Once upon a time, a couple lived near the foot of a mountain. As days and years passed, they could not have a child. They prayed to all their deities for a child, and one day Bathala, the supreme god, heard their call.
In the form of a handsome young man, Bathala said “You will have a daughter. But when she grows up, do not allow her to fall in love with any man. She will serve Bathala and the other deities.”
The couple thanked the man and replied, “Yes sir, we will not forget what you said.”
Not long afterwards, they had a baby girl as the young man said. They named her Ilang (ee-lang). She grew up into a radiant and lovely woman. Her beauty become known not only in their town but other places far and wide. The young datus and rajahs of far-away kingdoms heard of her beauty and desired her hand in marriage.
A stranger came to their town one day. It was Rajah Marahas, who came from a distant barangay. He had seen her once before and vowed to win her love. He tried to find where Ilang lived. He came to a large window of a home, and he saw her combing her long, black hair. He watched her, deep in admiration, before he realized he had to do something.
He tore off a wide banana leaf and wrote the following on it: “I am Rajah Marahas. Can I speak with you?” He then wrapped the leaf around a small stone and threw it through the girl’s open window.
Ilang was surprised and looked out of the window. Outside was a handsome stranger, and she smiled as the young man waved, then bowed his head to her.
He came back every night, though they did not speak to each other. He would gaze upon her window and at her because it was enough for the two to look at each other. Though his heart longed for more. He climbed into the window, and Ilang let out a scream. He covered her mouth and said, “I love you, Ilang. I know you love me too.” He was confused by her shaking her head, the tears that rolled out of her wide eyes. Unbeknownst to him, Ilang heard Bathala’s voice. The god knew that in Ilang’s heart, she had broken his rules.
Ilang vanished in Marahas’ arms. He called to her and panic enveloped him. But he then felt a cold wind touch his face, and a strong floral fragrance filled his nostrils. It made him think of Ilang. He saw a small plant growing into a tree, and flowers began to bloom on the tree that grew before his eyes. The flowers smelled the same as the cold wind’s scent.
He brought the tree back to his kingdom. He never married for he knew Ilang was with him when the flowers bloomed. He named the flowers ilang-ilang.