Mangita and Larina

Beside Laguna de Bay lived a fisherman and his daughters, Mangita and Larina. Their mother had died, and the three lived together by the lake.

Mangita willingly helped other people. Larina admired her fine clothes and grew jealous of the praise Mangita received.

One day a poor old woman asked the sisters for help. Larina pushed her aside, and the woman fell and hurt herself.

Mangita raised her gently and gave her some rice to eat. The woman said she would remember Mangita’s kindness.

Some time later, the sisters’ father caught an illness while selling fish in the city and died. With neither parent left, they had to support themselves.

Mangita began carving shells to sell. Larina would not join her, so Mangita worked for them both.