B'laan tribe

The B'laan (also called Blaan, Bira-an, Baraan, Vilanes or Bilanes) are one of the tribes in Mindanao, and neighbors of the T'Boli tribe and live in Lake Sebu and in the southern part of Cotabato, Sarangani province, in General Santos. They can be also found in the northern part of Cotabato at the Buluan lake.

Dancing B'laan children welcome visitors.

The tribe is known for their beautiful brassworks, beadworks and weave products which are called T'nalak.

This quiet folk wear impressive, colorful costumes that have traditional embroideries all over, going with it, accessories of fine materials are worn. Heavy brass belts with little tassels are worn by women, which gives them a melodic sound while walking. 

The B'laan call the mountainous areas their home and rarely going down to the shoreline or to the cities, unless there is a cultural event, like the Kadayawan festival.

Their way of living is simple by going fisihing, hunting in the forest, and harvesting crops like rice, corn, sugarcane, banana, papaya and other root crops.

In terms of religion, the B'laans are animistic in belief. They believe in Gods like Melu (creator of the universe), Lamot Ta Mangayo (God of war) or Diwata (God of harvest). Almos are female priestesses and have the power to communicate with spirits. Those called witches offer sacrifices to these Gods and spirits to avoid calamities and other evil influences. Almos occupy the highest rank of women in the tribe.

It is id that their name comes from "bla" that means "opponent" and the added suffix "an" could find it meaning from "people."