Evangelina was the clever daughter of a wealthy family in the town of Mabulak in Bulacan. Evangelina studied at a convent school until she was eighteen. She had mastered all her arts and education, and her family wanted her to experience practical living.
Though she made many friends and was part of the social elite, she could not be bothered by the dramas of the people her age. Boys chasing after the prettiest girls only. The unloved girls hid behind fake smiles, while at every given moment, they talked poorly of everyone they knew. Evangelina decided to stay home and learn about the world through books and art.
Every evening she would sing upon her balcony, old and new tunes she learnt in her solitude, and in passing at the town square. Many suitors came to listen beneath her window, her voice providing warmth to their souls. Many proposals came her way but she refused them. She said if she chose one, she’d cause sorrow to all.
One night, instead of singing, Evangelina prayed to Bathala. She did not want to exist for one person, but for all to cherish her memory and happiness, even if it meant that she would not longer exist as herself. Bathala heard the girl’s prayer and in a flash of fire, she disappeared.
Her parents wept over her disappearance, but in her place grew a plant. When it bloomed, it was a big plant with many flowers. They were only fragrant during the night and would lull those around in a deep slumber. They called these flowers dama de noche.