6 Filipino Love Poems To Send To Your S.O. This Valentine’s Day [Phili’s Book Club]
Filipinos without a doubt have a chronic addiction to feelings. We are, after all, among the most emotional people in the world. Now that Valentine’s Day is coming up, we can expect those feelings to heighten even more. And what better way to indulge in all your inner hugot than to read some poetry? For Phili’s Book Club this February, we’re recommending six Filipino love poems that will make you swoon, sigh, cry, or all of the above. Grab the tissues and maybe a tub of ice cream—this is going to be one hugot- and kilig-filled read!
READ: 7 Unique Things To Do On Valentine’s Day With Your S.O
1“Huwag Ka Sanang Magagalit” by Ramon Sunico
From the collection Bruise: A 2-tongue Job
Anyone who’s been head over heels in love with someone can definitely relate to this poem. It’s one of those Filipino love poems that you send to your lover, just to tell them how kilig they make you feel.
Read the full poem here.
2“Maps” by Eliza Victoria
From the collection Maps
Those who are remembering past loves (and perhaps have not quite gotten over them yet) will be able to relate to this beautiful, hopeful poem.
Read the full poem here.
3“A Kind of Burning” by Ophelia Dimalanta
From the collection Flowing On
This is one of those Filipino love poems that lovers in a complicated relationship will understand. It dives into the complexities and intricacies of love in a continuous string of musical, bittersweet words.
Read the full poem here.
4“Gift 2” by J. Neil Garcia
From the collection The Garden of Wordlessness
What starts out as a rumination on the motions of the ocean ends with a passionate admission of love. If you’ve ever felt that you love someone so much you want to consume them, this is one of those Filipino love poems you can relate to.
Read the full poem here.
5“Killing Memory” by Isabela Banzon
From the collection Lola Coqueta
If you’re going through a rough breakup, this poem will feel like a knife right through the heart—in a good way. It talks about the painful process of moving on from a relationship and contending with that post-break-up feeling of wanting to rip out all the memories from your brain.
Read the full poem here (Jstor access needed!).
6“Threshold” by Ronald Baytan
From the collection The Queen Sings the Blues
If you’ve ever fallen in unrequited love with someone who never planned on staying, you will feel like this poem is you speaking. It’s low-key heartbreaking, but also hopeful, because it shows the resilience of those who love.
Read the full poem here.
Whether you’re happily in love, heartbroken, nostalgic, or jaded, these Filipino love poems will speak to your soul. Send them to your crush after a unique date you just had, read one aloud at an open mic night while looking directly at the person who broke your heart, or simply enjoy them quietly on your own. Now, go forth and hugot!
