Johara D. Alangca-Azis
Meranaw ako, and my language is Meranaw.
A tongue that’s born from the sparks of divine light,
A voice that whispers peace in every name,
Treasured in the hearts that seek quietness,
A tender strength, a lasting harmony,
The language of the mawngangen, seselaan, and kalilintad.
Meranaw ako, and my language is Meranaw.
A speech of compassion, beauty and grace,
A lingo that blooms with gentle arts,
Refined in manners, respectful in duty,
Touching souls and healing hearts,
The language of the bilangataw, matarintis, and bilantadi.
Meranaw ako, and my language is Meranaw.
The tongue of the contented and submissive,
A lingua that carries the strength of quiet resolve,
Careful in words, humble in intent,
Seeking to evolve, finding its ascent
The language of the masosoat, mawnoten, and masanggila.
Meranaw ako, and my language is Meranaw.
I call your hearts to guard and secure this gift,
To preserve this heritage, to the very end,
For in its words, our roots run deep,
A paninggalan for generations to keep,
A tradition we solemnly vow to defend.
Meranaw ako, and my language is Meranaw.
I urge your spirits to cherish and uphold this blessing,
Strengthen its origins, uphold its name,
Propagate it far beyond our land,
So others may come to understand,
And keep alive what we proclaim.
Meranaw ako, and my language is Meranaw.
Aya panginam aken, aya singanin aken, aya pangni aken—
My hope, my aspiration, my earnest prayer—
That Meranaw– my voice, my heritage- shall thrive eternally,
Safeguarded with love, care, and pride
So it endures, unbroken, widespread–
A beacon of my identity, an everlasting heritage for all to share.