Laya, 81, Ifugao People, Banane, Philippines
Phil Borges

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Laya is a powerful Monbaki (shaman) in a mountain tribe called the Ifugao. When Laya was very young, his mother died and Tofong, the forest spirit, came to him shortly after. Today when Laya is treating a patient, he brings an offering into the forest for Tofong and shouts out the ill person's name. If Tofong accepts the offering, Laya said the hair on the back of his neck will stand on end and he will feel the spirit enter his body - a good sign for the patient. The catholic church has recently lifted its ban on Ifugao rituals.