Anito
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Anito is the collective name for Pre-Hispanic belief system/s that existed in the Philippines. It is also the name for spirits, which may include deceased ancestors and nature-spirits or diwatas. Native Filipinos usually keep idols to represent these spirits and to ask guidance and even magical protection. Although the belief seems to have vanished, Filipinos may have incorporated it into Folk Catholicism.
[edit] In Popular Culture
Anito is also a name of a computer game in the Philippines by Anino Entertainment. Released in November 2003 with the full title Anito: Defend A Land Enraged, it is a single-player role-playing game set in 16th century Asia. When Datu Maktan, leader of the Mangatiwala tribe and the land's most influential peacemaker, mysteriously disappears, it is up to his children Agila and Maya to find him and restore the delicate peace that their father has kept in balance, before conflicting forces tear the land apart.
