Promise To Stay In Touch Pangakong Dito Ka Lang

Written by: Louise More Isinalin ni: Jenny Salosa

Published: March 2010

I couldn't find the right words Hindi ko mawari anong tamang salita,
Nothing seemed to rhyme Dahil ni isa walang tumugma
To write something for you all Kung idadaan lahat sa sulat
I think it will take time Marahil matatagalan nga.

Because when you have friends Dahil ang mga tunay na kaibigan,
That are very hard to find, Mailap ang makatagpo niyan
There's so much to say Di ka mauubusan ng maiwiwika
Because you make everything all right. Sapagkat lahat umaayon, ‘pag nariyan

So I will tell you right now Kaya’t sasabihin ko ngayon,

Exactly what I need to say Ang nararapat imungkahi
To show you how much I appreciate Nang maipadama ang halaga
You being there every day. Sa araw-araw na kasama.

You're worth more than anyone, Higit ka pa kaysa sa iba

Even a million pounds Kahit sa isang milyon pa
Because you always know what to say Dahil alam mo palagi ang sasabihin
When I am feeling down. Sa tuwing nagiging malungkutin.

You make me smile big smiles Ikaw ang dahilan ng mga masayang ngiti,
And my days so very bright, At nagpapaliwanag ng araw ko,
And when I lose my way, At kung maligaw man,
You find me in the night. Sa dilim, ako’y hanap mo.

I sometimes wish I could explain Minsan sana maipaliwanag ko

How much you mean to me, Ang tumbas ng halaga mo
But it's just not possible Ngunit parang imposible
To list a billion things. Dahil aabutin ng bilyon ito.
So I just wanted to say
Kaya’t nais kong sabihin,
I love you so, so much,
Mahal kita, sobra pa sa sobra
And I hope you never leave me.
At wag sana akong iwan,
Promise to stay in touch.
Pangakong dito ka lang.

Source: https://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/promise-to-stay-in-touch
Poem Analysis:

In March 2010, Louise More wrote a poem entitled “Promise to Stay in Touch” that talks about an appreciation
to a genuine friend that aspires to a friendship that stays and never leaves. The translation to Filipino
language was made based on thoughts in a free verse manner whereas lines with no structure patterns.
Nonetheless, each line was delivered in a wax poetic style. The poem was originally composed of 7 stanzas
with 4 lines that symbolized the love of a friend. The main idea addressed in the poem is sealed in a promise
to stay in touch e.i., connected. Accordingly, I have translated the title to “Pangakong Dito Ka Lang” that
forms a covenant to linger on with each other.

The first stanza works on contemplating how to begin with the right words to express herself. And yet, nothing
seems to be enough to convey the things she has to say. I have indicated the word, “mawari” to intensify the
discernment of the poet to manifest her endearment. I realized that a true friend is like a hidden gem so hard
to find a precious one; a metaphor that the second stanza inflicted. Although it was not literally written, the
weight of lines had me seeing it symbolically. Having someone you can rely on makes everything a child’s
play because the heaviness will subside whenever there’s someone on your side. The urge to express the
recognition to a friend is evident in the third stanza. Such effort to stick through every day is the truest love.
Figures of speech were demonstrated in the fourth stanza, using a million pounds to describe the worth of
someone as it uplifts a downhearted friend every time. The first line in fifth stanza, “You make me smile big
smiles” shows a contagious effect of a friend towards another forming wide smiles to brighten the day. And
when you are lost in the dark days, a friend will always find your back to its light. In the sixth stanza, I have
used the word “tumbas” as the poet exaggerated how much a friend means to her as a billion things could
weigh on their friendship. The last stanza exhibits tremendously love that yearns to not be left behind as it
swears a promise to stay in touch, in Filipino “Pangakong Dito Ka Lang”.

Pangakong Dito Ka Lang, a poem that shows a variety of emotions in a creative manner. This is just one of
the numerous ways to express ourselves in literary pieces towards our friends, family and the like. It reveals
a self-sacrificing love that develops a thick string of bond. Indeed, how a quote supports that “ A true friendship
is a journey without an end (Unknown)”.