Pre-conquest, the natives had followed a variety of monotheistic and polytheistic faiths, often localized forms of Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam or Tantrism mixed with Animism. "Bathala" (Tagalog – Central Luzon) or "Laon" (Visayan) was the ultimate]] creator deity above subordinate gods and goddesses. Natives Filipinos also worshiped nature and venerated the spirits of their ancestors, whom they propitiated with sacrifices. There was ritualistic drinking and many rituals aimed to cure certain illnesses. Magic and superstition were also practised. The Spaniards saw themselves as liberating the natives from sinful practices and showing them the correct path to God.