Welcome back, Kapwatids!

We SURE IS back, from the CROCODILE'S BELLY that was 2021, as we now enter 2022!

Thrilled to have you tuning in with us again!

WE OFFICIALLY OPEN UP SEASON 2 WITH OUR SECOND BOOK, "Back from the Crocodile's Belly", edited by Lily Mendoza & Leny Mendoza Stoebel. The first chapter segment of this three part book was written by Grace Nono, who journeyed to sit with Mumbaki, the Babaylan (indigenous priest, healer, oralist/auralist) among the people of the Ifugao province in the Cordillera Administrative Region of Northern Luzon, Northern PI.

This story comes from Mamerto “Lagitan” Tindongan, a now 65-year old mumbaki, wood sculptor, champion atlatlist (spear thrower), and healer. He is also an initiated PAQO and LAIKA, a 4th level priest and earth keeper, respectively, in the QUERO/Q’ERO (Native S. American) tradition. Grace’s story and photos capture the Lawet, a transition ceremony facilitated by multiple mumbaki’s to summon a deity responsible for ushering Lagitan’s father’s soul after his passing, Buwaya, who is known as a 7th generational Mumbaki. The Lawet was facilitate by Buwaya’s mentor, Huwan Candelario and assistance from Jose “Nabbud” Pagaddut, Buwaya’s nephew.

The intricacies of this chapter are stated through Lagitan’s “we have a compromise” - holding space to honor Buwaya’s wake in a mixed crowd of Christianized and the presence of many elders (even modernized, US-based Filipino/Filipinx, upholding the Baki ways).

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(approximate timings):

1. Grounding Prayer & @ 2min

2. "90 second DECOLONIZING" Check-in @ 4min, 18sec

3. Chapter Overview @ 11min

4. Vocabulary Words 16min

5. Quotes @ 32min, 30sec

6. Closing Prayer @ 52min, 47sec