Below is an to understanding these concepts, their origins, their uses, and the crucial distinctions between orthodox religious practice and folk/esoteric tradition.
Before providing a guide, a crucial is necessary: From the perspective of mainstream Catholic doctrine (which is dominant in the Philippines), these practices range from superstition (vain observance) to potential sin if they intend to bind God or spirits to one's will rather than submit to God's will. However, from an anthropological and folkloric perspective, this is a living tradition. lihim na karunungan ng diyos at mga orasyon