In Philippine mythology, a diwata, based on Sanskrit devata (देवता) and also known as encantada from Spanish, are deities in pre-colonial Philippines. When the Spaniard conquered and subjugated the Philippines the term is reduced from goddess to dryad-like spirit which is benevolent or neutral and invoked ritually for positive crop growth, health, and fortune; they may also incur illness or misfortune if not given proper respect. They are said to reside in large trees, such as acacia and balete and are the guardian spirits of nature, casting blessings or curses upon those who bring benefits or harm to the forests and mountains. They have their origin in the Devata beings included in Hinduism and Buddhism. The Laguna Copperplate dated 900 AD also makes mention of a Chief of Medang in Java, Indonesia referred as representative of the Chief of Diwata in Butuan, Mindanao island.

In Philippine mythology, a diwata, based on Sanskrit devata (देवता) and also known as encantada from Spanish, are deities in pre-colonial Philippines. When the Spaniard conquered and subjugated the Philippines the term is reduced from goddess to dryad-like spirit which is benevolent or neutral and invoked ritually for positive crop growth, health, and fortune; they may also incur illness or misfortune if not given proper respect. They are said to reside in large trees, such as acacia and balete and are the guardian spirits of nature, casting blessings or curses upon those who bring benefits or harm to the forests and mountains. They have their origin in the Devata beings included in Hinduism and Buddhism. The Laguna Copperplate dated 900 AD also makes mention of a Chief of Medang in Java, Indonesia referred as representative of the Chief of Diwata in Butuan, Mindanao island.