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Pearl of the Orient Poetry Contest

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“The Philippines is called the Pearl of the Orient Seas because of its strategic location at the crossroads of the Pacific Ocean and the South China Sea; its long history of pearl diving and cultivation; and its cultural and natural beauty.” (Source Wikipedia.com)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Fittingly dubbed “The Pearl of the Orient Seas” an archipelago of 7,641 islands, the Philippines majestically sits in vast waters between Pacific Ocean and South China Sea. Named after King Phillip II of Spain, Philippines was its given name Raw and rich in natural resources Nations scuttled to make it their fortress. Invaded by Spain, Netherlands, Portugal Great Britain, United States, and Japan freedom was regained in nineteen forty-five to date, Philippine democracy still thrives. Divided by Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao the languages spoken vary from town to town known for hospitality and ready smile Filipinos are devout Catholics by a mile. A country frequently visited by typhoons rainy and dry are its tropical seasons pristine beaches of Boracay and Palawan are the islands’ main attractions. Chocolate Hills in Bohol, a geological wonder of 1,000 conical hills, turn chocolate brown during the dry season wonderous photographic opportunities galore. Shores are sprinkled with rich lustrous pearls, the children of ocean’s womb, veiled in darkness they secretly grow emerging pure and bright, a pearl diver’s delight. Indulge in Adobo, pancit, lumpia, and lecheon these are the foods Filipinos consume famous festivals you may observe like Sinulog and Ati-Atihan. Explore vibrant markets, savor delectable cuisine witness breathtaking landscapes discover historical Intramuros create unforgettable experiences. Whether history buff, beach lover, or foodie you be, Philippines has something to offer both you and me it’s truly deserving of its title “Pearl of the Orient Seas.”

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Jcb Brul

Date: 2/29/2024 2:26:00 AM

Congratulations dear Sara...this is a very entertaining piece. I enjoyed reading. Thank you for taking time to participate with your splendid poem about my native land. It's a fave!

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 2/29/2024 4:20:00 AM

Thank you for your kind words and for the placement in your contest. I'm humbly grateful for both it and the 'fave' Have a pleasant day, Sara

Beata Agustin

Date: 2/26/2024 12:48:00 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.

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 2/26/2024 4:08:00 AM

Thank you for your visit, Beata, and for your congratulatory words. They mean a lot to me. Glad my poem had a positive impact...blessings for today, Sara

Shane Thacker

Date: 2/25/2024 10:25:00 AM

Amazing poem, Sara. "The children of the ocean's womb" is such a beautiful line. Congratulations!

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 2/25/2024 11:04:00 AM

thanks for stopping by, Shane. I appreciate your kind words and your congratulatory comments. Have a pleasant day, Sara

Speaks Volumes

Date: 2/25/2024 10:15:00 AM

Congrats Sara my lovely friend, for a well deserved 1st place with that wonderfully informative poem. Wen

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 2/25/2024 11:03:00 AM

oh my...hadn't checked contest status today...thanks for your congratulatory words. I'm excited...have a splendid day, Sara

Bill Baker

Date: 2/6/2024 6:25:00 PM

Excellent entry for the contest, Sara. A A-1 History lesson to boot. Thanks for taking the time to research and share your thoughts with us through your fine poetry. A poet friend down the hall, Bill

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 2/7/2024 5:05:00 AM

dear 'down the hall,' Thanks for your visit and accolades...I loved the research...GRRR, the other poet down the hall

Paige Hind

Date: 2/5/2024 4:34:00 PM

Interesting you wrote about Philippines. I learned so many facts.

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 2/5/2024 5:41:00 PM

thank you, Paige...glad you found my 'poem' interesting and factual...have a great evening, Sara

Daniel Henry Rodgers

Date: 2/5/2024 4:21:00 PM

Dear Sara, Your poem celebrating the Philippines is a beautiful homage to the rich culture, history, and natural beauty that defines the country. The wonderful imagery and historical context you provide create a captivating journey through the islands, from their tumultuous past to their vibrant present. Your words beautifully capture the essence of the Philippines, from its diverse landscapes to its warm and welcoming people. An enchanting glimpse into the Pearl of the Orient. Blessings - Daniel

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 2/5/2024 5:42:00 PM

thank you, Daniel, for your visit and for your complimentary words. I'm glad you found the journey captivating as well as enchanting. Grateful for you. Have a blessed evening, Sara

