2. 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.
3. The source of their joy and strength, Maria was to them, a jewel, a
treasure that made life full of light and laughter.
4. At that 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.
5. It was the custom of Maria to go to a small market, called Talipapa, on weekdays.
Just like other women, she would on such occasions wear clothes made of silk and
embroidered with flowers and wide stripes for this was the fashion at that time.
6. Maria had long, black abundant hair which she usually decorated with pomelo
flowers. When she went to the market, her flowing hair would touch her ankles. As
she passed along, gallant men would bow their heads to signify their respects.
7. When Maria went to the market, she was always accompanied by two
Aetas, who served as her servants.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. One day, Gat Dula, The ruler of the kingdom of Bay, came to the
Talipapa to while away the hours.
11. A piece of animal skin with fine hair caught Gat Dula’s eye and he
reached out to tough the fur.
12. At the same moment, Maria was also reaching towards the same piece
of animal skin and their shoulders accidentally touched.
13. Their eyes met and Gat Dula bowed his head as a sign of respect and
apology. And Maria responded with a shy smile as they parted from each
other’s company.
14. Since that first encounter, Gat Dula often visited the talipapa but he was
not able to see Maria during these visits.
15. One day, Maria at the very place where they first meet. He approached
Maria and greeted her and Maria responded with a very sweet smile.
16. The love affair between
Gat Dula and Maria came
to be known to Gat
Panahon, Maria’s father.
Even dayang Makiling,
Maria’s mother, was
distressed that her only
daughter was in love with
a mortal.
17. Maria was then forbidden to
go down to earth. They even
took away from Maria the
power of enchantment which
enabled a deity to look and
act like an ordinary mortal.
18. But even though Maria and Gat Dula could no
longer meet physically, their love endured.
Maria continued to watch over Gat Dula.
19. During a battle with the army of Lakan Bunto,
the ruler of a neighboring kingdom who invaded
the kingdom of Bay, Gat Dula did not suffer a
single wound due to the support of Maria’s
enchantment.
