Both of my biological parents passed away in the early 1980s. When I was five, I got adopted. Whenever I asked my mom about my family heritage, she always said that was the past, so I don’t need to reconnect with it.

Last year, I was working on a heritage project. I did not have a lot of information because I was cut off from my heritage after I was adopted. I don’t know what tribe I belong to. It’s possible I could be from either the Talaandig or Higaonon tribe.

My family had lived in Lantapan and Victory in the province of Bukidnon on the island of Mindanao. My lola (grandmother) Inga had a strong presence in the community. She was known as a healer.

My adoptive parents were very religious and afraid of my gift because they thought it was demonic. They believed that healing can only come from doctors. They felt I inherited something from my lola. They did an intensive exorcism on me to prevent this from continuing in my bloodline.

My adoptive family encouraged me to be aloof whenever my lola would visit. They said this would keep me pure. They felt shunning my lola would prevent me from being corrupted by her influence.

I’ve had to deal with the trauma of getting cut off from my heritage. I’ve been a girl with no tribe for far too long. This loss of identity has left a deep wound in my soul.

My adoptive family has never accepted me. I decided I would do whatever it takes to repair the damage. I moved far away and found a community that embraced me.

With love and support, I started my spiritual journey to reclaim what my adoptive parents tried to eradicate. Even though I’m thousands of miles away from my ancestral home, I can’t disregard my genetic code. I can’t deny my calling. I can’t denounce my soul’s destiny.

I am a native healer just like my ancestors before me. I facilitate healing for people and pets without using modern medicine. I come from a long line of indigenous people dedicated to serving their communities as healers. I’m embracing my roots and carrying on my family legacy.

In the meantime, I hope someone somewhere knows something, so I can finally get the answers I’ve been searching for all my life. I want to find my people. Only then can my soul finally rest.

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