Diwata (Nature Spirit/Deity)
Diwata are a broad class of nature spirits, goddesses, and guardian deities in pre-colonial Philippine mythology. The term encompasses a wide range of spiritual beings who inhabit natural features such as mountains, forests, rivers, seas, and trees. Diwata are similar to the concept of anito (ancestral spirits) but generally refer to higher nature deities. They are benevolent when respected but can be vengeful when their domains are desecrated. Each natural feature was believed to have its own diwata guardian — Mount Makiling has Maria Makiling, Mount Arayat has Maria Sinukuan, and Mount Mayon