How Are You, Philippines?

You have lived a peaceful life

Until the Spaniards came

And ruled 333 years above you

And then the Americans

Who ruled for 48 years more

And then the Japanese

Who ruled during World War II

How are you, Philippines?

You have lived a peaceful life

After you were recognized in 1946

Until Martial law came

It lasted 9 years

But made the strongest impact of all

Since the Fourth Republic dissolved in 1986

You have lived a peaceful life

How are you, Philippines?

Are your scars healed?

Since the years of colonization and brutality

Have you reposed in peace?

How are you, Philippines?