your trash filled sidewalks
your smog filled air
and morning traffic
I could not bear
your streets that crawl
with poverty
that engage your people
in robbery
your marketplace
called 'monument'
a paradise
I've always dreamt
your night sky stars
I cannot see
as clouds of smoke
keep blocking me
your reckless drivers
your petty thieves
your nearest supplier
comes down at eve
your gangsters stronger
than authority
and the victim cries
so hopelessly
your city lights
soon will be gone
as your electric bill
fills up to tons
your ambitious leaders
up to now, they wonder
what is the best
that they could offer?
O Manila, O Manila
I keep longing for thee
true is thy beauty
in irony