Winds of Sovereignty by Francis Tolentino is a collection of original poetry around Mavulis, the northernmost island of the Philippines, depicting its connection to the people and world at large. Poems such as Welcome to Mavulis: The Lonely Island describe Mavulis’ isolation and the daily environment faced by stationed soldiers. Raising the Philippine Flag speaks of hoisting the flag on the island’s cliffs and the procedures surrounding it. Between Pacific and the West Philippine Sea describes Mavulis’ location between two major bodies of water, and what it holds. Voices of Filipino Workers in Taiwan connects Mavulis to workers who view it as a geographic point between workplaces abroad and home. My Island, Mavulis leans into a direct identification with Mavulis, its guarded shoreline, and a shared point on the national boundary.

Winds of Sovereignty: The Mavulis Poems, Poems on Freedom, Vigilance, and the Boundless Seas by Francis Tolentino is a gorgeous collection that introduced me to a completely new piece of the world, and I admit, I fell in love. Tolentino paints Mavulis through verse in a way that harnesses its strong spirit and breathes life into its shores. It's almost impossible to pick out a favorite, but Coconut Crabs at Dawn shines for the way it turns a simple breakfast into a warm event, as soldiers gather by the shore, sharing laughter. Tolentino answers their efforts with honest food and firm comfort through the early light. Typhoons and Shelter is another favorite because it presents the island as a guardian, offering calm support when harsh weather moves in. Families trust the rock that Tolentino so elegantly writes about, and now I feel like I must visit! Recommended.

Francis Tolentino shows us the resilience of the Filipino people on the island of Mavulis. Through his poems, he describes impressive scenes, inviting us to see the sea as a symbol of change, and the morning sky as a reminder of strength because the sun shines every day, leaving darkness behind. But he also shares with us the story of the island as a guardian of its people, speaking of it as a passive spectator that endures beyond time. His verses remind us that life is like the tide with its high and low moments. He also shows us that time heals all things, allowing things to return to their natural course. Winds of Sovereignty: The Mavulis Poems presents poetry in which the island and the sea seem to speak to us, telling stories of fury and calm.

I loved Francis Tolentino's poetic style. His verses are written in clear and direct language. His ideas maintain a firm and reflective tone, focused on the search for peace. The descriptions present powerful scenes, such as cliffs and storms. But they also include hopeful elements, such as fertile soil and winds that seem to sing. One detail I liked is how he evokes the force of nature through time, giving us an example of perseverance. This shows that just as the island has reclaimed spaces once shaped by human presence, people, too, can find the strength to rise after adversity. In addition, I found the photographs meaningful because they show a real perspective of Mavulis. Winds of Sovereignty: The Mavulis Poems is a tribute to a place that is home to dreams, hopes, and the longing for a prosperous future.