A Filipinas is a sonnet written by Dr. Jose Rizal in 1880 for the Sea of Sculptures. The poem describes how beautiful the Philippines is. He also referred to the country, the Philippines as his muse.

 

 

A Filipinas

(To the Philippines)

Translated by Nick Joaquin

 

Warm and beautiful like a hour of yore,

as gracious and as pure as the break of dawn

when darling clouds take on a sapphire tone,

sleeps a goddess on the Indian shore.

The small waves of the sonorous sea assail

her feet with ardent, amorous kisses, while

the intellectual West adores her smile;

and the old hoary Pole, her flower veil.

My Muse, most enthusiastic and elate,

sings to her among naiads and undines;

I offer her my fortune and my fate.

With myrtle, purple roses, and flowering greens

and lilies, crown her brow immaculate,

O artists, and exalt the Philippines!