"The Rice Terraces of Banaue" by William Henry Scott
In the highlands of Luzon, a marvel so grand,
Where man's labor carves the land,
Behold the rice terraces, tier upon tier,
A tapestry of green, serene and sheer.
Rising like steps to the heavens above,
These terraced fields, a labor of love,
By the Ifugao people, who through the years,
Tamed nature's untamed spears.
With ancient knowledge and patient toil,
They shaped the mountains with unwavering foil,
Transforming slopes into emerald cascades,
Where fertile soil and water braids.
Each terrace a testament to their skill,
A symphony of harmony and will,
Where life and sustenance intertwine,
In a rhythm of nature's divine design.
Oh, the beauty that unfolds before the eye,
As clouds dance, and sunbeams softly ply,
A sanctuary of peace, a timeless grace,
Where the land speaks a story of its sacred space.
So, let us marvel at this wonder so grand,
The rice terraces of Banaue, our beloved land,
A symbol of resilience, heritage untold,
A treasure that forever we shall behold.
"The Legend of the Pine Tree" by Lydia Villanueva
In the heart of the Cordilleras,
Where legends whispered through the eras,
There stood a pine tree tall and bold,
Its branches stretching stories of old.
Once, it was a brave warrior,
Who defended his tribe with valor,
But a curse befell him, fierce and dire,
Turning him into wood and fire.
Now, rooted in the mountainside,
The pine tree watches with patient stride,
As his spirit guards the land and sky,
A symbol of strength reaching for the sky.
Its branches adorned with needles green,
Like warrior's spears that gleam unseen,
And in the rustling of its leaves,
Echoes of battles, history weaves.
In twilight's hush and moonlit glare,
The pine tree stands, forever aware,
Whispering secrets to the gentle breeze,
Of a warrior's tale that never cease.
So let us listen, with hearts sincere,
To the legend of the pine tree, revered,
For in its presence, we find the trace,
Of ancient lore, a timeless embrace.
"Whispers of the Wind" by Angelo Trinidad
In the mountains where whispers blend,
Cordillera's embrace, my spirit transcends,
Where stories woven in verse and song,
Carry the echoes I belong.
Amidst pine forests, tall and grand,
Whispers of the wind, an ancient command,
Singing tales of tribes resilient and strong,
Their traditions alive in nature's song.
The winds carry secrets of the past,
Of ancestors' wisdom that forever last,
In tribal dances and rituals serene,
The mountains come alive, their spirits convene.
Oh, Cordillera, your beauty profound,
Your mysteries unravel, profound,
In every pebble and cascading stream,
Legends unfold, like a waking dream.
So let me wander through your tranquil embrace,
Where whispers of the wind find a sacred place,
And as I listen to their gentle art,
May my soul find solace, a brand-new start.
In these poems, we glimpse the rich cultural heritage and natural wonders of the Cordillera Administrative Region, with its awe-inspiring landscapes, indigenous traditions, and captivating narratives that continue to inspire and captivate readers.