Experience a Deep Connection in Siargao: The Hayahay Ritual for Soul Alignment
If you’re headed to the laid-back island of Siargao and want to add a meaningful, culturally-rooted moment to your trip, the Hayahay Ritual offers a rare chance to connect with Filipino ancestral traditions. For $80, you and your traveling companion will participate in a 1.5-hour guided session led by Kimberly Macatangay, focusing on self-honoring, spiritual clearing, and body awareness rooted in pre-colonial animist practices. The experience takes place in a serene setting in Surigao del Norte, with the exact location shared the evening before — a thoughtful touch that maintains privacy and fosters a sense of anticipation.
What we particularly love about this ritual is how accessible it is — it’s gentle yet deeply restorative, perfect for those looking to slow down and reconnect with their inner selves. The ritual’s emphasis on chanting sacred syllables and body anointing with ritual oils creates a visceral sense of cleansing and renewal. Plus, the inclusion of a herbal smoke blessing adds to the overall feeling of spiritual purification. Another highlight is the opportunity to learn about the seven soul vessels—which describe different parts of our energetic self—and the Filipino concept of usbong, offering a fascinating glimpse into indigenous beliefs.
That said, this experience might not suit travelers seeking a highly active or adventure-focused activity. It’s a contemplative, meditative session that’s best suited for those open to inward reflection and cultural exploration. It’s also not recommended for anyone with mobility issues or young children under 18, given the nature of the ritual and its emphasis on respect and mindfulness. Overall, if you’re curious about indigenous Filipino spirituality or want a peaceful, meaningful moment in Siargao, this ritual can be quite a gift.
Key Points
Authentic Cultural Experience: Rooted in pre-colonial Filipino animist traditions, offering insight into indigenous beliefs.
Deep Relaxation: The ritual emphasizes rest, clearing, and balance through chanting, visualization, and body anointing.
Educational Element: Includes a short lecture on the 7 soul vessels and usbong, enriching your understanding of Filipino spirituality.
Personal Connection: The guided process encourages you to listen inward and honor your body’s wisdom.
Limited Group Size: Typically private or small, ensuring a personalized, respectful experience.
Value for the Price: At $80, it’s a meaningful cultural and spiritual experience, especially given the depth of tradition and personal attention.
A Genuine Look at the Hayahay Ritual Experience
Traveling to Siargao isn’t just about surfing or beaches — it’s about discovering new ways to feel connected and grounded. The Hayahay Ritual offers a peaceful, culturally-rich option that’s as much about inner work as it is about cultural appreciation. Led by Kimberly Macatangay, a guide with a lineage of Filipino shamans, the experience respects the traditions while making them accessible for modern visitors.
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What the Experience Looks Like from Start to Finish
The session begins with a herbal pausok blessing at your arrival — a fragrant smoke ceremony using kamangyan (incense) and bunot (coconut husk). This step clears the space and sets a respectful tone for what’s to come. You’ll then receive a short, insightful lecture about Filipino animism, including the significance of the 7 soul vessels and usbong, which refers to our energetic field. This educational component helps you understand the ritual’s deeper meaning, making the subsequent steps more impactful.
The main part of the ritual involves three modules:
- Chanting sacred syllables (x3) coupled with guided visualization, which opens your breath and energetic vessels. We found this part both calming and energizing, as the sacred sounds resonate through your body, creating a sense of release.
- Self-honoring body anointing, where ritual oils (lana) are used to pray over each of the 7 vessels — head, eyes, nose, mouth, ears, arms, and legs. The focus on intentional touch and prayer helps you physically feel the connection to your energy. Travelers have commented that this part is deeply restorative, with one noting, “I felt like I was giving myself permission to simply be still and breathe.”
- A final round of chanting and visualization for energetic alignment, leaving you with a sense of calm, balance, and clarity.
Throughout, Kimberly’s gentle guidance fosters a respectful and safe environment. The entire experience is designed to be accessible, modern, and deeply rooted in traditional Filipino healing arts.
