125th Philippine Independence Day celebration

I’d like to thank Sir Roy Boquiron, President of the Knights of Rizal Auckland Chapter for sharing his poem. He especially wrote it for our 125 th Philippine Independence Day celebration at the Takanini Community Hub last 10 June 2023. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! Here’s the entirety of his poem:

Photo c/o RMO

“THE 125TH PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE DAY – Remembering Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista”

By: Roy Boquiron, BSC, MNZIM, MRSNZ, RSSG, KCR

The poet woke up on a Friday, little bit late What could have been the heroes’ fate Pondering the century and a generation hence Since ‘Don Bosyong’ unfurled our flag and waved At a balcony in Kawit, Cavite that saved Our country, the Philippines from the Spain’s Clutches of tyrannical and territorial gains. If the United States of America’s nationhood Has been defined by a document so good!

Written by the great Thomas Jefferson – The declaration of  Independence is a benchmark Where Filipinos can create a spark!

We had Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista – a lawyer by trade
Who came to helped a Nation in need. ‘Don Bosyong’ as he was fondly called; Historians will be amazed and enthralled He had the special bond and genetic connections To both Dr. Jose Rizal and Andres Bonifacio He was fondly called ‘Tio Bosyong’ by our National Hero; He was a great lawyer who championed the poor Never minding his own grandeur! He wrote the Declaration of Philippine Independence.

‘Don Bosyong’ was a megastar in jurisprudence Defying our Spanish colonial Conquistadores He was a presidential adviser to our first President – Don Emilio Aguinaldo, who led our nation ascent To the path of self-discovery and self-reliance With limited resources, fighting Spain, in total defiance!

If ‘Don Bosyong’ were alive today He might be happy; he might be sad and say – Filipinos are all over the world and helping others Make this world a safer and better place. A lot of Filipinos are working as nurses with grace, caring and sharing their warmth, their lives not in vain For no one can imprison the love of being independent again!

One in every four sailors that ply the sea routes Hails from the Philippines, the land the Spaniards sought The men and women who braved the high seas With calm and storm, they face every day.

They are the unsung heroes; the poet has nothing more to say Moving the people who traverse and trade So this world can function with ease, without tirade!