Diwata

In Philippine mythology, a diwata or encantada is a mythological figure similar to fairy creatures.

Nature

Family

They are said to reside in large trees, such as acacia and balete. They are the guardian sprits of nature, bringing blessing or curses upon those who bring benefits or harm to the forests and mountains. One such famous Diwata is Maria Makiling, guardian of the Mount Makiling in Laguna province.

A male diwata is called Engkanto (sometimes spelled as Encanto or Encantado) that reside primarily in the sea. It is a customary way for Filipino fishermen to offer meat and other delicacies to the engkanto by throwing it onto the sea, after a day of bountiful harvest.

In other parts of the Philippines, Diwata is analogous to the Greek gods and goddesses. Some of the famous Diwata are Bathala (also known as Kabunian, Malayari, and Lumawig) - Ruler of Heaven, Amanikable - Ruler of the Seas, Dian Masalanta - goddess of love, Apolake (or Adlaw) - god of the sun, Mayari (or Bulan, in other areas) - goddess of the moon, Tala - goddess of the stars, and Anitan - Guardian of lightning.

Art/Fiction

Comics

In the comics character created by Gener Pedrina for the Sanduguan Universe, Diwata is a half-human and half-encantada whose real name is Maria Klarissa Valiente.

Television

Okay ka, Fairy Ko

In the television sitcom Fairy Ko created by MZET productions, diwatas live in a mythical world named Enkantasya where Ina Magenta is the Queen of the Diwatas. Ina Magenta's daugther, Fey, is married to Enteng Kabisote, a human.

Encantadia

In the fantasy television series Encantadia and Mulawin, Diwatas are a race of supernatural being living in Encantadia, a dimension beyond the human world. Some diwatas have pointed ears like elves, one of them is Cassiopeia and some resemble fairies, like Muyak, but many of them are human-like. All diwatas and encantados reside in the Kingdom of Lireo.

A diwata or an encantado that has a royal blood is called Sang'gre (probably coined from Dan Brown's The Davinci Code, which can be distinguished by their markings on their back, the nga character from the Baybayin script. The Queen of the Diwatas in Lireo carries the title of Ynang Reyna. Lirean society is matriarchal and only a Sangg're in the matriarch line may ascend the throne.