The Practicalities and Comforts
Participants should bring a towel or large cloth to cover themselves during the anointing, which helps maintain privacy during intimate parts of the ritual. It’s recommended to wear loose, breathable clothing, and avoid showering immediately afterward to allow the oils to absorb fully. The session lasts about an hour and a half, making it a perfect morning or late-afternoon activity after beach time or exploration.
The group size tends to be small, which enhances the feeling of intimacy and respect. Kimberly’s approach is warm, engaging, and respectful of different backgrounds, emphasizing that this isn’t a religious ritual but a spiritual practice that honors the wisdom of indigenous Filipino traditions.
What Travelers Say
Multiple reviews describe the ritual as “deeply restorative” and “a beautiful way to reconnect with oneself,” highlighting how grounding and calming the experience is. Some mention the power of the chanting — “the sacred sounds really helped me feel centered,” one traveler noted. Others appreciated the cultural depth, with comments like “I now understand a bit more about Filipino beliefs, and it felt genuine and heartfelt.”
More Great Tours NearbyHow to Prepare and What to Keep in Mind
Preparation is straightforward: come in loose, comfortable clothes, bring water, and a towel. Avoid high heels, cameras, and anything that might distract from the meditative atmosphere. The exact location is shared via text the evening before, respecting privacy and creating anticipation. Cancellation is flexible — you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which adds peace of mind for planning.
Price and Value
At $80 for approximately 90 minutes, this experience offers significant value — especially considering the personal attention and cultural depth. It’s not just a “tourist activity” but a chance to feel and learn about Filipino ancestral practices directly from someone with authentic lineage. You might find it particularly meaningful if you’re interested in indigenous spirituality, meditation, or cultural exchange.
Who Will Love This Experience?
This ritual suits travelers who are open-minded, respectful, and curious about indigenous traditions. It’s ideal for those seeking a peaceful, inward-focused activity that offers a break from physical adventures. It’s also perfect if you want a more meaningful, less commercialized cultural experience during your time in Siargao.
While not designed for children under 18 or those with mobility challenges, it’s accessible enough for most visitors who are comfortable sitting quietly and engaging in gentle guided practices.
Final Thoughts
The Hayahay Ritual in Siargao offers a rare opportunity to honor Filipino ancestral beliefs in a peaceful, accessible way. It’s a quiet but powerful way to reconnect with your spirit, learn about indigenous concepts like the 7 soul vessels and usbong, and leave with a renewed sense of balance. This experience is a testament to how traditional practices can resonate in modern life, providing genuine insights and healing.
If you’re seeking a moment of quiet reflection amidst your island adventures, this ritual can be a meaningful addition to your trip. For those interested in cultural authenticity, spiritual growth, or simply a peaceful pause, it’s well worth considering.
FAQ
Is the Hayahay Ritual suitable for everyone?
It’s best suited for travelers over 18 who are open-minded and comfortable with meditative and gentle spiritual practices. It’s not recommended for those with mobility issues.
What should I bring?
Bring a towel or large cloth for coverage, water to stay hydrated, and wear loose, breathable clothing.
How long does the session last?
About 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it easy to fit into your day.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
What is included in the price?
Herbal smoke blessing, a short lecture on Filipino animist concepts, and the three-part ritual with chanting, anointing, and visualization.
Is the location shared beforehand?
Yes, the exact meeting point is sent via text the evening before your session.
Is this experience religious?
No, it’s rooted in Filipino animist traditions but focused on self-honoring and spiritual balance, not religion.
Can I participate if I don’t speak Tagalog or English?
Yes, the practice is guided in English, Tagalog, and Italian, making it accessible for many travelers.
What’s the best way to prepare for the ritual?
Come with an open mind, respect the process, and arrive ready to listen inward and be present.
Is this experience available year-round?
Yes, it’s offered regularly, with adjustments for full moon timings when blessed oils are available.
In sum, the Hayahay Ritual is a thoughtful, enriching way to deepen your understanding of Filipino culture while nurturing your own spirit in the tranquil setting of Siargao. It’s perfect for those seeking peace, authenticity, and a meaningful cultural connection during their island journey.
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