Are We Named After a Mountain? Or Was the Mountain Named After Us?

This folkloric mountain is known as Mount Makiling, sometimes Mount Maquiling, with a QU! Hispanized.  Located in the province of Laguna,  island of Luzon, Philippines, Mount Maquiling is said to be a volcano. Inactive. Dormant. Sleeping. But don’t be deceived; we’ve known some volcanoes that had been inactive for years that suddenly came a-roaring, exploding, spewing out molten lava as a result.

Image at left shows Mt. Maquiling as viewed from the highway going to Laguna. Image copied from http://www32.brinkster.com/noelg2000/pixView/Makiling.htm

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Mount Maquiling rises to 1,090 meters or 3,576 feet above sea level. Legend surrounds the mountain. You may have read it in your elementary literature books. The folkloric stories of Maria Makiling still does not cease to excite the minds. But whether it excites you or inspires you, remember that it is folklore, nothing else.

The University of the Philippines, in Los Baños, Laguna has been designated by the government as the official caretaker of the mountain. Forest guards roam the mountain, so we were told, so you cannot just do your thing there. Visit that mountain, if only to retain that fire in you! And post here the stories of your adventures as you walk on its forest floor.