Immortal Elements

Glossary 15

Anito- also spelled anitu, refers to ancestor spirits, nature spirits, and deities (diwata) in the indigenous animistic religions of precolonial Philippines. 

Diwata- is a type of deity or spirit.

Kubo- is a type of stilt house indigenous to the cultures of the Philippines. It is also known as payag or kamalig in other languages of the Philippines. It often serves as an icon of Philippine culture.

Mumbaki- is a kind of religious specialist who can perform various healing rituals as well as engage in spiritual practices. Originally, Mumbaki was a type of healer who treated illnesses caused by witchcraft. This is why they are occasionally called witch doctors. 

Mambabarang- are ordinary human beings with black magic who torture and later kill their victims by infesting their bodies with insects. Mambabarangs use a strand of hair from their intended victim and tie it to the bugs or worms which they will use as a medium. When they prick the bug, the victim immediately experiences the intended effect.

Anggitay- is a creature with the upper body of a female human and the lower body and legs of a horse from waist down. They were the Philippine counterpart to the centauride, the female centaurs. They are sometimes depicted as having a single horn in the middle of their forehead, just like a unicorn. They were usually said to be attracted to precious gemstones , and jewelry. Their homeland is believed to be in Santo Tomas, Batangas .