The Story of Mariang Makiling

Who would not be familiar with Mariang Makiling? Mentioned in many alamat (legends) and kuwentong bayan (folklore), this enchanted fairy guardian of Mt. Makiling is probably the most famous character in the Philippine Mythology.

To describe how she looks like, our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal wrote his version of the myth:

"Maria was tall and graceful. Her color was a clear, pure brown, kayumanging kaligatan, as the Tagalogs say. Her eyes were big and black. Her hair was long and thick. Her hands and feet were small and delicate. She was a fairy-like creature born under the moonbeams of the Philippines. She flitted in and out among the woods of Makiling. She was the ruling spirit of the mountain, but she seldom came within sight of people... "

Many stories and legends tell that Mariang Makiling has a very good heart, willing to help the ones in need. She would sometimes give nuggets of gold to poor people, she would even feed and help the hunters lost in her mountain.

She loves the forest so much as well as the wildlife that it harbors. That's why, according to some accounts, she'd bring harm to people that brings harm to her beloved mountain. They'll lost their way out of the forest and never again to be seen in the plains.

My dad, being a Batangueño who would constantly see Mt. Makiling whenever he's travling to Manila, used to tell stories about Mariang Makiling when we're still kids.

Here's the gist of his story (pagpasensyahan na, hindi ko na maalala yung ibang detalye) :

Mariang Makiling fell in love with a farmer who got lost inside the forest. They lived together and loved each other. One day, the man needed to get back down to the village but promised that he'll return, Mariang Makiling gave him nuggets of gold. The mortal met his end after being mugged by robbers. Maria forever waited for her dearest. 

Last March 3, 2012, I was able to witness and explore the densely forested realm of Maria Makiling. It was my first MakTrav experience - much more difficult from all my previous climbs but certainly became my favorite mountain.

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