Humbled by a babaylan (sorcerer), a dayang-dayang (princess) was imprinted in a painting. She was placed in a painting that could neither walk nor talk. This sorcerer was promised for a reward and the princess did not fulfill the promise. The princess was full of talk and full of excuses. What was the reward and how did it come into be?
Each man was summoned to the eighteenth birthday of the princess. She told his father, the datu that he would like to marry someone who is strong and brave. “Father, I want to marry someone who is strong and brave. Do you know someone? How could I choose?”, the princess said. “There are many who is capable but will he able to finish the challenge?”, the datu (king) said. “What challenge”, the dayang-dayang asked. “It is to retrieved the mystical tabak, a swordlike weapon. The weapon fell into the hands of an enemy tribe.”, the datu said.
A speech was made by the datu. “Tribesmen, good morning. You know that my daughter here is already up for marriage for she turned 18 now. For me, all I want is an honest and decent man for her. Someone who could protect her and protect the family name. She is my favorite daughter and I really want her to be really happy. Please do take this challenge: Retrieve the mystical tabak. That is the only possession that we want to have back. It was in the time of our late ancestor that it was taken away from us.”, the datu went on telling the story.
“I never heard of that story”, an elder said to his acquaintance. “We are a small tribe and I have known each story of each person.”, “What I know that it is a mystical tabak that only the strong and brave can possess.”, “It is not owned by anyone or any tribe. Perhaps there is an error in the story.”, “We would again be at war if this continues.”, “There is a peace treaty existing for the tribes of our province.”, the elder said.
The babaylan can’t sleep because of the beauty of the princess. She would make a best wife I guess but… “Will I be a good fit for her?”, the babaylan talked to himself. “Love is blind. I know to myself that I am brave and strong and to add to that I am also wise. I am ugly too.”, he laughed to himself upon realizing these. The babaylan consulted a spirit for the real story.
“The elder was right about the story”, “It is a lost cause in finding the tabak in an enemy territory for it is located in mountain, a mystical one. The mountain is guarded by Maria Makiling.”, “Everyone not having enough, loving and truthful reason got lost traversing the mountain.”, the spirit said.
“Perhaps, I could help you and talk to Maria Makiling. I know that I am the only servant you have. Hehehe”, the spirit joked. Spirits were not serving him well. He had to use threats and coercions to let them obey his orders.
“Was it because that I am ugly?”, he asked. “Definitely yes!”, the spirit said. “I am not ugly?”, he asked. “Yes, you are kind.”, the spirit said. The two continued their conversation laughing about themselves like the best spirit and man relationship. “You know what, I love you.”, the spirit said. “Are you kidding me?”, “you are already dead.”, he said. “Hahahaha!”, “I know.”, “I love you as a friend is what I mean.”, the spirit said.
The odd friends go on their way to the mountain. “Wait!, I sense something.”, the spirit said. The spirit then farted. “You are the only spirit that I know can fart.”, the babaylan commented. “With the kind of beauty this mountain has, all will go lost.”, the babaylan said.
“Maria Makiling, where are you? Could we talk? I want to know about you. We want to know about you.”, cried by Rose. Gushing winds came around like there is a cry. A cry for justice. The blouse of Rose almost… “How dare you? No one wants to know me.”, “Do you really want to know me?”, “All my friends have gone.”, “Here I am. I become a spirit.”, Maria Makiling said. Here is my story.
Many told me that I was beautiful. I have many suitors back then. There are three suitors who were really persistent. The first is Captain Lara, a Spanish soldier who always brought me gifts coming from Europe. The next is Joselito, a Spanish mestizo who was studying in Manila Whenever Joselito visits me, he tells me stories about foreign countries and about books. He dreamed of going to the country Spain. He dislikes living here in the Philippines. Among the three, it was Juan who is the most industrious. He is a farmer. His fruits are really juicy and fat because of his hard work. He also has many birds and other pet animals. It was him who I like really. As time passed, the three became impatient and want to have a decision. I told them a promise: “By the night of the full moon, I will tell you my answer.”
The time has come and the three climbed this mountain for my decision. The two were down when it was Juan who I chose. The two were angry with Juan when I gave the decision and they thought of an evil plan against him. One day, all were surprised when a huge fire devoured the cuartel of the Spanish. Because of this, Captain Lara ordered many Filipinos to be captured. Secretly, Joselito helped him. And Juan was among those who they imprisoned and tortured.
Many prisoners did not last long. They were tortured. They were asked to let Juan take the blame. And they pointed out that Juan was to blame. “I did not do it!” cried Juan. But the prisoners pointed at him because Captain Lara and Joselito frightened them.
The soldiers brought my love to the plaza. In front of many many of people, he was shot as the enemy of the Spaniards. He was killed even though he is innocent. But before he died, he managed to shout out loud my name.
Juan was already dead when I arrived. I was in deep tears and embracing his lifeless body. “Why did you not take care of him?” I shouted. Meanwhile, Captain Lara and Joselito fled to Manila because they were afraid of me. When I have learned of this, I cursed the two. I also cursed those men who cannot accept failure in love. Soon, the curse took effect. Joselito suddenly became ill. There was no cure for his illness.
On the other hand, Captain Lara, was called back to Laguna when the Filipinos revolted against the abuse that the Spaniards had inflicted upon them. The revolution quickly spread to many parts of the Philippines. The revolutionary Filipinos killed Captain Lara.
That was my story. From then on, I never let myself be seen by the people. Every time somebody got lost on the mountain, they remember my curse. That curse making made me a diwata, a spirit.
He will become part of the Spy Association.