BBYLN (Babaylan)

2021/ 2023/ 2024

Concept and Choreography: AL Garcia
2021 Taiwan Performance: AL Garcia, Wynvel Anguren, Alexis Sandino, Mary Evangeline Recto, Cyril Valeriano
2023 Manila Philippines Performance: JM Cabling and Wynvel Anguren
2024 BIPAF Indonesia Performance: AL Garcia, Erik Setiawan, Ade Kurniawan, Qanita Diana Kalbu Hadinata and Vina Yuniar

Babaylan (BBYLN) is a spiritual or wise(wo)man in Philippine  language.  They are significant not only because they crossed male and female gender lines, but they are respected leaders and figures of authority, they have religious functions, mediating both the earth and the spirit worlds (Kizo, 2018).  This work is a re-imagined re-telling of the mystical lives of the Babaylan.  Honoring their great work in keeping the balance of life and death, keeping peace between heaven and the earth.  This piece also echoes and honors the artists whom l consider as the modern-day Babaylans.  They / we are the keepers of our cultures and traditions through our different media of expressions.  We keep balance of an introspective life and art itself - sharing our art as healing.