Ang Atawid

 The Atawid is a water elemental, a type of Engkanto.

In the province of Laguna lies the town of Majayjay, embraced by a small river named Botocan to the east, graced with a stunning waterfall. Cascading from a height of two hundred and fifteen feet, this waterfall, when touched by the sun's rays, transforms much of its water into vapor, creating the illusion of greater height and embellishing the scene with one or more rainbows. The water descends into a rocky basin, then winds its way through a crimson bed, framed by towering rock walls adorned with foliage.

At the precipice's edge, in front of the waterfall, stands a large tree covered with inscriptions in an unknown language. Behind the fall lies a spacious cave, serving as the dwelling place of a wondrous naiad, a golden princess adorned in a garment adorned with the finest jewels and gold. In her abode, the naiad has a servant, a golden cow, a golden centipede, and other precious golden possessions, as everything she uses is crafted from gold.

Ancient traditions among our forebears recount tales of this mystical Atawid. During the American occupation, a young girl from a Majayjay barrio, passing by the fall with her mother at twilight, had a magical encounter. Washing her feet in a nearby stream, she heard her name called, and upon looking up, she beheld the fair naiad. Following the naiad's guidance, the girl stepped into the stream, witnessing a transformation as the water turned into golden sand. In the naiad's cave, she was bestowed with considerable wealth in the form of bracelets, necklaces, rings, and earrings, with strict instructions to keep their origin a secret. Carrying the heavy bag of gold with initial help from the naiad (Atawid), the girl faced increasing difficulty as she journeyed alone. Eventually, unable to withstand her mother's persistent inquiries, she divulged the forbidden secret, only to find the treasure vanished from the chest where she had hidden it.