(Elder gambang pov) The dawn had finally arrived, casting a golden glow over the palace courtyard. The air was filled with anticipation as the nobles, timawa, and alipins gathered to witness the ritual. I stood at the front, my eyes fixed on the babaylan as she prepared for the ceremony. The babaylan, resplendent in her ritual attire, stood before the altar, her eyes closed as she invoked the anitos. The crowd was silent, their faces filled with expectation and reverence. Even the nobles, who often seemed so skeptical, looked on with a mixture of curiosity and respect. As the babaylan began to chant and dance, the atmosphere grew more charged. The people leaned forward, their eyes fixed on the babaylan as she communed with the spirits. I watched, my own heart beating with anticipation, as the babaylan's movements became more frenzied. Finally, the babaylan fell silent, her eyes snapping open as she gazed out at the crowd. The people held their collective breath, waiting for he
Last Updated : 2025-10-13 Read more