June 12 is Philippine Independence Day

June 12, 2023 is Philippine Independence Day; PH became independent in 1898.

To help celebrate PH Independence Day here is a poem by José Rizal, a Philippine national hero whose writings influenced the rebellion that won independence for the Philippine archipelago. The Spanish government executed Dr. Rizal in Manila on Dec. 30, 1896.

The theme of Rizal’s Kundiman is his intense love for his motherland. His words reflected his optimism that the Philippines would be freed from injustice and bondage.

Kundiman by Jose Rizal

Now mute indeed are tongue and heart

love shies away, joy stands apart.

Neglected by its leaders and defeated,

The country was subdued and it submitted.

But, O, the sun will shine again!

Itself the land shall disenchain;

And once more round the world

with growing praise

shall sound the name of the Tagalog race.

We shall pour out our blood in a great flood

to liberate the parent sod;

but ‘til that day arrives for which we weep,

love shall be mute, desire shall sleep.