The story of
Maria Makiling has been passed on by oral traditions through the years. She’s a
popular legend in the Philippines, especially in Southern Luzon since Mount
Makiling is located in the province of Laguna. In fact, Maria is always
mentioned when one talks about the mountain and vice versa.
Once upon a time, a
diwata lived in a mountain of Laguna called Maria Makiling. Because of Maria's
kindness, the townsfolk had grown to love her and she was a great beauty. She
was sought for and wooed by many suitors and three of them were very much
determined to have her who are Captain Lara, a Spanish soldier, Joselito, a
Spanish mestizo and Juan who is the most industrious. All was startled when
Maria told them that it was Juan whom she loved and on the other hand, Joselito
and Captain Lara were very much angry with Juan. Juan was shot and killed as
the enemy of the Spaniards even though he didn't commit any wrongdoing and
before he died, he managed to shout out loud Maria's name. Juan was already
dead when Maria arrived and tears falling down her face in which she cursed
those men who cannot accept failure in love. From then on, Maria never let
herself be seen by the people and every time somebody got lost on the mountain,
they remember the curse of the diwata. They remember the great love of Maria
Makiling.
The
place of origin is in the province of Laguna which was named after Laguna de
Bay, the body of water that forms the province’s northern boundary. Laguna is notable for being the
birthplace of José Rizal, the
country's national hero. It is also famous among tourists for Pagsanjan Falls, the hot spring resorts in Los Baños, the slopes of Mount Makiling, etc. According to old
legends, the slopes of Mt. Makiling are shaped like that of a woman lying down.
Some say that it is the profile of the sleeping Maria Makiling who dwells in
this mountain and protects it from harm.
The
positive point of the legend is about love – love makes even the most two
incompatible person fall for each other. In the story, Maria is the most
beautiful person in the eyes of the people, while Juan is the less fortunate
among Maria’s three suitors. True love doesn’t look for physical appearance nor
a person who is living a luxurious life. Hence, it is a special feeling for a
person with good personalities. If you
truly love someone, it doesn’t matter how other people see you. What is
important is that you believe what your heart is saying. Love is a sacrifice,
you will do anything just for the person you love even if it takes your life at
risk.
A lot
of local and foreign poets have been inspired by the legend
on Maria Makiling. One of them was the national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. There are
countless myths and tales on her, and one of them is her kind disposition on
both good and bad people. The Philippine myth on the
graciousness and liberality of Maria Makiling also reflects the legendary
traits of a cultured and pure Filipina. Mount Makiling still abounds with
superstitions and stories concerning Makiling. When people get lost on the
mountain, the disappearances are still attributed to the diwata or to spirits
who follow her. Many blame Maria
Makiling’s disappearance from the forest on the people who do not return her
generosity. Others say that the cutting of trees and excessive hunting of wild
animals have greatly disappointed Maria Makiling that she refuses to come out
anymore. But the tale of the mysterious fairy of Mount Makiling lives on.
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