Once upon a time, a diwata lived in a mountain of Laguna. She was called Maria Makiling.She has light olive skin, long shining black hair and twinkling eyes. She was breathtakingly beautiful. Maria was always about helping other people. One time, the children of a farmer gotsick. When he went to Maria to seek help, he was given a bilao full of ginger. The Farmersadly went home carrying the bilao of ginger. When he reached his hut, he was greatlysurprised: the ginger had turned to gold! Because of Maria's kindness, the townsfolk hadgrown to love her.
Maria was a great beauty. She was sought for and wooed by many suitors. Three of them werevery much determined to have her. One is Captain Lara, a Spanish soldier who always broughther gifts from Europe. The other is Joselito, a Spanish mestizo who was studying in Manila . Every time Joselito visits Maria, he had many stories to tell her about foreign countriesand the things that he had read in books. He dreamed of going to Spain. He didn't liketo live in the Philippines.
Of the three, it was Juan who is the most industrious. He is a commonfarmer. But he is so hard working, and his fruits and vegetable grew fat and juicy.He also had many pet animals and birds. But if truth be told, it was Juan who Maria secretly admired. As time passed, her suitors became more and more impatient and demanded that Mariatell them who she loves. So the diwata was forced to promise: By the night of the fullmoon, I will tell you my answer.
When the night of the full moon arrived, all of her suitors climbed up the mountain to know herdecision. All was startled when Maria told them that it was Juan whom she loved. The Suitorswent away feeling dejected. On the other hand, Joselito and Captain Lara were very muchangry with Juan. They thought of a plan against him.
One day, all was surprised when a huge fire devoured the cuartel of the Spanish. Because of thefire, Captain Lara ordered many Filipinos to be captured. Secretly, Joselito helped him.Juan was among those who they imprisoned and tortured.