Situating the first-person accounts of spirit encounters from Davao and Davao Oriental provinces within the context of a Philippine worldview of indigenous religion and healing, this book examines five central themes: acquiring personal power, remembering one's debt of gratitude, healing as an efficacious power, competing with the power of others, and the localization of religious beliefs. It likewise explores the affinity of localized Philippine religion to the emerging ecological worldview of the universe.
It's a well-researched narrative which sheds light on little-known, or perhaps known yet misunderstood, practices surrounding localized religion. The inclusion of personal stories of people who are direct participants in localized religion humanize the discussion. One need not agree with the beliefs and practices of the groups being described in order to appreciate the content of this book.
For those reading this review from the greater Baliwag area, I will be donating this book to the Sentrong Saliksikan ng Baliwag located at Baliwag Polytechnic College in Brgy. Poblacion. This information is too good to keep on my personal shelf at home to gather dust.