Pilipinas
Neen Ramos
(English translation: Philippines)
Pilipinas // I’m concerned about you. The company you keep are exploiting you. Beyond the debt, beyond your precious islands; all these new friends, my Pilipinas // Do you really think they care what happens to you? Pilipinas // You used to shine so bright. An enchanted fertile land loved by its people.
When I traveled, I told people I belonged to you, Pilipinas // Your name sounded strange from their accents. A mouthful of syllables, a foreign country’s name. It rolled awkwardly in their tongues. Like an exotic treat from long-forgotten lands.
Pilipinas // You are the pearl of the orient. A wondrous beauty. An archipelago, always on the periphery. With stunning islands and seascapes that embrace you. Take care of yourself please, Pilipinas // I’ve seen your islands on the map. And they’re taking them all away. Little by little. Piece by piece. Until there’s nothing left for your people.
So, how can I say this to you? Pilipinas // Your politicians are blinded by their own selfinterests. They grease their pockets for their own political agenda. They’re practically giving you away for sale. Like some shiny object on display.
Pilipinas // My dear country, please. Wake up. They have gutted you and opened you up. But they, who promised to protect you said, “Come in and take everything.” What will become of your beloved islands? What will become of the eagle, the tarsier, the tamaraw, the pilandok, the dugong, the alamid, the kalaw, the carabao? What will become of your oppressed people? Your people. What will happen to them?
How will we ever live with ourselves? When there is nothing more left to take and plunder. I’m speaking to you now, Pilipinas // As one Pinay to another. Be careful, Pilipinas // I’m concerned about you.
Neen Ramos is a Pinay (Filipina) who loves to devour pop culture and random stuff on the Internet. A lover of good books and a cup of coffee, her Spotify playlist keeps her sane as she juggles her remote work and TV show marathons. She’s a self-proclaimed foodie and a habitual bargain addict. You can find her aspirational Insta-poet alter ego (@whatneenwrites) on Twitter and Instagram.
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