The Legend of Maria Makiling

According to legend, there was a time when the gods could live like ordinary mortals do.
Although, these gods were enchanted, they could speak, love and even go to market like what people do
in our time. This story tells what happened to the daughter of two such deities.
Two deities, Dayang Makiling and Gat Panahon, had an only daughter named Maria. Because of
her beauty and charm, she was the delight of her parents. The source of her joy and strength. Maria was,
to them, a jewel, a treasure that made life full of light and laughter.
At the time, people could talk with the deities face to face and even sit with them side by side
underneath a tree, People could also ask for help when they were in need, provided that they asked in a
solemn manner.
It was the custom of Maria to go to a small market, called Talipapa, on weekdays. Just like other
women, she would on such occasion, clothes made of silk and embroidered with flowers and wide
striped for this was the fashion at that time. Maria had a long black abundant hair which she usually
decorated with pomelo flowers. When she went to market, her flowing hair would touch her ankles. As
she passed along, gallant men would bow their heads to signify their respect.
When Maria went to the market, she was always accompanied by two Aetas, who served as her
servants. These two servants stayed close behind Maria, and they both carried a basket each that was
full of golden ginger. These golden ginger Maria would barter for such items needed for the home. There
was no money at that time and instead of buying, people bartered and exchanged their goods for the
things that they needed.
On a market day, the residents of the area were not the only ones who would go to the talipapa.
Merchants and people from neighboring towns would also go to the market. One day, Gat Dula, the ruler
of the kingdom of Bay, came to the talipapa to while away the hours. A piece of animal skin with fine hair
caught Gat Dula’s eye and he reached out to touch the fur. At the same moment, Maria was also
reaching towards the same piece of animal skin and their shoulders accidentally touched. Their eyes met
and Gat Dula bowed his head as a sign of respect and apology. Maria responded with a shy smile as
they parted from each other’s company.
Since the first encounter, Gat Dula often visited the talipapa but he was not able to see Maria
during these visits. One day, he saw Maria at the very place where they first met. He approached Maria
and greeted her Maria responded with a very sweet smile.