Mount Makiling · The Flowers You Cannot Take Away

Mount Makiling in Laguna is seen by local people as the shape of a woman lying down. There is a tradition that the goddess Maria Makiling lives in it, and that she does not wish to be disturbed.

Those who go into the mountain are said to lose their way for three hours, or to meet an old man who points out the road; once out, they can never find that path again. The rule is that you may not pick flowers on the mountain or carry stones away.

A university stands at the foot of the mountain. Students say that a wish made on the mountain before an examination comes true, but that whatever you were carrying when you made the wish must be given back.

Folklore / Laguna · Philippines / Time immemorial