January 14th at 17:05 - 17:10

Steve Manzano

The spiral altar serves as a living symbol of healing, growth, and interconnectedness, anchoring the opening ritual. Rooted in the Filipino concept of loob—an inner being nurtured through pakikipagkapwa (shared togetherness)—the altar invites participants to engage in Pangalap (a Visayan tradition meaning "to gather").

Through personal offerings and reflections, the spiral becomes a collective space where grief, joy, love, and transformation converge. This ritual honors the cycles of healing and the efforts of healers who preserve wisdom amidst change, calling participants to reconnect with the unseen world and their ecological belonging.

The spiral sets the tone for the summit, creating a sacred space for storytelling, connection, and renewal.