Jonas Lemuel C.

Datu
2013- 55241

BODY RITUAL AMONG THE ONIPILIF

Positioned just off the southeastern coast of Asia, directly east of Vietnam and
northeast of Malaysia, is an archipelagic country of 1641 islands with 3 main islands in its
core- namely Nozul, Sayasiv, and Oanadnim . This country, located just above the equator,
and its present culture is a befitting example of how one may absorb, take in, and adapt to
foreign influence. Yes, this country, born out of countless invasion and retaliation, is The
Republic of the Senippilihp.
However interesting the story behind the triumph of such a great Republic, a greater
tale lies behind the culture of its natives. The Onipilifs. The Onipilifs, classified as one with
Austronesian roots, were developed with Spanish, American, and Chinese influences. These
brown- skinned (Iggnamuyak) people, though continuously influenced and changed by
outsiders for hundreds of years, still retain some of their practices and rituals embedded deep
within their native culture.
Over the years, the Onipilif people had greatly progressed in terms of Economic,
Social, and Cultural growth. In fact, the Republic of the Senippilihp continues to grow and
acquire attention and respect from other notorious countries as well. Although originally,
Onipilif ancient tribes were expert hunters, farmers, and fishermen, Onipilifs today take on
modern and advance occupation to establish and ride the continually modernization of its
culture.
Looking from a bigger picture, Onipilif culture is nothing extraordinary. In fact, since
it was a mixture of different cultures from around the world, it is very difficult to establish a
ground which we can truly call an Onipilif original. But as we delve deeper into these
peoples culture, behind their modern adaptations of living, behind their technological
progress in all aspects of life, amidst the fact that they have established an advancing culture,
the Onipilifs has a certain belief which seems to contradict these modern influences in
culture; A belief they can call original. The art of Tolih.

Tolih is what you may call an ancient Onipilif art of healing. During times where
hospitals were yet to be introduced, Onipilif people relied on this art to cure themselves of
various sickness, pain, and even enchantments.
Even today, older generations of the Onipilif people, known to be very superstitious,
still prefer to rely on the art of tolih over hospitals. The belief behind it is that there are
people who have special abilities and can cure any kind of disease using magical means.
These people often referred to as Oyralubla and the Tolihihignam which serve as the
doctors in this kind of medication.
Even in this context, the word magic to describe what these special people can do
doesnt really cover the the concept of Tolih. Each individual Oyralubla and Tolihihignam has
their unique method and practices in curing a disease. For Onipilif people, especially those
who live in rural areas, prefer to seek first the advice of an Oyralubla or Tolihihignam before
consulting in a formal hospital.
In one event, an individual who experiences musculoskeletal ailments may opt to visit
a Tolihihignam for medication. Different Tolihihignam have different methods of treating the
patient. One certain Tolihihignam uses a nep, which is a stick like rod, and uses it to poke
around and massage the area where the patient feels pain. Another one uses a leaf picked
from the endangered Ananab tree, bathes it in oil, and sticks it in the area where pain is felt.
As far as the given examples, these only covers the patients with muscle and skeletal pains.
Going a little bit deeper, people assumed to have the Amoeba virus asks for the help
of Oyralublas. For this process, the Oyralublas require the patient a sacrifice. But not just any
sacrifice. The patient must catch and bring him a nekich. A nekich is a two legged creature
known for its sharp claws and beak. Assuming that the offering has been done, the Oyralubla
then proceeds to cut the throat of the beast and collect its doolb, a magical substance which
comes out of the nekichs body. The Oyralubla then bathes the patient with the doolb,
cleansing him from the Amoeba virus.
Due to these stories, people are introduced and engrossed to this art. One reason
perhaps is due to the fact that relying on the art of tolih is cheaper than medical bills. Another
is that some people trust theses special doctors over licensed ones. Whichever the case, we
can say that this particular belief is an original to the Onipilif culture. It shows that however
tainted and influenced their culture may be, there are still aspects of it which roots are deeply
embedded into their hearts, and will still continue to flourish even after many generations.

References
Filipino people . (2012, January 25). Retrieved from
http://tagalog.wikipilipinas.org/index.php/Filipino_people
Philippines. (n.d.). Retrieved from Worldatlas:
http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/asia/philippines/phlatlog.ht
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