Panatang Makabayan
Iniibig ko ang Pilipinas,
(Ito ang) aking lupang sinilangan,
(Ito ang) tahanan ng aking lahi;
Ako’y kanyang kinukupkop at tinutulungang
maging malakas, masipag at marangal.
Dahil mahal ko ang Pilipinas,
diringgin ko ang payo
ng aking magulang,
susundin ko ang tuntunin ng paaralan,
tutuparin ko ang tungkulin
ng mamamayang makabayan:
naglilingkod, nag-aaral at nagdarasal
nang buong katapatan.
Iaalay ko ang aking buhay,
pangarap, pagsisikap
sa bansang Pilipinas.
Growing up, this was something that I often recited, was compelled to recite during the flag ceremonies at school. I never thought about what it really meant at first but I know I always recited it from the heart.
Yes, I love my country. I love the Philippines. I love the Filipinos – in times of triumph and accolades. I still love the Filipinos even when they look like fools because there is usually a story about strong kinship and family and love behind it.
Loving the Philippines though doesn’t mean I cannot love or appreciate anything else. After all, the Filipino has always been inter-racial. A mix of Malay, Chinese, Spanish, American and everything else.
As a Filipino, it is my responsibility to always bring the good for every one to see. To criticize with the intent of improvement and not to demean. To help where it is needed.
oh, now i am sounding like an old patriotic fool. but then again, maybe i am just that.
Mabuhay Pilipinas!
my take 