Mambabarang (socerer) & magician Vicente Tamala.
Vincente Tamala started with magic when he was in his early 20’s.
He learned a lot from an Indian sorcerer which he befriended while
in Zamboanga. Beside performing magic tricks he claims he has
supernatural powers. He sells anting-antings (amulets) which protects
the bearer from any harm. He also sells all kind of herbal and love
(lumay) potions.
Mr. Tamala claims he only performs white magic and he doesn’t
know anybody who do black magic in Siquijor.
According to the website Dumaguette info (click here) there are two
different kind of people with supernatural powers that can be found
in the island of Siquijor: one is the "Shaman" and the other the
"Sorcerer". The folk healer or shaman is called mananambal while
the sorcerer is called a mambabarang in the local dialect. Their so
called healing powers are derived from an external supernatural source,
a saint, an enchanted being or a spirit (of a dead person).
The sorcerer is commissioned to cause death or inflict serious illness
to an enemy of the client. For these they charge 6,000 to 30,000 pesos.
Frequently, these sorcerers are called on to retaliate to adultery,
to land grabbing or unsettled land disputes, and theft.
Some of the most well known sorcery rituals are the barang and paktol.
Barang happens when the sorcerer, through his magic, uses insects
like cockroaches and beetles, to invade the stomach of the victim
causing them to swell out of proportion and eventually, to explode.
On the other hand, paktol is when the sorcerer implores the help of
the spirits in causing death to an enemy. Typically this is done in
enchanted places like the balete tree or deserted caves where evil
spirits are believed to dwell.