THE LEGEND OF MARIA MAKILING - TALES FROM THE PHILIPPINES

Summary

In a tale of love and betrayal set in the mountains of Laguna, Maria McKeel, a kind and beautiful adiwata, attracts the affections of three suitors: Captain Lara, a Spanish soldier; Joselito, a Spanish mestizo student; and Juan, a hardworking farmer whom she secretly admires. When Maria's love for Juan is revealed, a plot by the rejected suitors leads to his wrongful execution. Maria's grief and curse befall her betrayers, leading to their downfall, while her love story becomes a legend, echoing through the mountain's whispers.

Takeaways

• 🏞️ The story is set in a mountainous region of Laguna and revolves around a character named Maria McKeelan, an adiwata with remarkable beauty and kindness.
• 🌟 Maria is depicted as having light olive skin, long shining black hair, and twinkling eyes, which make her breathtakingly beautiful.
• 🤝 Maria is known for her helpful nature, often assisting those in need, such as providing a sick farmer's children with ginger that turned into gold.
• 💖 Maria's beauty attracts many suitors, including Captain Lara, a Spanish soldier; Joselito, a Spanish mestizo studying in Manila; and Juan, a hardworking common farmer.
• 🌙 Maria promises to reveal her choice of love on the night of the full moon, which heightens the anticipation and impatience of her suitors.
• 😔 The suitors' jealousy leads to a tragic turn of events, as they devise a plan against Juan, who Maria secretly admires.
• 🔥 A fire incident at the Spanish cartel is falsely blamed on Juan, orchestrated by Captain Lara and Joselito, resulting in Juan's imprisonment and torture.
• 😢 Despite his innocence, Juan is executed as an enemy of the Spaniards, and his last words are a cry for Maria.
• 😡 Maria, heartbroken by Juan's death, confronts the crowd and curses Captain Lara and Joselito, as well as men who cannot accept failure in love.
• 🤒 The curse takes effect; Joselito falls ill with an incurable disease, and Captain Lara is killed during a revolt against Spanish abuses.
• 🌫️ Maria withdraws from public view, and her story, along with her curse, becomes a legend, remembered by those who get lost in the mountains.

Q & A

Who is Maria McKeelan and what is her significance in the story?

Maria McKeelan, also known as Adiwata, is a central character in the story. She is depicted as a beautiful and kind-hearted woman who lived in a mountain of Laguna and was known for helping others. Her actions and decisions drive the narrative and lead to significant events in the story.

What did Maria give to the farmer when his children got sick?

Maria gave the farmer a bowl full of ginger when his children got sick. This act of kindness is significant as the ginger later turned to gold, symbolizing Maria's benevolence and the miraculous nature associated with her.

How did the ginger turn into gold and what does this symbolize?

The ginger turned into gold after the farmer reached his hut, symbolizing the miraculous power of Maria's kindness and the transformative effect of her good deeds.

Who were the three suitors of Maria and what were their backgrounds?

The three suitors of Maria were Captain Lara, a Spanish soldier; Joselito, a Spanish mestizo studying in Manila; and Juan, a common farmer known for his hard work and industriousness. Each suitor represented different aspects of society and had unique ways of trying to win Maria's affection.

Why was Maria admired by Juan, and what was her response to him?

Maria secretly admired Juan for his hard work and the prosperity of his farm. The story implies that she reciprocated his feelings, as she was hurt by his death and mourned him deeply.

What event led to the suitors becoming impatient and demanding Maria to declare her love?

As time passed, the suitors became more impatient due to Maria's inability to choose among them. This led to her being forced to promise that she would reveal her choice by the night of the full moon.

What was the plan devised by Captain Lara and Joselito against Juan?

Captain Lara and Joselito, feeling dejected and angry after Maria's declaration of love for Juan, devised a plan to frame him for the burning of the Spanish cartel. They secretly spoke with the prisoners to blame Juan for the crime he did not commit.

How did Juan's life end and what was Maria's reaction to his death?

Juan was falsely accused of burning the Spanish cartel and was executed in front of a crowd. Maria was devastated by his death, rushing down the mountain to embrace his lifeless body and questioning the crowd about their failure to protect him.

What curse did Maria place on Captain Lara and Joselito, and what were the consequences?

Maria cursed Captain Lara and Joselito for their treachery. Joselito fell ill with an incurable disease, while Captain Lara was called back to Laguna and killed during the Filipino revolution against Spanish abuse.

Why did Maria choose to hide from the people after the events?

Maria chose to hide from the people after the tragic events, possibly out of grief for Juan and disillusionment with the actions of those around her. Her story and the curse of the diwada became a cautionary tale for those who encountered her mountain.

What is the moral or lesson that can be taken from Maria's story?

Maria's story conveys the importance of kindness, love, and the consequences of treachery and deceit. It also highlights the power of a person's character and the impact it can have on others, as well as the idea that true beauty lies in one's actions and heart.