Scrolling online can showcase diverse content, from viral dances, witty memes, news and current affairs to thought-provoking quotes. Amid the noise, poetry has found a resurgence, resonating deeply with today’s generation.

One trending content on TikTok is an excerpt by international author Jennae Cecelia. The poem reflects on meeting one’s younger self for coffee and engaging in a heart-to-heart conversation about growth, mistakes, and resilience. This kind of writing resonates with audiences who seek comfort in reflective and relatable pieces.

@jennaececelia i am the original author of this poem- it is in my new book: DEEP IN MY FEELS available now wherever books are sold!💜 i love all the versions that you have written, i just ask to please make sure to credit me if sharing on your platform 🫶 #poetry #meetingmyyoungerself #HealingJourney ♬ Iris – Goo Goo Dolls

Filipino netizens like content creator and entrepreneur Ayn Bernos were quick to hop on the trend and post their own versions of meeting their younger selves. From nostalgia of childhood dreams to tender reassurances about overcoming life’s hurdles, these pieces offer a mix of vulnerability and hope.

@aynbernos Inspired by the original poem by @Jennae Cecelia Poetry ♬ Sweet Heat Lightning – Gregory Alan Isakov

Poetry trends like Cecelia’s piece also align with the increasing popularity of modern poetry in the Philippines. Here are modern FIlipino poets who continue to shape the contemporary poetry scene with their evocative and relatable compositions.

Ron Canimo

“Inaalala pa rin kita; sa bawat sandali,
sa bawat bagay, sa bawat pangyayari;
sa madaling salita—palagi…

aalalahanin kita,
hanggang sa magsawa
na lang ang mga alaala.”

(excerpt from Ron Canimo’s “Ikaw Sa Bawat Araw”)

Known for his introspective poems on love, loss, and self discovery, Ron Canimo uses simple yet profound language written in Filipino that resonates with readers seeking emotional connection. His pieces from his page Mga Tala at Tula often go viral on social media, where his words become sources of comfort for those navigating relationships and personal growth.

He has currently published four books: “Mga Tala at Tula” (2020), “Sa Buwan Kita Natagpuan” (2021), “Ikaw Sa Bawat Araw” (2022), and “Maulan Man Sa’ting Tahanan” (2024).

Kim Derla

“Huwag kang magmadali.

Dahil ang buhay ay hindi lamang tungkol sa saan.
Tungkol rin ito sa paano at bakit. Na kailangang pahalagahan ko ang proseso…

Hindi na babalik ang lumipas na oras kaya kailangang namnamin ko ang bawat sandali ng buhay ko.”

(excerpt from Kim Derla’s “Pagsibol”)

Beyond romantic themes, Kim Derla’s poetry also touches on personal growth, resilience, and the realities of navigating life’s uncertainties—topics that also resonate deeply with her audience. Her poems, typically short yet emotionally impactful, reflect everyday experiences that many Filipinos can relate to, from the sting of unrequited love to the journey of self-love and acceptance.

Derla has published 15 books under Acts 29 Publishing, St. Paul’s Publishing and three self-published books: “Shadowed Truths” (2019; co-authored with Charlene Tinaza), “Paghilom” (2021), and “Pagsibol” (2024).

Jeivi Nicdao

“mga mata. Sakaling sa pagbaling ay bumukadkad,
magliyab, dumagan, at makapanugat
ang titig, maaari mo akong

titigan pabalik. Maaari tayong magunaw at ngumiti
sa munting liwanag ng ating

panginginig. Hindi tayo masisindak
ng ating hindi pagsisinungaling.”

(excerpt from Jeivi Nicdao’s “Katubusan ng Pagtitig”)

Jeivi Nicdao is a contemporary Filipino poet who writes about women empowerment and gender equality. Her compositions are written in Filipino and English, capturing multilingual audiences online.

Her “attempts” pieces which include “Katubusan ng Pagtitig” can be read online at https://jvnicdao.wordpress.com/author/jvnicdao/. Nicdao has also published a chapbook “Rouse”, consisting of poetry and prose.

Juan Ekis

“Hindi binabasa ang tula
Pinapanood itong pelikula ng salita,
Ng mga nagdadramang sukat at tugma…

Dinarama ang pag-unawa
Sa hiwaga ng salita,
Sapagkat hindi binabasa ang tula.”

(excerpt from Juan Ekis’ “Tula, Tula, Paano Ka Ginawa?”)

Juan Ekis is an award-winning poet, playwright, and filmmaker, honored with Palanca Awards for his works in FIlipino. Ekis combines wit, humor, and emotional depth in his pieces, often appealing to audiences navigating their identities and relationships.

His compositions can be read via https://www.juanekis.com/ which includes three soft copies and an upcoming publication.

Virgilio Almario

“Tutulaan kitá, munti kong prinsesa,
Perlas ng silangan, at walang korona;
Lingkod ka ng bayang kung maalaala
Dahil nakita kang lugmok sa umaga.”

(excerpt from Virgilio Almario’s “Taliba ng Bayan” – Para sa mga babaeng frontliners)

As writing can be complex and can be about anything, one can never go wrong with renowned National Artist Virgilio Almario’s contributions to the development of modern poetry in Filipino. Almario’s writing style has a penchant for mixing social commentary with deep metaphors all the while exploring national identity history, and the Filipino Language.

His recent anthology, “Lemlúnay: Pagunita sa Gunita”, features 30 Filipino poems that he has written from 2018 to 2023, under his pseudonym Rio Alma.

As poetry continues to thrive in today’s digital landscape, it offers more than just words; it creates communities, sparks conversations, and fosters empathy. Whether it’s through a TikTok video, a shared post, or a well-loved book, poetry remains an essential part of the conversation of the human experience.

These poets and their writings remind us that words can serve both as a mirror and a lifeline, offering us comfort, wisdom, and a sense of belonging.

Photo Credit: https://www.instagram.com/roncanimoph, https://www.facebook.com/wandersofkim, https://www.facebook.com/jeivi.nicdao, https://www.juanekis.com/, https://www.facebook.com/MakatangRioAlma/