Bolinao Sambal in Philippines

People Name:	Bolinao Sambal
Country:	Philippines
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	138,000
World Population:	138,000
Primary Language:	Bolinao
Primary Religion:	Christianity
Christian Adherents:	95.00 %
Evangelicals:	13.00 %
Scripture:	New Testament
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	No
People Cluster:	Filipino, Tribal
Affinity Bloc:	Malay Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Like any lowland groups, the Bolinao people have been influenced by the Spanish conquerors as evidenced by their centuries old Church. They are proud of this cultural heritage as shown in their municipal Library, and the Bolinao Museum. The Bolinaos are eager to progress through education. They are hospitable and hardworking yet fun loving.

They have regular celebrations such as feasts of saints, town and barangay (small village) fiestas highlighted with beauty contests, and cultural shows. Even though staunchly Roman Catholic, the Bolinao people engage in animistic practices that betray their deep fears of the spirit world. The Mananatigwa 'folk healer' is sought for every ailment, dreams or recovery of lost animals or items. Bolinaos also practice talking to the dead. They are afraid of the spirits of their dead loved ones. The Mananantigwa is summoned to offer choice food to the spirits of these dead in order to appease them. Only when they read the Bible in the language they understand best will the Bolinao people be truly set free from the bondage of these fears.