Maria: A Philippine Cinderella

Each of the three wealthy businessmen and landowners had one child. Among them was Maria, the daughter of the richest family in the city, Benjie, the son of two rich fish merchants, and lastly Francesca, the only child of a family who owns a livestock business.

The children were very close friends. They often played together. But not too long that time, the business of Francesca's parents went bankrupt and they divorced. On the other hand, Maria's mother died due to a car crash accident leaving her with no mother. Benjie and his family migrated to the United States and he said his goodbyes to his bestfriends.

"Don't worry Maria, Francesca. We'll someday meet again." Benjie said.

Lydia, the mother of Francesca already had an interest on Maria's father, Emilio. One night, Lydia went to Emilio's mansion and she seduced him forcing the latter to marry her. Lydia became the stepmother of Maria.

After a few months, Emilio was suddenly killed outside his own mansion. Reports of stabbed wounds were found around his torso. No one really knew who killed him when in fact it was Lydia for all she really wanted from Emilio was his money. Lydia also wanted to kill Maria but she couldn't because before Emilio died, he already gave his last will and testaments to his daughter. Emilio loved his daughter so much.

Maria was forced to live with her stepmother and stepsister. She grew up being discriminated and always yelled at by her stepmother. Lydia made Maria the mansion's kasambahay (housemaid). Unlike her stepsister, Maria's room was located in the dirtiest part of the mansion- the basement.

Maria studied in a private school along with Francesca though. Francesca was never aware of her mother's true color. She cared deeply for Maria but at the same time jealous because the latter was kind, intelligent, and was also a subject of attraction by boys in their school. As time passed by, both of them graduated in college. They were ready to take on jobs however Maria wasn't allowed by Lydia. She wanted Maria to serve her for the rest of her life.

One sunny day, Lydia requested her stepdaughter to buy tinapay (bread) at the bakeshop. As she was walking towards the bakeshop, she slipped. She found a mysteriously-shaped stick with a shining stone in its edge. She then proceeded to buy tinapay. As she was handing the money to the baker, she saw in the T.V. a man from her distant past- her bestfriend, Benjie.

A lot of years have passed yet Maria still recognized Benjie.

"That look. I know it's Benjie and I'm sure of it." Words were uttered in Maria's head.

Benjie is now an actor and a singer in the US. He is currently one of the most popular men in the world. It was broadcasted in the T.V. that Benjie will come back to his country- the Philippines. His manager will also be holding a big party for him at a very expensive place in the country.

Maria paid little attention to this for she knew that her stepmother would never let her leave the mansion unless she is told to. She immediately went back home and identified the stick she found.

Francesca went to the basement to tell Maria about Benjie's arrival in the Philippines. She was so excited. Suddenly, there was a knock on the main door of the mansion. It was Benjie. Fransesca then ran to Benjie and Maria followed but just when Maria was about to step out of the basement, her stepmother pushed her and locked her inside. Maria couldn't do anything to get out.

Lydia, Francesca, and Benjie had a conversation. Benjie was happy to see Francesca again but wondered and asked of how Maria is as of now and where she currently lives. Francesca told Benjie that Maria died due to a car crash accident like her mother. Francesca never meant to lie but she was told by her mother to do so, and she did. Benjie felt sadness in his heart. After a few minutes he left the mansion.

The day of the big party for Benjie came. Lydia and her daughter went to the party and left Maria behind.

"You will stay here. If you ever try to escape, you will be punished!" Lydia said to her stepdaughter.

Maria cried when suddenly, the mysteriously-shaped stick she found glowed and the shining stone in its edge released a beautiful spirit. The spirit introduced itself as Angelica. She closely resembles the appearance of Maria's mother. Angelica said that she'd aid anyone who needed her help the most but only those who are pure in heart.

The spirit transformed Maria's dirty dress into an astonishing and attractive gown with a pair of wooden slippers. She then send Maria to Benjie's party through teleportation.

Maria arrived at the party. Benjie saw her and invited her to dance with him. As they were dancing, Maria burst into tears and Benjie asked her.

"Why are you crying? Is there something wrong?"

Maria really wanted to tell Benjie the truth- that she didn't die. She tried to tell him when unexpectedly the electricity of the place went down. Everything was dark. Maria was suddenly dragged away by someone. The electricity then went back on. Maria was gone. Benjie found only one of the pair of her wooden slippers.

When Maria woke up, she was already in the mansion's basement. The door was locked again. Lydia, her stepmother, told Maria that she was the one who turned off the electricity last night because she saw Maria attending the party and dancing with Benjie.

Benjie wanted to find the girl who owns the other pair of the wooden slippers. He first went to Lydia's mansion and made Francesca try the slipper. It did not fit for the slipper was just too small for her. Maria, inside the basement, heard Benjie talking. She tried to open the door but it was locked. Angelica appeared to her again and opened the door for her. She quickly ran to Benjie and finally had the courage to tell him that she is Maria.

"Benjie, wait! I am Maria. I didn't die. I'm also the owner of that slipper you're holding. I'm sorry if I wasn't able to tell you." Maria said.

Benjie knew in his heart that it was Maria and he made her fit the slipper. It did fit. Benjie was disappointed to Lydia and her daughter. He brought Maria to his home and proposed to her.

"I love you Maria. I always did since before." Benjie said.

During the wedding, when Benjie was about to kiss Maria, an enraged Lydia rushed to Maria and almost stabbed her. Francesca stopped her mother and begged her to stop ruining her stepsister's life. "You're siding with them? You stupid daughter! Fine, join them!" Words that weren't supposed to be spoken were spoken by Lydia. She told Maria that she was the one responsible for her father's death. Angelica reappeared and cast a spell on Lydia, revealing her true form. She was in fact a dark witch. Angelica locked her in a mirror and she was forever trapped- or maybe not.

The wedding continued. "Maria, I'm sorry for what me and my mother had done to you. I hope you'll still treat me as a sister." Francesca said. Maria, of course, forgave her stepsister and she told her that she can live with them and that she'll always be welcome.

After 5 months, Maria got pregnant. Angelica told Maria that it's time for her to depart. "Thanks for your help. But why did you chose to help me in the first place?"

"The time you found the stick where I came out wasn't a coincidence or by accident. It was foretold." Angelica was revealed to be Maria's mother. Angelica then slowly vanished in front of her daughter. Maria cried. She ran to her and hugged her. "You may no longer see me anymore Maria, but remember that I'll always be in your heart." Angelica said bidding her farewell.