The morning sun snaked its way around the peak of Mount Makiling casting a sharp ray of light into the home of Cynthia, and her husband, Dayaw. Cynthia had been awake for some time now, as her mind thought back to the strange events she had experienced only five days ago.
The thunder storm that had rolled into town sent a charge of energy through the nearby Narra tree and rendered her unconscious. She awoke in bed hours later, her worried husband by her side.
"I must have been in a deep sleep. I didn't hear you come in?" said Cynthia.
"But I found you lying on the floor when I got home," Dayaw explained, "I wasn't sure what had happened. Did you see our tree outside?"
She paused for a moment and said, "Kidlat"
There were other things about that night. She recalled the sharp pain that came upon her. Being a hilot, she knew when something was wrong with her body, and although she no longer felt pain there was a uneasy feeling she could not shake.
Dayaw looked intently from her bedside. His concern was apparent, but she chose to keep the details of her encounter from him until she could understand what had happened.
She walked towards her window and stared at what used to be the Narra tree, now reduced to a twisted stump. Dayaw had cut apart the massive trunk for use as firewood...and to build a doghouse for their new puppy who had come into their lives just days ago.
After the rains had passed they were alerted by a soft whimpering outside their doorstep. Thin, tired and hungry, the puppy must have been separated from his family during the storm. He was a floppy little dog, with long ears, various patches of color on his coat, and a calm but playful nature. Cynthia and Dayaw viewed it as a blessing. They took the young pup in and named him Kadasig, which meant brave and courageous. It had only been a couple of days and he already had full run of the house prompting Dayaw to go about building him his own.
Today, Cynthia was planning to head out to the edge of town to visit Lola Silay, one of the oldest women in the area. Although she was nearing the century mark, she was still strong and vibrant. The townsfolk often joked that she had somehow coaxed the divine "mutya" from the banana plant. The "mutya ng saging" was a mystical seed that was said to grant the bearer long life and extraordinary strength. Upon swallowing the "mutya" at the strike of midnight she would have to defend herself against Kapres, or tree spirits, that appeared in the form of tall dark giants. People liked to think of old Lola Silay battling fiercely with the lower gods of Makiling and holding her own.
As the albularyo of the village before Cynthia had arrived it was rare for her to need a visit for any ailments or sickness. Cynthia thought that maybe she just needed a little company. She left the house with Kadasig by her side.
Manang Silay lived near a lagoon that was nestled in the foothills of Mount Makiling. It was on the east side of the mountain where the morning sun appeared first. Her home was often overlooked by passers-by because it appeared to be integrated right into the forest.
Various trees surrounded her home and vines covered every inch of the exterior except for the large wooden door. Cynthia always knew where it was because of the many flocks of birds that circled around the tall acacia tree next to her home. There were Mayas and Kingfishers darting in and out of the canopy. Lola Silay provided them food and shelter, and for that they were happy and free. Some townspeople said that they spoke to her and warned her of danger.
Kadasig scampered his way to the door and before he got there the door was already open. Lola Silay stood there in her old black and white duster with a big smile.
"Kumusta Manang!" Cynthia called out.
"Pasok kayo," Lola Silay said, "Come inside and sit down."
With Cynthia a couple steps behind him, Kadasig took no time at all to explore the inside of Manang Silay's home and even jumped up on her lap as soon as she sat down.
"This dog has a good soul...very pure. He can sense many things," she said, as she scratched under his ears. Cynthia was a little embarrassed, but she knew about Lola Silay's love for animals and managed to smile.
"He is cute, isn't he?" said Cynthia. Kadasig tilted his head as if he was wondering the same thing.
"Do you know why I asked you to come here today?" said Lola Silay.
"No, but it was as good a time as any to visit," said Cynthia.
"Five days ago, I had a vision," Lola Silay began, "I was deep in the mountain when I saw this small boy under a narra tree bathed in a radiant blue and yellow light. He smiled at me and in an instant became a flash of energy that shot straight up into the heavens. After the flash had receded, the narra tree had been split into many pieces. It was then that I awoke."
Cynthia was surprised at this and thought carefully about what it meant. She thought about her own vision that same night.
"Manang, I think it had to do with the storm. A bolt of lightning had come down and split our Narra tree and I was standing next to it when it happened," said Cynthia. She then told Lola Silay about the dream, the foggy jungle, and the beautiful voice that comforted her.
"This is a sign, ineng," bellowed Lola Silay, "the spirit of the Narra tree has given it to you. Be prepared. For a change will come."
Without another word Manang Silay got up and fixed them some tea she prepared from papaya leaves and honey. As they drank, she burned a few herbs in a dish and prayed over them as Cynthia watched on. She asked for the spirits of the mountain to protect Cynthia, Dayaw, and Kadasig.
Before Cynthia left, Lola Silay said to her, "The spirits have spoken to you, my dear, and they will contact you again when the time is right."
Kadasig darted out the door with Cynthia right behind him, deep in thought about what had been revealed to her. She looked up and smiled as the colorful flocks of maya sang to her sweetly.
