diwata

Among the Bukidnon, a term often applied to the Magbabáya and Kaliga-ṓn spirits, but never to lesser Alabyánon spirits, or to the spirits of the dead. The Mandaya regard it a good spirit who is besought for aid against the machinations of evil spirits. With the help of diwata the ballyan, medium or shaman, is able to foretell the future by the reading of palms.

Generally, the diwatas are nature spirits, said to reside in large trees. They enchant those who encounter them. The names is derived from the Sanskrit word devatā. See also engkanto and anito.

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