S I N - O

SIN-O

  As the sun brightened up the day and most of the people commemorate the EDSA Revolution, the group decided to visit a certain barangay at almost eight in the morning for an interview with a residing faith healer there who diagnoses patients from various Barangays of Bulan and sometimes, individuals from neighboring towns.

Lahong-bound.

  

She is known by many as “Sister Osay”. After arriving at their place, we felt a feeling of disappointment as she told us that she will not entertain interviews anymore. But we are very thankful because she changed her mind and we still had a privilege to cite some questions pertaining to herself and also about faith healing.

Morning freshness far from poblacion.


 The day just started but some already arrived early and patiently waiting for her.

  But before diagnosing the patient, it’s already a practice that they should offer a candle where the healing takes place.

 

One of them is Nanay Salvacion a 65-year old woman residing at Bical Bulan, Sorsogon who is said to be a victim of a “dwarf-like creature”.

  It is believed to live in an anthill or termite mound, hence its name, literally 'Ancestor/Grandparent living in the anthill'.

  According to her, it all happened three weeks ago when she went on a nearby stream to search for a good signal in order to clearly understand the conversation through cellular phone. 

  On the following day, she suddenly experienced a muscle pain on her shoulder and decided to treat herself with some herbal medicine like the leaves of lakad-bulan, oregano and anu-nang. This treatment did not change her state of not feeling well and because of that, she already decided to consult Sister Osay.

  When she’s being diagnosed, a sore was found out on her left shoulder. 

  At first, the faith healer tried to identify her sickness by means of using a cross called “PANGSIPIT”. This is a term used, for the process is done through the putting of the cross between the fingers and finger toes of the patient.

  Then the faith healer proceeded to the usage of an egg being placed to the different body parts of the patient also called as “himagat sa itlog”.   This is being used to transfer the sickness being felt by the patient directly to the egg, according to her.

After placing it on a various parts of the body, the egg stands on the healer’s palm signifying that the patient is a victim of “karaw” or “witchcraft”. 

  After “sipping out” all the patient’s sickness, the faith healer cracked the egg and put on a plate in order for her to identify the cause of Nanay Salvacion’s suffering.

  After this process, the faith healer finally identified the reason behind the patient’s sickness by means of “SANTIGWAR” or “PAGTATAWAS”. 

  She then advised the patient to conduct a “pag-alay” after giving the list of things needed in the said activity.

  Noon time arrived and we already ate the lunches that we packed. It rained at almost two in the afternoon but it didn’t stop Sis. Osay and together with the patients.

  Another patient, a 7-year old girl named Dionisa had experienced also the case of Nay Salvacion. But by this time, it is called “SIN-O sa KALAG” or “VISIT OF THE SOUL”.

  The reason behind the child’s sickness according to the faith healer is the visitation of her grandfather who already passed away.

  Instead of an egg, what the faith healer used by this time is a native chicken also placed on the different body parts of the patient in order to find out her sickness. Before dissecting the chicken which is said to believe has already the sickness of the patient, it will die. 

  Dissecting is done in order to see through the chicken’s organs what is happening to the patients body. On the field of quackery, the said activity is called as “X-tray”.   Just like what the Doctor figured out, Sis. Osay told that the child is experiencing from UTI. She has also a migraine and a parasite (worm) in her stomach.

  After that, she gave a “PANGONTRA” to the child as a defense from bad spirits.

  And as this task comes to an end, we just wanna say: “Thank God, we Survived! “ Haha!! From all the disappointments and hesitations on pursuing this unusual yet interesting topic, we’ve still standing after overcoming all the stumbling blocks every particular subtopic had offered to us. 

  

Thank you Ms. April Pauline F. Arevalo for pushing and letting us come out of our shells or comfort zones despite of our inadequate experience on blog industry. To our supportive families as well who are always on our side in every “ups” and “downs” of learning process. 

  This will really help us on becoming competitive educators of tomorrow’s innovative learning environment. TGBTG!