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Maria Makiling in Philippine mythology is a diwata (fairy) associated with Mount Makiling in Laguna, Philippines. She is the most widely known diwata in Philippine mythology and was venerated in pre-colonial Philippines as a goddess known as Dayang Masalanta who was invoked to stop deluges, storms, and earthquakes.

Maria Makiling is the guardian spirit of the mountain, responsible for protecting its bounty and thus is also a benefactor for the townspeople who depend on the mountain's resources. In addition to being a guardian of the mountain, some legends also identify Laguna de Bay and the fish caught from it as part of her domain. She was sent by Bathala to aid the people of the area in their everyday life.

It is often said that Mount Makiling resembles the profile of a woman, said to be Maria Makiling herself. This phenomenon is described as true from several different perspectives, so there is no single location associated with this claim. The mountain's various peaks are said to be Maria's face and two breasts, respectively, and her hair cascades downwards a gentle slope away from her body.

Maria Makiling is a prominent example of the mountain goddesses motif in Philippine mythology.

Maria Makiling, oil on canvas 24x36in 2023

ART PRINTS: natlamina.art/

Instagram @ www.instagram.com/lasarasu/

Description

Maria Makiling in Philippine mythology is a diwata (fairy) associated with Mount Makiling in Laguna, Philippines. She is the most widely known diwata in Philippine mythology and was venerated in pre-colonial Philippines as a goddess known as Dayang Masalanta who was invoked to stop deluges, storms, and earthquakes.

Maria Makiling is the guardian spirit of the mountain, responsible for protecting its bounty and thus is also a benefactor for the townspeople who depend on the mountain's resources. In addition to being a guardian of the mountain, some legends also identify Laguna de Bay and the fish caught from it as part of her domain. She was sent by Bathala to aid the people of the area in their everyday life.

It is often said that Mount Makiling resembles the profile of a woman, said to be Maria Makiling herself. This phenomenon is described as true from several different perspectives, so there is no single location associated with this claim. The mountain's various peaks are said to be Maria's face and two breasts, respectively, and her hair cascades downwards a gentle slope away from her body.

Maria Makiling is a prominent example of the mountain goddesses motif in Philippine mythology.

Maria Makiling, oil on canvas 24x36in 2023

ART PRINTS: natlamina.art/

Instagram @ www.instagram.com/lasarasu/