Today I witnessed first-hand the full power of how nature can strike hard at the heart of civilization and render its inhabitants reeling especially in a society today that is fully dependent on technology. Just got home tonight from an earthquake and still am quite shaken by it. Anyway, here is an impression of an ancient Filipina goddess commonly known today as Maria Makiling (originally a Tagalog deity named Di-an Masalanta, aforementioned is her hispanized name). Known as the guardian spirit of nature and the goddess of love and beauty, contemporary to the Greek Aphrodite and the Roman Venus. Most would classify her as a diwata (fairy) or as a forest nymph. She is said to inhabit Mt. Makiling, as with her namesake, guarding the mountains and searching for her long lost mortal lover. Thank you for viewing :)