Summary
Highlights
Before his death, Balagtas advised his family against becoming poets due to the hardships of a writer's life. He passed away on February 20, 1862, at 73, due to pneumonia. His literary works, beyond "Florante at Laura," include various comedies, 'awit', and 'korido', showcasing his poetic prowess.
The video introduces Francisco Balagtas Baltazar, known as Kiko or Balagtas, as one of the greatest poets in Philippine history. He is recognized as the 'Prince of Tagalog Poets' and the 'William Shakespeare of the Philippines' due to his massive contributions to Filipino literature, particularly his masterpiece, "Florante at Laura."
Born on April 2, 1788, in Panginay, Bigaa (now Balagtas, Bulacan), Balagtas was the youngest of four children to Juana Dela Cruz and Juan Baltazar. Showing early interest in poetry, he moved to Manila for education, working to support himself. He studied at Bigaa Parochial School, Colegio de San Jose, and Colegio de San Juan de Letran, learning religion, law, and philosophy. His poetic skills were honed under the guidance of Padre Mariano Pilapil and the renowned Tondo poet, Jose dela Cruz, also known as Huseng Sisiw.
In 1835, Balagtas met Maria Asuncion Rivera (Celia in "Florante at Laura"). Their love was thwarted by Mariano Kapule, a wealthy rival who had Balagtas imprisoned on false charges. During his imprisonment, Balagtas wrote "Florante at Laura," an allegory of his life, suffering, and patriotism, and a critique of oppression and injustice.
Released in 1838, Balagtas moved to Udyong, Bataan, where he worked as a clerk and later became teniente mayor and Juez de Sementera, using his position to help others. In Bataan, he married Juana Tiambeng in 1842 and had 11 children, though only 7 survived. In 1849, Governor General Narciso Claveria ordered all Filipinos to adopt Spanish surnames, leading to him being known as Francisco Baltazar. He was briefly imprisoned again in 1856 for an accusation of cutting a servant's hair.
Balagtas's life teaches the importance of education, perseverance, and patriotism. He pursued education despite difficulties and used his writings to express love for the country and fight against oppression, inspiring Filipinos to uphold their culture and rights. His works served as a weapon, reflecting the plight of ordinary Filipinos under Spanish rule and advocating for change through literature.
Francisco Balagtas Baltazar is a national literary treasure whose work continues to inspire. His writings conveyed the sentiments of his nation and continue to be studied and honored as pillars of Philippine literature, influencing new generations of poets and writers.