During the Spanish colonial era, there lived a beautiful woman named Maria at the foot of Mount Arayat. She lived with her parents and was engaged to a handsome man named Datu Magat.
As the news of their soon to be wedding quickly spread, a group of evil spirits who lived on the mountain heard of Maria and her legendary beauty. They grew wicked thoughts of claiming Maria as one of their own and planned to abduct her.
Knowing that she would soon become the bride of another, the spirits decided to abduct Maria as soon as possible. Knowing about the spirits living in Mount Arayat, Maria's parents warned her not to go near it to avoid unwanted encounters with the evil spirits.
Despite her parent's warning, Maria could not help but be enchanted by the beauty of Mount Arayat. One day, she went close to the mountain accompanied by her trusted pet dog.
As she explored the mountain, she unexpectedly caught the attention of the evil spirits led by their ruler, Mangkukulam. Mesmerized by her beauty, Mangkukulam ordered the evil spirits to abduct Maria. They surrounded her and took her to their cave deep inside the mountain.
Maria felt scared and tried to escape but the evil spirits were powerful and did not let her. Maria remained imprisoned for many days as Mangkukulam thought of a way to convince Maria to become his partner.
Back at home, Maria's parents became extremely worried about their daughter's disappearance and went to the town's albularyo (healer) for advice. The healer told Maria's parents to seek help from Datu Magat who possessed supernatural power.
Immediately, Datu Magat went to the mountain with Maria's parents hoping to find her. While searching for Maria, they unexpectedly came across the dog who led them to the cave where Maria was being held captive.
Maria was overjoyed to see Datu Magat because she knew that she would be rescued. She told him that the spirits wanted her to become the wife of their leader. Angered by this, Datu Magat confronted Mangkukulam and engaged in an intense battle.
With his supernatural powers and strength, Datu Magat was able to defeat Mangkukulam and the spirits. He destroyed their cave and freed Maria as punishment for their evil attempts on his fiancée.
Maria and Datu Magat returned to her parents and the town celebrated the happy reunion. The two settled in the now safe place which they named Bulacan.