VENERATION

During certain ceremonies, Diwata are venerated through temporary altars near sacred places. These were called Latangan or Lantayan in Visayan. These bamboo or rattan altars are identical in basic construction throughout most of the Philippines. They were either small roof-less platforms or standing poles split at the tip. They held halved coconut shells, metal plates, or jars as receptacles for offerings. Taotao may sometimes also be placed on these platforms. Other types of sacred places or objects of worship of Diwata include the material manifestation of their realms. The most widely venerated were balete trees and anthills or termite mounds. Other examples include mountains, waterfalls, tree groves, reefs, and caves.

VISAYAS ★

A sacred volcano in Negros island, the supreme Diwata named Laon lives in the volcano.

Home to the Diwata named Sidapa, who measures mortal lives through an ancient tree.