“Mawi, apò, can you tell me if the flame produced by a matchstick is strong?”

Lumawig was surprised by the question, but he still spent some time thinking about it and answered.

“Only at the first second that it was lighted, but it quickly dies down.”

“Correct. Now, what if lightning hits a dead tree, how strong do you think is the flame that it can produce?” added Lolo Gani.

“I think stronger by at least a thousand times than the flame produced by the matchstick.” Answered Lumawig.

“Correct. Babaylans are like that as well. A person who becomes a babaylan by being chosen by a spirit has a greater potential as it means that they have a natural connection with the spirits and the Spiritual realm. Much like how a lighting can produce a stronger flame than a matchstick. Even if I nurtured my dungan over the years I can only get it as strong as the hottest flame that a matchstick can produce in a short time, before it starts to fade away.

This is because my connection with the Spiritual realm was opened by another human, and not a spirit. It is like a foreigner asking another foreigner for directions in a foreign land. The answer that he or she will get will be limited and might be inaccurate. That is why babaylans who were chosen by spirits are more powerful since the spirits themselves are from the Spiritual realm. However, even if I was not naturally chosen by a spirit, your Inang Selia has helped me elevate the strength of my dungan.” Explained the old man. “By extension, this difference in the starting process of becoming a babaylan affects the limit of growth of one’s dungan. Nowadays however, most babaylans are not chosen by the spirits but were assisted by another babaylan in the starting process, hence, though they are still powerful they are not as powerful as those people like your Inang Selia.”

Hearing Lolo Gani’s explanation, Lumawig now has a better understanding about the dungan and the differences between each babaylan. He could not help but get excited, because from what his lolo said, he will have a much stronger dungan later on, and the incident with the Bal-bal is less likely to be repeated. His mind began to wander about the many possibilities of a strong dungan and being a powerful babaylan, however, he was abruptly pulled back to reality by his lolo’s stern warning.

“Even though you have a dungan that has a much greater potential than I have, you must not get ahead of yourself. For with great benefits comes with great risks. Such is the law of this world apò. With a much more powerful dungan, malignant spirits like aswangs will be more drawn to you, for if they were able to feed on you, they will get stronger. That is why you need to be more careful. Unless you can become a powerful babaylan, you are nothing but a ripe and sweet mango for them. Remember this as well apò, a strong dungan means a strong soul, and a strong soul means a delicious meal for these spirits. Never let your guard down and give malignant spirits to consume your soul.”

Lolo Gani’s warning was like a cold splash of water on Lumawig. A sense of terror and urgency suddenly welled up from his innermost being. Hearing the warning his lolo gave him, he cannot help but imagine what would happen if another bloodthirsty creature like the Bal-bal would come for him and his lolo is not there to protect him. Lumawig got goosebumps just from thinking about the outcome.

“I planned to prepare a lot of food for our dinner. Though the agimat has reinvigorated you, it is still not enough for your body, and soon enough, you will feel weak and starved.” Said Lolo Gani to Lumawig, a doting smile decorated his face.

The maglolo stopped their chatting once their dinner was ready. They ate quite a lot of food, especially Lumawig who ate almost six people worth of serving. This was also the first time that he got so hungry, he himself was surprised by the amount of food he ate. Even on days that he has a great appetite, he still cannot eat that much food. What is more surprising is he did not feel full or bloated after eating. He is very satisfied though, as the food his lolo cooks is the most delicious – for him.

As the maglolo lay down to sleep, facing their house’s ceiling Lumawig suddenly asked his lolo a question.

“Lo, what if I decide to not proceed in becoming a babaylan, what will happen to me?” asked Lumawig. This question has been on his mind in the past three days. It was only now that he got the chance and courage to ask this question, for he was afraid that it might disappoint his lolo.

“You will go back to normal, apò. The abyan that you have within you will leave, though your dungan and your physical body will remain as it is. Your dungan though will no longer increase in strength and you will no longer become a target of malignant spirits. Everything you have learned in the past relating to our legacy will also be erased from your memory; this includes the chants, and your connection with the librito and agimat.” Lolo Gani gave the most straightforward answer.

“I know that you are still undecided, and even afraid. However, whether you want to proceed or not during your second ritual for your induction as a babaylan, I will respect and support your decision. Though you have been chosen by a spirit, becoming a babaylan or not is ultimately still your choice.” Added the old man, his tone is full of understanding towards his apò’s innermost feelings.

“Thank you, lolo.” After hearing his lolo’s answer, Lumawig closed his eyes and went to sleep.

**********

While the maglolo is asleep, dark forces which have been gathering for the last few days are now coming towards the quiet barangay of Dumadalig. While everyone was sleeping in this peaceful place, the neighboring barangay, towns, and cities were experiencing upheavals caused by unknown forces. Cries of anguish, terror and rage would echo all throughout the night on these neighboring towns. Different creatures of the dark and humans who seemingly lost their mind and reason are appearing one after another.

In the barangay of New Iloilo, located south of Dumadalig, even though it is already midnight, a house could be seen to be quite active. In this house, a funeral wake is in progress and a lot of people are attending. Different guests have been coming in and out of the house paying respects and condolences to the family of the bereaved, however, this solemn event will end on a bloody note.

As the people busy themselves with the wake, a group of creatures are slowly making their way into the house. The creatures have faces that look hideous. With red glaring eyes, they have no nose but have two pointy-shaped holes in its place. They have no lips as well, exposing rows of sharp teeth and a long, pointed tongue. If Lumawig and Lolo Gani were here, they would be shocked to see them as they are the exact same creature that they have killed two nights ago.

Precisely, these groups of creatures are the bal-bal, however, there seems to be something different to them this time – they are moving toward the wake already in their monstrous forms. Normally, a bal-bal will only revert to its true form if they are being hunted or eating. They will usually disguise themselves as humans in order to approach the coffin where the dead lie and switch the body first with a banana trunk or a dead tree trunk. But this group of bal-bal are not in their human disguises.