(A retelling)
Once upon a time, in Cebu, King Menguita had two servants. Mabait, who was kind and hardworking, and Masama, who was lazy and jealous.
One night, a tiny duwende appeared to Mabait. “Because you are honest, I will be your friend,” it said. From then on, the duwende secretly gave Mabait gold.
Masama grew suspicious when Mabait bought new clothes from the gold. Eventually, he learned about duwende and grew even more jealous.
He trapped the duwende in a jar, but the clever spirit tricked him. “Set me free, and the princess will be yours!” the duwende promised. Masama released him...but the duwende flew into the princess instead!
The king declared, “Whoever frees my daughter will marry her. But if you fail, you will lose your head!” Masama tried first, but the duwende laughed at him for his greed. Masama was punished.
Then Mabait came. “Please, my friend,” he said gently to the duwende, “leave the princess.” Out of loyalty, the duwende obeyed.
The king rewarded Mabait with the princess’s hand in marriage. From then on, Mabait ruled wisely, with the duwende always by his side.