“Beloved Philippines”
by: F. Panerio
O Philippines, my heart’s own cherished land,
In times of woe, I pen with trembling hand.
No shame shall bind this soul to silent days,
For thy sweet call doth summon fervent praise.
In darkened hours, I wandered, lost, forlorn,
Yet needed not mine ears to hear thee mourn.
Nor need I theirs to know thy boundless worth,
A simple heart suffices to save our earth.
My mind hath sailed o’er oceans vast and wide,
Though feet of mine ne’er trod where waves abide.
Stubborn, perchance, my spirit stood its ground,
Yet in thy need, O land, my heart is found.
How far must freedom’s hope be cast to fate?
Thy wounds, dear Philippines, no more can wait.
Arise, ye souls, to break the chains apart,
Be thou the flame to kindle every heart!
By God’s own grace, this land was richly blest,
Its wealth of spirit shines above the rest.
Rest assured, we shall behold thy light,
And judgment fall on those who shun the right.
O Philippines, let greed no longer reign,
Thy leaders rise with honor, free from stain.
Beloved land, our hope shall never cease,
For thee, we strive, in love, for lasting peace.
—SDV/Ferdinand Panerio