Siargao: Hayahay Ritual Short Version for Soul Alignment

<h3 id="section-0">Quick Overview

In our exploration of Siargao’s unique offerings, one experience that stands out is the Hayahay Ritual—a gentle, culturally rooted practice aimed at harmonizing your body and spirit. Priced at $80 per group (up to one person), this activity offers a calm, introspective journey into Filipino animist traditions, led by Kimberly Macatangay, a knowledgeable guide with roots in ancestral shamanic lineage.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What makes this experience special?

First, it’s rooted in pre-colonial Filipino animist practices, which makes it genuinely different from typical wellness activities. Second, the ritual’s focus on sacred syllable chanting, self-anointing, and visualization creates a deep sense of peace and clarity. Third, the inclusion of educational elements like learning about the 7 soul vessels and the concept of usbong adds a meaningful layer for those interested in cultural depth.

A potential consideration is that this experience is relatively gentle and restorative—so if you’re seeking a high-energy adventure or physical activity, this might not be your best fit.

Perfect for travelers who want a spiritual reset, those curious about Filipino culture, or anyone looking for a meditative, soul-centered practice that doesn’t involve physical exertion.

Key Points

• Authentic Cultural Practice: Rooted in Filipino ancestral traditions, not religious but spiritual.
• Gentle and Restorative: Designed to clear energy and promote inner balance.
• Educational Content: Learn about the 7 soul vessels and usbong, deepening your understanding.
• Guided Experience: Led by Kimberly Macatangay, a shamanic lineage holder.
• Accessible & Inclusive: Suitable for all backgrounds, emphasizing respect and inward listening.
• Limited Group Size: Intimate setting for personalized attention and profound experience.

In-Depth Review of the Hayahay Ritual in Siargao

Setting the Scene and Practicalities

The ritual is held in a private home in Sitio Canbingkong, Barangay Mabuhay, with the exact address shared via text the evening before—making it a bit of a mystery until the night prior, which adds to the sense of anticipation. Kimberly’s approach is warm and respectful, creating a safe space for reflection regardless of your background.

The total duration is about 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it a manageable activity even if you’re on a tight schedule. The meeting point is straightforward, and the experience concludes back where it began, ensuring a seamless flow. You’ll want to bring a towel or large cloth for covering your body during the anointing, plus water and loose clothing to stay comfortable.

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The Ritual Components

The experience begins with a herbal smoke blessing called pausok, which is used to clear the space—think of it as a spiritual spring cleaning. It involves kamangyan and bunot, traditional Filipino herbs and materials, offering a fragrant, grounding start.

The short lecture on Filipino animism provides context, emphasizing the importance of the 7 soul vessels—the head, eyes, nose, mouth, ears, arms, and legs—each believed to carry specific energetic imprints. You’ll also learn about usbong, the Filipino term for energy or life force, giving you a cultural lens to interpret your own experience.

Next, the ritual unfolds in three modules:

• Chanting Sacred Syllables: You’ll repeat sacred sounds thrice, accompanied by guided visualization to open your breath and energetic vessels. Reviewers note that this part is quite powerful, with one mentioning, “the chanting helped me feel more connected and alive.”
• Self-Honoring Anointing: Using ritual virgin coconut oil called lana, Kimberly guides you through anointing each vessel with prayers. You’ll be asked to respect your privacy, making use of your towel. Multiple reviews mention how soothing and grounding the body feels after this step, with one saying, “the oil felt like it was sealing a new layer of calm inside me.”
• Final Chanting and Visualization: A closing set of sacred syllables aims to align your energy further, leaving you with a sense of clarity and inner balance.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Your fee covers everything essential: the herbal smoke blessing, the educational talk, and the three-part ritual. Kimberly also offers an intuitive Gabaybayin message—a kind of divination using Filipino symbols—if time permits, which adds a mystical touch.

Extras like ritual lana oil, incense, or divination readings are available but come at an additional cost, reflecting the personalized and sacred nature of the practice.

The Experience in Practice

Multiple reviews highlight the restorative quality of this ritual. One guest described it as “a gentle yet potent return to myself,” appreciating its ability to clear mental clutter without any physical exertion. The focus on listening inward and respecting the process makes it suitable for those seeking mindful reflection.

Kimberly’s cultural depth and genuine care shine through, as she explains concepts like usbong and kapwa—the shared self—with patience and clarity. Some guests appreciated learning about Filipino animism in a modern context, making the experience both educational and spiritually nourishing.

The Value of the Experience

At $80, the price reflects the personalized attention, cultural authenticity, and the use of high-quality materials like the blessed lana oil. While it might seem like a modest fee, the depth of connection and cultural insight offered here makes it a worthwhile investment for those genuinely interested in spiritual healing and understanding Filipino traditions.

Who Would Benefit Most?

If you’re a traveler craving a meditative practice grounded in authentic Filipino culture, this ritual offers genuine connection. It’s especially suited if you’re after inner balance, cultural education, or a gentle spiritual cleansing. Those interested in ancestral traditions and energy healing will find it particularly meaningful.

Accessibility and Practical Tips

Since the ritual involves body anointing and visualization, it’s best experienced in loose, breathable clothes (think sarongs or bikinis). Be mindful that shoes, cameras, and food are not permitted, maintaining the sacred atmosphere.

Travelers with mobility impairments might find this experience less accessible due to the setting and physical aspects involved, so plan accordingly. Also, avoid showering immediately afterward to allow the oil to fully absorb into your skin and energy field for maximum benefit.

Final Thoughts

The Hayahay Ritual in Siargao offers a genuine opportunity to reconnect with your inner self through a culturally rooted Filipino practice. Its focus on energetic clearing, self-honoring, and learning about ancestral concepts makes it more than just a wellness session—it’s a cultural journey and a spiritual reset.

For those curious about Filipino traditions or simply seeking a peaceful, mindful experience, this ritual provides a meaningful and authentic way to step back from the hustle of travel or daily life. It’s a gentle, profound way to nurture your spirit while gaining insight into a fascinating cultural worldview.

If you’re after a quiet moment of reflection amid your Siargao adventure, this experience is sure to leave a lasting impression—mindful, respectful, and deeply restorative.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Hayahay Ritual?
It’s a Filipino ancestral ritual rooted in pre-colonial animist traditions, focusing on self-honoring, energy clearing, and reconnecting with your spirit through chanting, anointing, and visualization.

Where does the experience take place?
The ritual is held at a private home in Sitio Canbingkong, Barangay Mabuhay, with the exact address shared via text the evening before.

How long does the ritual last?
Expect about 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it a manageable activity within your day’s schedule.

What should I bring?
Bring a towel or large cloth for covering your body during the anointing, plus water and loose, breathable clothing for comfort.

Is this experience suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
It’s best suited for adults and those without mobility impairments. The activity involves body contact during oil application, which might not be accessible or appropriate for everyone.

What’s included in the price?
The herbal smoke blessing, educational talk, and the three-part ritual are all included. Additional offerings like divination or extra oils are optional and cost extra.

Can I book and pay later?
Yes, you can reserve your spot now and pay later, keeping your plans flexible.

Are there any restrictions on recording or photography?
Yes, photography and video recording are not permitted to preserve the sacred atmosphere.

What language is the experience conducted in?
The ritual can be conducted in English, Tagalog, or Italian, accommodating diverse travelers.

In essence, this experience offers a heartfelt, culturally rich way to pause and align your energy in a safe and respectful environment. Whether you’re seeking spiritual clarity or simply a peaceful moment amidst bustling Siargao, the Hayahay Ritual provides a unique and authentic journey inward.

You can check availability for your dates here: