One book that you may not see often in book shops is those on the topic of the occult. Most books on this genre usually come from a Western perspective and origin like vampires (think Twilight), werewolves (remember Teen Werewolf?), and fairies (Tinkerbell?). Pastor Hiram Pangilinan’s book, Hula, Multo, Faith Healing, Atbp. seeks to bridge this gap and shed a brighter light on the subject.
I was privileged to be part of the production team of this book. It did take us a few months to finish it but the end result was very satisfying. Because of my role in the team, I was able to spend a lot of time with the book. I needed to read it quite a number of times looking for spelling and grammar errors. This gave me greater insights on the topic that it discusses: the occult.
The version that we worked on is the 10th Anniversary Expanded Edition. The original book was published by OMF Literature and Pastor Hiram has undertaken the challenge of publishing it himself through his Revival Books label.
Pastor Hiram added new testimonies in certain chapters and pointed more light on topics in the Demonic Spirit Creatures section from the original manuscript. This makes the book one of the most comprehensive resources on the occult that you can find in the Philippine non-fiction market. It was written not only from a personal perspective brought about by his healing and deliverance ministry but also through the direct experience of many people that Pastor Hiram has come in contact with.
On a personal note, reading the book made the supernatural and the occult more real to me. I did have a copy of the original version over nine years ago, but working on it today has made it even more remarkable. Even though I have not encountered or experienced most of the topics discussed in the book, I have no hesitation to say that they are real and should not be taken lightly.
Some of the occult beliefs exposed:
● Horoscope
● Panghuhula (Fortune telling)
● Anting-anting (Amulets)
● Pamahiin (Superstitions)
● Pangkukulam (Witchcraft and Sorcery)
● Third Eye
● Panggagamot (Faith Healing)
● Multo (Ghosts)
● Duwende (Dwarves or Gnomes)
Being part of the team did have its perk because I had more access to Pastor Hiram so we can closely work on it. For this post, I sent him a few questions to give us additional insights on the making of this 10th anniversary expanded edition.
Edwin Arceo: What was the driving force that led you to write Hula, Multo, Faith Healing, Atbp.?
Hiram Pangilinan: The honest answer is OMFLit called me up and requested me to write a book that will be an exposé on the occult beliefs and practices of Filipinos. I agreed to it because I have encountered many of our kababayans getting caught in the web of the occult and did not know how to be set free. I want to offer them the freedom that Jesus brings.
EDA: How real are these stories to you?
HGP: The stories in the book are very real to me as many of them were from personal encounters with people that I personally ministered deliverance to. The sight and feeling of freedom remain etched in my memory.
EDA: What does this book teach Christians?
HGP: This book will teach Christians the power and authority that we have in Jesus. This book will embolden us to move and shine our lights as believers.
EDA: Should we be afraid of the supernatural?
HGP: We need not be afraid of the supernatural, especially that we have God and His angels who dominate the supernatural realm. Satan and his demons are defeated foes and will bow down to Jesus.
EDA: What is your message to the readers of the book?
HGP: The truth will set you free! And through this book, people will be able to reflect on Biblical truth that will set them free from age-old lies, spirits, and beliefs. Jesus is King!
I could not agree more!
The book is available at the official Shopee shop of Revival Books through this LINK. You can also purchase Hula, Multo, Faith Healing, Atbp. through this website’s Shopee link with all proceeds going towards the maintenance of this site.