A LA JUVENTUD FILIPINA

(TO THE FILIPINO YOUTH)

ABOUT THE POEM
He submitted this poem for a poetry contest which had been organized
by the Manila Lyceum of Art and Literature in 1879.

Rizal's poetry stunned the Spanish-speaking Board of Judges, who gave

him first place and the following prizes:
A silver pen (feather-shaped and decorated with gold)
A diploma
ABOUT THE POEM

o It was considered classic Philippine literature because it was the first

Spanish poem written by a Filipino and was approved by a Spanish
literary authority.
o Itstates that the Filipinos, not the Spaniards, were the "fair hope of the
Fatherland."
ABOUT THE POEM

❖It is a poem that affirms the greatness of the Filipino people. It exhorts
the young of the Philippines to realize their potential by using their skills
and talents for the benefit of their fellow citizens. It inspires young people
to seek freedom and human dignity and to liberate Filipinos from
ignorance.
 To the Filipino Youth

Raise your unruffled brow

On this day, Filipino youth!
Resplendent shines
Your courage rich,
Handsome hope of my motherland!
Fly, grand genius
And infuse them with noble sentiment
That vigorously rushes,
More rapid than the wind,
Its virgin mind to the glorious goal.
Descend to the arena
With the pleasant light of arts and sciences,
And unbind, Youth,
The heavy chain
That fetters your poetic genius.
 See that in the bright zone
With pious and learned hand,
Offers the son of this native land
Resplendent crown.
You who ascend
On wings of your rich fantasy,
Seeking from Olympus in the clouds
Tenderest poetry,
Sweeter than nectar and ambrosia;
You of the celestial accent,
Melodious rival of the nightingale,
Who with varied melodies
Dissipate the mortal’s bitter pain
In the night serene;
You who animate the hand rock
With the impulse of your mind,
 And with prepotent hand makes eternal
The pure memory
Of the refulgent genius;
And you, who with magic brushes
Are wont to transfer to simple canvas
The varied enchantment of Phoebus, beloved of
Apollo divine,
And the mantle of nature.
Run! For the sacred flame
Of the genius awaits to be crowned with laurels,
Spreading fame
With trumpet proclaiming
O’er the wide sphere the mortal’s name.
Day, oh happy day,
Philippines genteel, for your soil!
Bless the Almighty,
Who with loving desire
Sends you fortune and consolation.