Filipino immigrants in New York celebrated International Mother Language Day with a Balagtasan-style poetry presentation honoring Dr. Jose Rizal’s teachings. The event, “Cultural Harmony: A Celebration of Mother Language,” was held on February 22, 2025, at Public School 12Q in Woodside, NYC, USA.
The gathering was co-hosted by the New York City Commission on Human Rights, Queens Borough President, Bangladesh Institute of Performing Arts, NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigration Affairs, and APICHA Community Health Center.
Balagtasan Tribute to Rizal
Knights of Rizal District 30 Chapter, Queens, New York, presented “Tula Para Kay Gat Jose Rizal,” an original poem by Sir Luis Pedron and Sir Flo Coronel inspired by Rizal’s writings and teachings. The poetry performance reflected on modern Filipino life, social awareness, and the importance of education.
Rizal’s powerful words guided the themes of the poem, including:
“Ignorance is servitude, because as a man thinks, so he is; a man who does not think for himself and allows himself to be guided by the thought of another is like the beast led by a halter.”
— Letter to the Young Women of Malolos, 1889
The performers emphasized the need for critical thinking in the age of social media:
“Lagi na lang tayo napupuno ng chismis at balita
Nakikinig tayo parang batas pag galing sa Social Media
Kailangan nating suriin ang kabatiran…”
The poem also highlighted the value of perseverance, patience, and hope, echoing another of Rizal’s teachings:
“Filipinos don’t realize that victory is the child of struggle, that joy blossoms from suffering, and redemption is a product of sacrifice.”
— La Solidaridad, 1890
Rizal’s Message to the Youth
The event honored Rizal’s belief in the youth as the key to a brighter future:
“The youth is the hope of our future.”
— A La Juventud Filipina, 1879
The poem reminded attendees of the role of education and guidance in shaping young minds, whether in the Philippines or abroad:
“Pumasok sa eskwela, matuto sa guro
Pero sa bahay dapat ang edukasyon ay punong-puno…”
Here’s the full original balagtasan lines in Filipino:
“Tula Para Kay Gat Jose Rizal”
Original Poem by Sir Luis Pedron and Sir Flo Coronel based on Dr Jose Rizal’s Writings and Teachings
“Ignorance is servitude, because as a man thinks, so he is; a man who does not think for himself and allowed himself to be guided by the thought of another is like the beast led by a halter.” – Letter to the Young Women of Malolos, 1889
Lagi na lang Tayo napupuno ng chismis at balita Nakikinig tayo parang batas pag galing sa Social Media
Kailangan nating suruin Ang kabatiran
Kapag dumating sa ating kaalaman
Maraming pananaw sa kanan at kaliwa
Pwede kaya tayong pumuwesto sa gitna ?
Ang ating bayani na si Gat Jose Rizal.
Sa kanyang mga sinulat marami tayong maaral Wag padalos dalos, may sarili tayong pag iisip. Parang wag mapariwara at hindi tayo mahagip.
Ngayon walang katiyakan mag-isip pa rin dapat ng positibo
Iwasan ang tapakan para iwas delubyo
Lahat ng kabatiran na ating pakikinggan
Isipin, suriin at namnamin
Sariling pag iisip ay kailangan
“Filipinos don’t realize that victory is the child of struggle, that joy blossoms from suffering, and redemption is a product of sacrifice.” – “Como se gobiernan las Filipinas” (How one governs in the Philippines), published in La Solidaridad, 1890
Kapag may tiyaga, may linaga
Kapag may paghihirap kasunod na ang panalong ganap
Mga bata ‘y takot sa problemang salot
Matuto ang lahat sa aral na sapat
Pasensya ay ituro sa lahat liwanag ng isip ang nararapat
Wag mawalan ng pag-asa. Panalong buhay ang ninanasa
Buhay sa America mahirap man daw Makakatulong sa yo ang positibong Pananaw
“The Youth is the Hope of our Future,” is a phrase taken from a poem written by Dr Jose
Rizal, signifying that young people hold the potential to shape a positive future through their ideas, energy, and actions; essentially stating that the next generation is key to societal progress and advancement – A La Juventud Filipina, 1879
Sabi ni Gat Jose Rizal
Ang mga Kabataan ang pag asa ng bayan
Naalala niyo ba nang tayo’y nasa Pilipinas? Mahirap man ang buhay pero
Parang walang problemang dinaranas
Doon man sa Pinas o dito sa Amerika
Dapat turuan ng maayos ang mga bata ika nga Matigas ba ang ulo nila ?
Rebelde man wag mawalan ng pag-asa
Pumasok sa eskuwela matuto sa guro
Pero sa bahay dapat ang edukasyon ay Punong -puno
Bigyan ng kalayaan,
Pero dapat turuan
Para lumago ang isip
Pananaw at pag iisip.
Noon lang ba tutuo Ang kasabihan
Na ang mga kabataan ang pag-asa ng Bayan? Eto tayo kahit na may kataandaan
Natuto tayo ng tama sa Kay Rizal na kasabihan.
Keeping Rizal’s Legacy Alive
Through events like this, Filipinos in New York continue to honor Dr. Jose Rizal’s legacy and keep Filipino culture alive, even far from home.
Watch the full Balagtasan performance here:
Follow the Knights of Rizal District 30 Chapter, Queens, NY, on Facebook:
🔗 Knights of Rizal NYC Facebook Page
About Filipino Abroad
Filipino Abroad is a column written by Sir Luis Pedron, KR (Chapter Commander) and Sir Florante Coronel, KOR (Pursuivant) of the Knights of Rizal – District 30 Chapter, Queens, New York City, USA. This column captures the heart of the Filipino experience beyond the homeland—exploring the triumphs, challenges, and cultural identity of Filipino Americans, immigrants, and overseas Filipinos. Through stories, reflections, and poetry, Filipino Abroad celebrates the resilience, heritage, and enduring spirit of Filipinos making a life in different parts of the world while staying rooted in the values and teachings of Dr. Jose Rizal.
How do you keep Rizal’s teachings alive in your community? Share your thoughts in the comments and spread the love for our heritage!
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