Maria lived with her parents in a modest house, hidden deep within the forest. She spent her days exploring the lush greenery of the mountain, conversing with the wild creatures, and singing sweet melodies that captivated all who heard them.
One day, word of Maria's beauty and charm spread far and wide, reaching the ears of a wealthy and powerful nobleman named Don Juan de Salcedo. Don Juan became infatuated with Maria and decided to pursue her, convinced that she would be the perfect bride for him.
Accompanied by his loyal followers, Don Juan ventured into the mountains in search of Maria. They scoured the dense forests and followed the melodious sound of her voice until they finally came across her. Enchanted by her beauty, Don Juan expressed his desire to marry her.
Maria was initially hesitant, but Don Juan's persistence eventually won her over. She agreed to return with him to his opulent mansion, where they were lavishly wed in a grand ceremony that awed the entire town.
However, Maria found it difficult to adjust to the lavish lifestyle of her new husband and the expectations of a noblewoman. She yearned for the simplicity and serenity of her life in the mountains.
Deep within her heart, Maria knew she belonged in the embrace of Mt. Banahaw. And so, one night, driven by her longing, she decided to escape from the grand mansion and return to her beloved mountain.
Under the cloak of darkness, Maria quietly slipped away, leaving behind a note for Don Juan expressing her gratitude and affection for him but explaining her need for freedom.
Upon discovering her disappearance, Don Juan was devastated. He searched high and low, desperate to find his lost love. But no matter how hard he tried, he could not locate her.
The townspeople whispered tales of Maria's return to the mountain. They claimed to have heard her ethereal voice singing amidst the rustling leaves and the gurgling streams, an eternal echo of her presence in the enchanted realm.
To this day, Mt. Banahaw holds the legend of Maria Makiling, a symbol of love, freedom, and the enduring spirit of nature.