Dionisia Pacquiao. File Photo

MANILA, Philippines - Dionisia Pacquiao, more popularly known as Mommy D, is back in the limelight, sharing with her fans what she went through during her four-month absence from show business.

The mother of boxing champ Manny Pacquiao said she suffered from unexplained swelling in different parts of her body -- from her tummy to her feet. She said, however, that it is not life-threatening.

Dionisia said it is a "spiritual disease," the same one she experienced in 2000.

"Sakit na hindi naman nakakatakot, sakit na hindi pisikal. Spiritual ba," she said in an interview with Korina Sanchez on radio dzMM on Friday. "Pero wala na, di na sila nakaganito sa akin."

Dionisia said she consulted the help of an albularyo (folk healer) in Cavite to treat her illness which, she hinted, is kulam (a form of hex where rag dolls are stabbed with needles, causing unbearable pain to the intended victim).

She said some people may have done this out of jealousy. "Sobrang inggit, may naiinggit sa akin. Sobrang inggit, sabi ng albularyo," she explained.

Now that she is back in tip-top shape, Dionisia said she is ready to fulfill her showbiz commitments, including her planned concert with singer Imelda Papin on April.

"Oo, tuloy sa April 14," she said.

A person employing kulam is called a mangkukulam, and is said to be found in Siquijor, Western Samar, Sorsogon and Leyte.

Superstitious people say the mangkukulam also has the ability to mix potions and recite curses, and that the effects of kulam may only be reversed and countered by an albularyo.