The Badjaos Poem by Gamson Jr Mawallil Quijano

Astonishing people they are surely
With the sea, they play merrily!
For an extended period
underwater, they stay calmly
Without diving equipment amazingly!


Oh, how thoughtful and lovely they are!
In the streets, aboard small boats,
beautifully they sing us songs in their dialect
while playing drums like sea-waves.


Remember, like you and I,
they have precious roles in society,
especially when it comes to the sea
where most of them are experts.
To our doorstep, in the marketplace,
they peddle seafood and fish
that most of us love and enjoy to eat!


What industrious people they are!
In stilt houses, they peacefully live
a simple and decent lifestyle.
On their businesses, they simply focus;
not on others' businesses!


Yet, how lamentable it is
that "some" people underrate them
sometimes!
Why, because of their status in life! ?
But, just like us, they are also
God-created HUMAN-LIVES.


More than precious gems they are
that must be safeguarded, protected
loved, and cared for;
their substantive and inalienable rights
must be upheld and fulfilled;
especially by every vicegerent of the land
wherever they lived!


Everyone must warmly embrace them
with kindness and compassion;
certainly not humiliate them!


If the stars and the moon
make the dark sky
beautiful at night,
my Badjao brothers and sisters
at daytime are the colorful ornaments
of the darkest bluest seas.
Truly,
their cheerful presence
against the backdrop
is exquisite to behold
especially when you are
above the ship.
It brings comfort and coolness
to your mind and heart.