Sara Kendrick

Date: 2/5/2024 10:06:00 AM

Very informative work for the contest. Reads like a good contender to me. Way to go. I feel for the people there when I see what happens from time to time during their rainy season. Your visits to my page are encouraging. Sara K

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 2/5/2024 5:43:00 PM

thank you, Sara K, for your encouraging words. I, too, feel for the Filapinos especially during tsunamis. Hugs for the evening, Sara B

Mike Gentile

Date: 2/5/2024 10:03:00 AM

Sara, your portrait of the Philippines is poetically informative and a delight to read! I had not know so much of its history despite having had Filipino clients and friends for many years! A lovely write! Happy Monday xxoo

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 2/5/2024 5:44:00 PM

thank you, Mike! I appreciate your kind words and am delighted you found the poem informative...that means a lot to me. Have a great evening and pleasant Tuesday (tomorrow) xxoo, Sara

Sotto Poet

Date: 2/5/2024 10:01:00 AM

Dear Sara your storytelling is a testament to your remarkable depth of creativity and poetic prowess. Your ability to transport readers to a mystical and magical world is truly impressive. You have dedicated ample time to conducting thorough research, as your descriptions are both vivid and comprehensible. Regrettably, this picturesque land is plagued by the devastating forces of typhoons and tsunamis, a tragic reality that contrasts with its well-deserved epithet, the Pearl of the Orient.

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 2/5/2024 5:49:00 PM

oh, Sotto, you're most kind with your comments. I'm delighted you appreciate the mystical/magical world I created...yes, I did quite a bit of research but enjoyed doing so...haven't done research in quite some time. I agree, the typhoons and tsunamis are devasting....seen footage and photos of it. Grateful for your visit. Have a pleasant evening, your poetess friend in Texas, Sara

Victor Buhagiar

Date: 2/5/2024 9:22:00 AM

You researched well. I could understand your fine descriptions. After all, I have a mischievous young Philippian living with me (no sex rest assured.). I have been so helpless since last year's illnesses. Wonderful poem. Hugs.

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 2/5/2024 5:47:00 PM

oh my, a mischievous Filapino living with you...that's probably a challenge. Sorry your illness has rendered you helpless...my heart goes out to you, sincerely, hugs, Sara

Jay Narain

Date: 2/5/2024 9:21:00 AM

Thanks for visual tour of Philippines. One of my son in law has Filipino origin. I love lumpia, pancit and lecheon. I will forward your poem to him. He will love it.

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 2/5/2024 5:46:00 PM

thank you, Jay, for visiting and for sharing my poem with your son-in-law...grateful for your doing so. I've never had lumpia, pancit and lecheon...but after reading about them, they sound delicious. Appreciate your visit today, Sara

Tom Cunningham

Date: 2/5/2024 8:38:00 AM

A very informative verse Sara, sounds an amazing place to visit. Tom

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 2/5/2024 5:40:00 PM

thank you for stopping by, Tom. Appreciate you and your comments, Sara

Valsa George

Date: 2/5/2024 5:27:00 AM

Sara, you have done a lot of research on Philippines and have come up with a beautiful rhyming poem. It has lovely beaches and the people are mostly God fearing ! Unfortunately it is a land rocked by typhoons and tsunami! This stretch of land rightly deserves its name Pearl of the Orient. Your poem can be publicized by Philippines for tourist promotion.

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 2/5/2024 5:36:00 AM

thank you, Valsa! Yes, I did quite a bit of research over the weekend, captivated by the diverse culture and fascinating history. I appreciate you stopping by and for your accolades. The Philippines Tourist Bureau...that's an idea! Have a lovely day, dear Valsa. hugs, Sara

Ink Empress

Date: 2/5/2024 3:28:00 AM

Ah this is so insightful. One of my cousin is half Filipino. And I absolutely loved reading this. Its a beautiful place, in my bucket list for places id like to visit. I love the waterfalls there and the many places to explore there, and yes they do get alot of storms. Youv covered almost all aspects of Philippines in the most eloquent manner: i am guessing you must have enjoyed doing research and writing this one: this poem is perfect for a marketing post too. Pleasure reading your work.

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 2/5/2024 5:38:00 AM

thank you, Ink. Yes, I did enjoy the research and thought the country looked like some mystical land that I'd like to visit and, of course, write poetry about :-) Glad you enjoyed the read...and I appreciate your comments, have a pleasant day, hugs, Sara