Is Gayuma Real?

To this day, many Filipinos still believe in love spells. Many also wonder whether they really work. Let’s look back at their origins and how our ancestors used them.

The History of Love Spells in Filipino Culture

During the time of our ancestors, people believed that everything possessed spiritual energy. It is therefore not surprising that the use of love spells became part of their way of life.

One example is Jumaya, a love charm from the Visayas that women used to attract the people they desired. There was also a supposed counter-charm called buringot.

Another example is lumay, a type of incense that was burned so its smoke could be wafted over the clothing of the person one wanted to bewitch. It is said that the Negritos commonly sold it in the past.

Thanks to the resourcefulness of our ancestors, love spells took many different forms. Some were mixed into food or drinks, while others took the form of amulets and charms. To this day, these items can still be found in Quiapo and even in online shops.

Stories from Different Parts of the Philippines

In Pangasinan, there is a story about an agimat, or amulet, supposedly obtained from the heart of a banana plant that falls at midnight. It is not easy to obtain because spirits are said to guard it. According to the story, anyone who manages to acquire it will gain a powerful charm over women.

In Surigao del Norte, there is a tradition of making love potions using medicinal plants, such as Dischidia leaves and pandan seeds. This suggests that such knowledge is not limited to Siquijor but can also be found in other parts of the Philippines.

I have been making love potions since 2023, and I have learned a great deal from my own experience. In my view, simply believing in a ritual is not enough for it to succeed. The proper process and the right materials are also important. For example, if you use garlic just because you saw it mentioned in an online ritual, you might literally end up smelling bad to the person you want to attract. That is why I advise people to be careful with love rituals they find online. Much of the content out there is created just to get views, so not everything being taught comes from actual experience or has a sound basis.