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Sampaguita flower, the national flower of the Philippines symbolizing peace and
purity
A Sampaguita Legend
The missing lover
After the death of her wise and successful father a
young princess – called Lakambini – has to take over the regency of kingdom. However, she is inexperienced- in
government administration and there is the danger that the country could be occupied by other neighbouring rulers. Only the
young unselfish prince Lakan Galing is ready to defend her country against the enemies.
The young princess falls in love with her helper. On a
hill above the sea, both embrace each another and Lakambini promises him eternal fidelity marriage: „Sumpa kita" - „I
promise you" .. (the marriage). But Lakan Galing is not satisfied with only watching and guarding the country, he wants the
enemies put to flight. „If the enemy does not come, then we shall seek them". He pursues the enemy with his ships. The
princess filled by longing and love remains back. Every day she goes to the hill at the sea in order to hold look-out for
her dearest. However, she waits in vain - Lakan Galing comes back no more.
A short time later Lakambini dies in grief and des- pair.
She finds her last rest on the hill she always held look-out. Short time after on her lonely grave grow up a vine with small
white, smelling blossoms. The leaves rustling in the wind echoedt the „sumpa kita" of the princess. The flower then
was called „Sampaguita".
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