Francisco Balagtas

Who is Francisco Balagtas?

Francisco Balagtas, born Francisco Baltazar in Bigaa (now Balagtas), Bulacan, on April 2, 1788, is regarded as the foremost Filipino poet of the Tagalog language and is often called the Prince of Tagalog Poets. Coming from a humble family, he studied in Manila and mastered Latin, Spanish, and classical literature. His masterpiece, Florante at Laura (full title Pinagdaanang Buhay ni Florante at ni Laura sa Cahariang Albania), published around 1838, is an epic awit written in Tagalog that is widely read as a veiled allegory criticizing the injustices of Spanish colonial society while set in a fictional Albania. Balagtas elevated the Tagalog language to a high literary art form, influencing generations of Filipino writers including José Rizal. He also wrote numerous plays for the moro-moro tradition. His literary legacy is honored in the Tagalog debate form called Balagtasan, named after him, and Filipinos observe his birthplace and works with lasting pride.

Sources: Francisco Balagtas, Florante at Laura (c. 1838) · Bienvenido Lumbera, Tagalog Poetry 1570–1898: Tradition and Influences in its Development (1986)