Chapter 3: The Mysterious Disappearance

Years passed, and the village of Calamba thrived under the watchful gaze of Mount Makiling and its guardian spirit, Maria.

Andres and Maria, whose love had deepened over time, continued to be at the forefront of efforts to protect their land.

Their devotion to the mountain and its traditions had become a cornerstone of their lives.

One evening, as the villagers gathered for a festive celebration beneath the full moon, an air of enchantment filled the air.

The rhythmic beat of drums and the joyful melodies of bamboo instruments echoed through the night.

Maria, dressed in traditional attire adorned with sampaguita flowers, danced gracefully in the flickering firelight. Her presence radiated a captivating allure that held the villagers spellbound.

It was during this celebration that a group of foreigners arrived in Calamba.

They had heard whispers of the enchanting beauty of Maria and the legends of Mount Makiling's guardian spirit.

Their fascination with the stories had led them to the remote village, eager to witness the enchantment for themselves.

The villagers welcomed the foreigners, offering hospitality and a taste of their culture. But it was Maria who drew their attention.

Her extraordinary beauty and graceful dance left the foreigners enchanted, and they could not take their eyes off her.

Among the foreigners was a young man named Daniel, whose eyes remained fixed on Maria throughout the evening.

His infatuation with her grew with each passing moment, and he was determined to win her affections.

As the night wore on, Daniel approached Andres and Maria, introducing himself and his companions.

"Your village is truly remarkable," he said, his gaze lingering on Maria.

"And Maria, your beauty is unparalleled."

Maria, modest and humble, offered a polite smile but remained distant.

She sensed the foreigners' infatuation but remained devoted to her village and traditions.

Andres, ever the protective friend, spoke firmly but respectfully.

"We welcome you to our village," he said,

"But Maria is the guardian of Mount Makiling, and her heart belongs to our land."

Daniel, undeterred, extended an invitation.

"Would you and Maria be willing to show us more of the mountain and its wonders?" he asked, his words laden with a hidden agenda.

Andres hesitated, sensing that the foreigners' intentions might not align with the village's values.

Maria, ever cautious, shared her concerns.

"Our mountain is sacred to us," she said.

"We must tread carefully and with respect."

In the days that followed, Daniel and his companions explored the mountain under the guidance of Andres and Maria.

They marveled at the beauty of the forest, the crystal-clear rivers, and the diverse wildlife.

Yet, Daniel's infatuation with Maria remained undiminished.

One evening, as the moon hung low in the sky, the village once again gathered for a celebration.

The atmosphere was charged with excitement, and the villagers danced and sang in honor of Mount Makiling and their guardian spirit.

Amid the festivities, Daniel approached Maria with a gift—a necklace adorned with a rare, sparkling gem.

He spoke of his admiration for her, his desire to share his world with her, and his yearning to see her beyond the confines of the village.

Maria, her heart heavy with uncertainty, declined the gift.

"I am bound to Mount Makiling," she said, her voice filled with resolve.

"My love and devotion are to this land and its people."

But Daniel was persistent, his desire unyielding. He presented the necklace again, this time with a declaration of his love.

In a moment of vulnerability, Maria accepted the gift, her heart torn between her duty and her own desires.

Andres watched from a distance, his concern growing.

He knew that Maria's connection to the village and the mountain was unbreakable, but the allure of the outside world had cast a shadow of doubt.

The night wore on, and the celebration continued, but a sense of unease lingered in the air.

The villagers, unaware of the unfolding drama, danced and sang with joy, oblivious to the storm that brewed within Maria's heart.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, Maria disappeared from the festivities, leaving behind a village in shock and uncertainty.