By Luis G. Dato
Austere commander of the iron hand,
Who marshalled men to trample fields of war,
Who wielded well both pen and scimitar,
Each word a call, each sword flash a command.
Who stood as guard to Aguinaldo’s land,
With Bugallon, Ricarte and Malvar,
Who faced the armies of Columbia far
And at Zapote trod on blood and stand.
When cannon thundered past each trench and line,
Your sabre summoned men to do and dare,
From shattered ranks to columns to combine
Till moved no more the last embattled pair,
Like lions, sprung from forests Philippine,
Assailed and wounded in their native lair.
I still vividly remember Tiong Luis Dato ! He was my mom’s contemporary in Baao. He wrote an oratorical piece for my eldest sister for which she won 1st place. My sister’s alma mater, Mabini Memorial Colleges (now University of Northeastern Philippines). Very nostalgic reading your post! Btw, what’s your mom’s name? 🙏
Thank you po for browsing Lolo Luis’ website and for the comment. Writing speeches was lolo’s way of sharing his gift to his townmates in Baao. My mother’s name is Greta.