National Federation of Filipino American Associations

Recently, Filipinas Magazine took the time to embed this poem in its online edition. “A Gathering of Heroes” was written and narrated by Greg B. Macabenta in 2004 as a call for Overseas Filipinos (a.k.a. our modern day heroes) to participate at the Third Global Filipino Networking Convention that was held at the Cebu Waterfront Hotel in Lahug, Cebu City, Philippines on January 20 to 22, 2005. Since then,“Pinoy Power Worldwide” became NaFFAA’s Global Filipino Networking Convention’s theme and logo. DDB Philippines was responsible for “Pinoy Power Worldwide’s” creative work.

This poem is a beautiful tribute to the 8 million-plus Overseas Filipinos and the families they left behind in the Philippines. Click here to go directly to YouTube.com.

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Copyright 2004 © by Greg B. Macabenta

A GATHERING OF HEROES

Where are all my children -
The blood of my blood, flesh of my flesh,
The fruits of my dreams?
Where are the saplings who drew strength from my roots?
The flowers who bloomed from the dew of this land?
They have sailed away with the wind,
In the beaks of swallows
Seeking warmth on distant shores.
On the wings of eagles
Daring to soar to boundless heights.

Come ye my children,
Blood of my blood, flesh of my flesh,
The sweet, ripened fruits of my dreams.
Come ye from far and near,
And hearken to my call.
Come tell us of your triumphs.
Celebrate your conquests,
Bask in the glow of my pride.
Then plant the seeds of your successes
In the soil from which you sprang.
And offer a share of your golden harvest.
At the altar of a grateful Motherland.
Come. Come.
Come for a gathering of heroes.

Nasaan ang mga anak ko -
Dugo ng aking dugo, laman ng aking laman,
Bunga ng aking mga pangarap?
Nasaan ang puno na umusbong sa aking mga ugat?
Ang bulaklak na namukadkad sa lupang tinamnan?
Sila’y lumayo, naglayag sa hangin
Sa bibig ng mga ibong hanap ay pagpupugaran,
Sa pakpak ng mga agilang inaabot ang kalangitan.

Halina kayo, mga anak ko -
Dugo ng aking dugo, laman ng aking laman,
Matamis na bunga ng aking mga pangarap.
Halina kayo mula sa malalayong dagat.
Dinggin ang aking panawagan.
Isalaysay ang inyong kadakilaan.
Ipagbunyi ang talino’t gilas.
Tanggapin ang aking parangal.
At pagkatapos, magtanim ng binhi
Ng inyong tagumpay
Sa lupang inyong pinagmulan.
At mag-alay ng bahagi ng gintong ani
Sa dambana ng mahal na Inang Bayang.
Halina. Halina.
Halina kayo sa pagbabalik ng mga bayani.