As Christmas draws near, Filipinos join the mad rush to prepare for the festivities—by buying gifts, attending innumerable Christmas parties, and bringing out sumptuous traditional recipes for the much-awaited noche buena feast. As we delight in the company of family and friends and enjoy the hearty fare prepared by loved ones, it is easy to…
“Don’t take a shower or get wet!” This is a familiar reminder that the manghihilot usually tells a person after a Hilot session. Most times, people just meekly obey, without knowing exactly why they are being temporarily banned from being splashed on with water. Hilot newbies might feel a bit uncomfortable, not being used to…
Hilot: The Science of the Ancient Filipino Healing Arts by Dr. Bibiano S. Fajardo and Ma. Aleli V. Pansacola is one of the books featured on Anvil Publishing’s website: Anvil Publishing releases a new book titled Hilot: The Science of the Ancient Filipino Healing Arts written by medical researcher and healer Bibiano S. Fajardo and Ma. Aleli V.…
People who are not familiar with Hilot often think that Hilot is just another type of massage. After all, that is basically what Hilot looks like. On the surface, the manghihilot manipulates muscles–very similar, it seems, to what they do at the spa. However, people who have grown up with, or have encountered authentic Hilot, know that this is not the case.…
Though it is an integral part of Philippine culture, the mention of Hilot evokes different reactions, depending on the person’s background and experience. There are people who swear by the healing benefits of Hilot, while others view Hilot with skepticism. Still others view Hilot as just another way to relax at the spa. But what is Hilot, really? Dr. Bibiano Fajardo,…
