Etymology of Maria Makiling

1. Etymology of Maria Makiling

2. Maria Makiling , sometimes spelled Mariang Makiling , in Philippine Mythology, is a diwata or lambana (fairy or forest nymph) associated with Mount Makiling in Laguna, Philippines. She is the most widely known diwata in Philippine Mythology. Similar to Maria Sinukuan of Pampanga's Mount Arayat and Maria Cacao of Cebu's Mount Lantoy, Maria Makiling is a guardian 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. It is often said that Mount Makiling resembles the profile of a woman, said to be Maria 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.

3. There is some argument whether this spirit was named after the mountain or the mountain was named after her, but it has been noted that the mountain rises from Laguna de Bay " to a rugged top and breaks into irregular hills southward, thus 'leaning' or 'uneven.’ The tagalog word for 'leaning' or 'uneven' is " Makiling . " In the highly hispanized Tagalog culture, Maria is often used as a generic name for a girl, such that the name can be interpreted as "the woman of the crooked mountain.“ "Mariang Makiling" is the Tagalog contraction of "Maria ng Makiling" (Maria of Makiling).

4. Location of Maria Makiling

5. The legendary, Mt. Makiling , one of the most, if not the most famous mountain in Luzon, has inspired a number of poets, writers and lyricist for a long time. It is a perfect site for hiking even for first timers since trails are from easy to moderate. The place also has picnic grounds where you can camp and enjoy nature with your family even for non-hikers and unfit individuals since vehicles can climb up to this area. Found in the locality of the famous Los Baños Hot Springs and is home to the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), Mt. Makiling has three known trails. The first trail, the most popular and frequently used, is the UPLB route through the UPLB College of Forestry, another one is at the Makiling Philippine Arts Center which you can also access via the university and the third one, the most difficult and unestablished, is the Sto. Tomas trail located at the other side of the mountain, in Sto. Tomas, Batangas. The UPLB route has a well-established trail wherein you can even drive your way up three-fourth to the summit.

6. Mt. Makiling is actually an inactive volcano. It has a "mud-spring" park with sulfuric vents, which are located near the picnic grounds. Makiling is the source of Los Baños’ hot springs. Makiling has three peaks, the highest and the usual destination is the Second Peak. Makiling is one of the most famous mountain in the archipelago and with that comes a lot of folklore and legends about the mountain and the goddess that lives in the mountain, Mariang Maikiling. In fact people living within the towns under the shadow of the mountains has always describe the silhouette of the mountain peak as that of Makiling lying down.