passed down and maintained by generations of caretakers. While in good condition, the sculpture faces threats from handling and natural disasters, with the church implementing basic conservation measures.
SEÑOR SAN BLAS SCULPTURE OF THE IGLESIA FILIPINA INDEPENDIENTE CHURCH OF BRGY. BALANTI-AN
Location/s:
Photo Credit/s:
Ann Sherly Gurrobat, May 2024
Mappers:
Ann Sherly H. Gurrobat
Tags:
, Bataga family donation, Brgy. Balanti-an patron saint, , Filipino church heirlooms, Filipino cultural heritage, Filipino devotional practices, Filipino religious traditions, haplas and patapak practices, hardwood religious sculpture, Iglesia Filipina Independiente religious artifacts, miraculous healing statue, Philippine folk Catholicism, Philippine patron saints, , San Blas annual fiesta, San Blas healing rituals, San Blas processions, Señor San Blas sculpture, traditional faith healing Philippines
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