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Pearl of the Orient

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Feb. 7. 2024
Pearl of the Orient Poetry Contest
Sponsor- JCB Brul
~ Placed First~

 

Surrounded by tranquil turquoise waters, Guarded on sides by oceans three, In the east by the Pacific, On the south by the Celebes Sea, And on the west by the south China Sea, There is an archipelago on the blue water crescent, A group of islands, called Philippines, Encircled by a girdle of gleaming silver, With its shores of stretching sandy swell That lulls the restless waves to sleep; A land of green vegetation and terraced terrain! It houses picturesque and breath-taking views. Vast beaches of ivory sand sprawl before our eyes Dolphins leap over seafoam, palm fronds wink Soft breezes waft and cotton clouds float above. Anyone will fall in love with these tiny strips of land, Of rugged hills and meandering rivers Of placid backwaters and blue skies Of gibbering monkeys and celestial monarch birds, Of strutting peacocks, pigeons, pheasants, and parrots. The powdery white sand of Boracay The Chocolate Hills of Bohol The Caraballo Mountain ranges, And the Cordillera Mountain chain of Luzon, The Rice Terraces of Philippine Cordilleras All these give the country a solemn investiture. Volcanic peaks, standing mighty and tall, Proudly line the landscape, dotted with dense forests Where birds sing melodies and Tarsiers with bug eyes The tiny primates, endemic to the Philippines roam and jump Amid the slumbering hills, there is fecund soil, Turned into orchards and plantations, Its population with perseverance and patience Work in the soil relentlessly and in unison. Well known for their hospitality, they receive tourists, And outsiders with warmth and camaraderie. In this paradise of mixed fortunes, tragedy comes unforeseen, In the form of natural calamities like typhoons and cyclones, But nothing can tear the people apart and they prosper, With resilience, bent on sustaining their tradition, Adding value to it each day and proud of an identity of their own This beautiful land of velvet waves and crystal sands Lying as a pendant in a crescent of emerald cluster Rightly deserves the title- the 'Pearl of the Orient'

Copyright © | Year Posted 2024




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Date: 2/26/2024 12:45:00 AM
Wow! Congrats! Thanks for this... I am a Filipina, and your poem made me very proud of my country. By the way, I hope you can come to the Philippines. God bless you.
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Date: 2/25/2024 5:42:00 PM
I have no words dear Valsa! This a gem to behold. Congratulations on your top win!
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Valsa George
Date: 2/25/2024 7:53:00 PM
Thank you so much Jez for the high placement given. I have heard a lot about the scenic beauty of your land. So it was a pleasure writing about it.
Date: 2/25/2024 5:42:00 PM
I have no words dear Valsa! This a gem to behold. Congratulations on your top win!
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Date: 2/25/2024 10:19:00 AM
Congratulations dear Valsa for a well deserved win. Your poem is exquisite.
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Date: 2/13/2024 6:31:00 PM
Beautiful representation, Valsa. The theme of the contest was exceptional, and I'm sure you will do well. Your words are a wonderful gift to globetrotters from around the world and to people of the Philippines, as well.
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Date: 2/8/2024 1:31:00 PM
Such a lovely poem, dear Valsa! The land sounds so picturesque and friendly. Your last three lines sum it up perfectly.
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Date: 2/7/2024 11:09:00 PM
A beautiful poem of this "Pearl of the Orient", Valsa. Your imagery and descriptions had me longing to visit the Philippines. I like your chances in the contest with this fine entry, my friend. p.s. when I was in the US Air Force, we landed in the Philippines to refuel going and returning to Vietnam during the war. Never able to leave the base, so didn't get to see the site you describe. Thanks for the travel brochure of a poem. :-) Hugs, Bill
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Date: 2/7/2024 5:45:00 PM
What a fabulous write, dear Valsa. You've truly captured the wonder and beauty of the Phillipines...it's as if you've been there. Thanks for creating such a beautiful picture of the Phillipines and its rich culture. Best wishes with the contest! hugs, Sara
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Date: 2/7/2024 1:20:00 PM
A lovely write/pretty picture... "Good Luck" Have a fun day writing away....................
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Date: 2/7/2024 11:55:00 AM
The imagery of "tranquil turquoise waters" and "gleaming silver" girdles sets the stage for a journey through the natural wonders of the Philippines. It evokes a sense of awe and wonder with descriptions of "ivory sand beaches," "palm fronds," and "pillow clouds," inviting the reader to experience the beauty of the islands first hand and
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Silent One
Date: 2/7/2024 11:56:00 AM
celebrates the Philippines' rich biodiversity, from the playful dolphins and majestic palm fronds to the diverse wildlife including gibbering monkeys, celestial monarch birds, and Tarsiers. The mention of iconic landmarks such as Boracay's white sand beaches, the Chocolate Hills of Bohol, and the Cordillera Mountain chain adds depth to the poem's portrayal of the country's natural treasures.
Date: 2/7/2024 8:39:00 AM
Ah dear sweet valsa, your words always blow me away and leave me awe inspired and captivated truly. Philipines a place i would like to visit oneday too, as my cousin is half filipino. And the way youv described it. Anyone would want to visit Philippines. I think you should send this to a Philippines marketing page, as its that beautiful and inviting! Mesmerizing truly. Made me wonder have you been there? I especially loved the lines in the last and also 4th stanza! Definitely a fave for me. BOL
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Date: 2/7/2024 12:48:00 AM
Makes me want to jump on a plane and see its beauty for myself. Well written Valsa. Tom
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