Anito is the collective name for Pre-Hispanic belief system that exists in the Philippines. It is also the name for spirits, which may include deceased ancestors and nature-spirits or diwatas. Native Filipinos usually keep statues to represent these spirits and to ask guidance and even magical protection. Much of the tradition has been Christianized and incorporated into Folk Catholicism.
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During the Pre-Hispanic periods, the function of an Albularyo, or Folk Healer, was part of the functions of a Babaylan, a shamanic spiritual leader of the community. Albularyo is also synonymous with Mananambal, another term for Folk Healer.
On the onset of the Colonial era, the suppression of the Babaylans and the native Filipino religion gave rise to the Albularyo. By exchanging the native prayers and spells with Catholic oraciones and Christian prayers, the Albularyo was able to synchronize the ancient mode of healing with the new religion.
Albularyos will use herbs, alum, coconut oil, and other substances in their healing practices. In many cases, albularyos will also employ various prayers, chants and "supernatural" cures—especially for cases involving supernatural causes.
As time progressed, the Albularyo became a more prominent figure in most rural areas in the Philippines. Lacking access to scientific medical practices, rural Filipinos trusted the Albularyos to rid them of common (and sometimes believed to be supernatural) sicknesses and diseases.
However, the Albularyo's role was slowly shadowed with the rise of modern medical facilities. Urbanization gave the masses access to more scientific treatments, exchanging the chants and herbs of the Albularyos with the newer technologies offered by the medical field. Still, Albularyos flourish in many rural areas in the Philippines where medical facilities are still expensive and sometimes inaccessible.
Some of the rituals observed by Filipino Folk Healers include: