Republic of the Philippines - Stamps & Postal History

 

RP Issues of 2012

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2012, March 30.  Maria Makiling, Guardian of the Forests  (Philippine Folklores and Legends)

Litho Offset.  Amstar Company, Inc.  Perf 13 1/2

Singles, Sheets of 100 (10 x 10)

          

 

   7p   Mara Makiling  -  Singles  (3,000,000)

 

Designer:  Nemi Miranda (Portrait Artist)

 

First Day Covers:  Manila

 

 


 

MARIA MAKILING - GUARDIAN OF THE FOREST

(Philippine Folklores and Legends)

Maria Makiling, sometimes spelled Mariang Makiling has a special place in the hearts of the Filipinos, particularly those who live in Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines. She is a guardian of the mountain, responsible for protecting its beauty and a benefactor for the townspeople who depend on the mountain resources.

Maria Makiling is a legend, a story and a well-known figure of Filipino folklore that was told by many generations. In Philippine Mythology, she was described as a fairy or forest nymph (diwata in Tagalog) associated with Mount Makiling. Her home is an inactive volcano, located between the provinces of Batangas and Laguna in southern Luzon. Oftentimes, it is said that Mount Makiling resembles the figure of a woman, said to be Maria herself. 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. This wonder is set out to be true from different perspective.

According to the general belief, Maria Makiling is a young woman who never ages. She was tall and graceful. Her color was a clear, pure brown, “kayumanging kaligatan”, as the Tagalogs say and she has a long shining black hair and twinkling eyes. She was described as a fantastic creature, breathtakingly beautiful and was sought by many suitors and was said to be more than compassionate.

There are many tales told about this guardian spirit. Most of them are about how she helps the poor and the sick. The most common story is the one written by Dr. Jose Rizal, Philippine National Hero. It is about her, turning the ginger into gold to help a hunter. In this version, she gave him some pieces of ginger. She told him to give them to his wife for her cooking. On the way home his hat felt heavy and took out some pieces. He was surprised and sorry the next day when his wife discovered that what they had taken to be ginger was a solid gold. People seldom saw her, and those times when she could be seen were often only during pale moonlit nights.

Mount Makiling is still covered with the mysteries and superstitions concerning Makiling. When people get lost on the mountain the disappearances are still attributed to the diwata. The unusual weather patterns on the mountain are also often associated to Maria Makiling. She has been a common theme among Filipino artists. One prominent depiction of Maria Makiling can be found on the Seal of the Municipality of Los Baños, Laguna. It depicts Maria Makiling in the foreground with the mountain in the background and water  (representing Laguna de Bay) at her feet.

At present, Mount Makiling serves as one of the best destinations for hikers and a natural laboratory to study Science. Maria Makiling may or may not be a true forest nymph but its lore may be as majestic as Mount Makiling.  

 

TOPICAL CATEGORIES

 

  • Folklores and Legends

  • Animals

 

Articles by Dr. Ngo Tiong Tak

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Issues of 2012