Maria makiling

Not at all times we will win. Not at all times, we will get what we want. That’s why this legend is teaches us to accept failure. When we failed, it was common to us to feel anger, hatred, di…

Nemi Miranda, Philippines (b.1949), Signed and Dated (lower right), 1981, oil on canvas, 24"x36”, Provenance: Private C

With origins tracing back to pre-colonial times, Maria Makiling is the most popular fairy figure in the Philippines. Read on to explore how this legend survived the colonial invasion and continues to be worshipped in many ways to this day.

Maria Makiling, more properly Mariang Makiling, is a diwata (anito) or lambana (fairy) in Philippine mythology, 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 or Dian 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…

Maria Makiling is the most widely known and beloved diwata (fairy or nymph) of the Philippines. As the guardian spirit of Mount Makiling, she is depicted as a beautiful young woman in radiant white clothing, surrounded by the natural flora and fauna. Her long black hair is adorned with the fragrant white flowers of the […]

Maria Makiling

With origins tracing back to pre-colonial times, Maria Makiling is the most popular fairy figure in the Philippines. Read on to explore how this legend survived the colonial invasion and continues to be worshipped in many ways to this day.

Maria Sinukuan oil on canvas 16" x 24" by J.Bulaong 2012