Sprouted as remnants of the crimson past
Grew in the fragments of battles and wars,
Fought by blade or letters and strong desires
Filipino has thrived through the test of time
Rooted from Malays who introduced Bathala
Then came and conquered, the Holy Cross
Indoctrinated the Indios before their Adios!
Uncle Sam in his black suit followed, Hello Jo!
Schooled the people, introduced the ABCs
Leaving “I shall return!” as his ardent promise
Then, hailing from the Land of the Rising Sun
Konichiwa! Iron-clad hand reigned fatherland
Along and in between those historic timelines,
Other guests brought varied lexical influences
Colorful words from the merchants of the East
Delectable terms from the foodies of the West
So it is no surprise, Filipino is a true halo-halo
Concoction of the world’s phrases and essence
And a lingua franca of its own regional mixture
Unceasingly evolving language of consequence.