Return to site

FORTRESS OF THE LIVING PAST

by: MA. CELERINA HALILI AQUINO

Amidst the amber Southern sky

Villagers heard the seagulls cry

Billowing waves of the Orient seas

Freedom fighters found themselves unleashed

Zamboanga! The place they seek Peace.

 

Colored vintas sailed night and day,

Blooming Bouganvillas spread along the way

Living Fortress of the Ancient Past

Built in hardship never outlast

Known across the sea as World class.

 

Tribes of multi-cultural highlanders

Customs and traditions preserved by forefathers

Christians, Muslims and Lumads thrived as brothers

Despite diverse idealism and beliefs,

Such strong bond, no room for mischiefs.

 

Islanders speaks the language of goodwill

In school we understand, the link we feel

Even the whispers of the Portal doves

Our language speaks the value of love

Heaven’s gate opens from above.

 

The diverse region of the archipelago

Speaks dialects that locals can undergo.

Each island rich in culture and tradition

Mapped by chieftains for generation

Adopting the language is always a mission.

 

A place blessed with natures’ resources

Both in land and water abundant forces.

Rare sea shells, corals and fishes

South sea pearls feast maidens wishes

Everything has it, at reasonable prices.

 

Echoes of prayers from dusk to dawn

Welcomes devotees whispers of Angelus shown

Brothers Muslim in their beliefs in Islam

Slim difference with the sacred Lamb

All bow down respecting the Son.

 

Dios Mio! Allah! A call of Worship

Signals the sounding fellowship

Tested bound of ultimate relationship

No matter what the difference may bar

We are united, and there is no room for war.