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The Hermit of Cubao

The Hermit of Cubao
Photo by Marlon Cagatin, December 13, 2015

Monday, March 14, 2016

Your Messenger message:

"Hi Sir Tony! Kamusta po?
"I just want to ask if what are these for? After seeing this posted on a door, I remember you. hehe"


My reply:

This is a protective talisman, or "panipas" in Visayan, as you can see the word written on the sheet; "tagaliwas" or "pang-iwas" in Bahasa Philippines. The upright figure in the center with divided triangles is the sinturon, or belt, of Haring Bakal, a.k.a. Tadtad in Mindanao--and Pulahanes in the Visayas, where you are.

It is quite strange that it is exposed, though it is probably typically sealed in that Chinese "lai see" envelope. The talisman has nothing to do with being Chinese, though. The owner used it only because it is red, a protective color and also the color of Haring Bakal belts, vests, and kerchiefs.

The spelling of "TENET" as TINIT" is another clue that the origin of this talisman is Visayan.

If the owner of the house is a Haring Bakal practitioner, he is also probably a member of the volunteer group Guardians.




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