The Philippines is an existing poetry

A tropical majesty; an archipelagic beauty

Despite situated within the spiteful grasp of natural disasters

The Philippines -- a nation that remains with great character

 

In the early years, the country has already lost its rightful identity

When our native descent, compromised under the Spanish colony

When the Filipino people – suffered a good four years under the Japanese ascendency

And when the American aid and influence heightened our dependency

 

Though the influence of the East and West might have defined the nation for a good eternity

Who would forget a pre-colonial culture that once had immense majesty?

 

From historical indigenous art crafted from ornament beads or intricate woven fabrics

And Philippine folk dances such as Tinikling and Cariñosa

To the great music made by using the Paldong and the Gangsa

Who would believe the Philippines is a historical flop?

 

Though the influence of the East and West redefined the communal practices of Philippine culture

Who would forget a nation filled with remarkable values?

 

From a simple gesture such as “Mano Po” to respect the elderly

And a hospitable behavior every Filipino possesses that almost comes out naturally

To the practice “Bayanihan” to achieve goals in communal unity

Who would believe the Philippines is not a nation of great decency?

 

 

Though the influence of the East and West compromised the tone of Filipino music

Who would forget the music of a nation that evolved through time?

 

From the ethnical sound with the incorporation of flutes and drums that makes us jive

And Philippine folk music that will make anyone smile

To the emergence of Filipino rock and hip hop as the representation of contemporary styles

Who would believe the Philippines is not musically-inclined?

 

Though the influence of the East and West transformed an innocent country into a city of skyscrapers

Who would forget the nation’s greatest and humblest signature monuments?

 

From the classic “Bahay Kubo” that represented our earlier shelter

And the walled-city, Intramuros, though of Spanish descent, tells a story of recapture

To the “Cultural Center of the Philippines” which became that home of Philippine Theater

Who would believe the Philippines is home to mixed-influential massacre?

 

Even in the test of time, the Philippines remains a testament of both beauty and tragedy

A nation that knew no identity not until foreign nations joined in the party

A nation that stood proud and tall even under the influence of other nationalities

This is the story of a colorful country that suffered identity crisis even much intriguing than deceitful magic