 B’laan are composed of three Proto-

Malay
 Subgroups from :

 Koronadal, Sarangani, and

Davao.
 The Blaan people alternatively spelled as
"B'laan are one of the indigenous
peoples of Southern Mindanao in
the Philippines. Their name could have
derived from "bla" meaning "opponent"
and the suffix "an" meaning "people".
Other terms used to refer to this group
are Blaan, Bira-an, Baraan, Vilanes, and
Bilanes.
 Their means of livelihood are:
 Farming, weaving ( the males weave
baskets and the female mats ) fishing,
hunting, food gathering and tool- and
weapon-making.

 B’laans have kept themselves culturally,

politically, and economically distinct
from their muslim neighbors:
 They have never succumbed to the rule
of datuships. Thus, most of B’laans
traditions, customs, and way of life
remained intact.
 It is unsual to see Blaans still eating their
mama ( betel nut ). The sound of bells
hanging on the women’s sabitan galing
( a belt of brass ring ) can still be heard
as they go out their daily chores.
B’laan dance and colourful costumes
added significance to the ceremony. The
B'laan are indigenous people of Mindanao
known for their intricate bead work and
brass work.
Elders continue telling stories of
old times to the next generation.
 The Bilaan culture is unique, the tribe
practices indigenous rituals for almost
everything they do because of their
belief in the supremacy of the great
Creator name Melu or D’wata, who is
the source of everything.

 The Bilaan are strong believers of

interdependence with the environment
and the need to respect the will of the
creator. They are not allowed to touch or
destroy any creature or object without
his permission through rituals. In these
rituals, they make offerings to their deities
Requesting for signs to know
where to best make a clearing
for a particular planting season.
One of this is the mabah or
offering to the deities requesting
omens that would help them
choose the fields for planting.
They believe there is only one
supreme being that rules the
cosmos and also in the existence
of soul which upon leaving the