# Francisco Balagtas

## Biography

Francisco Balagtas, also known as Francisco Baltazar, was a highly influential Filipino poet born on April 2, 1788, in Bigaa, Bulacan. The youngest of four children, his parents were Juan Balagtas, a carpenter, and Juana de la Cruz. He pursued his education in Manila, studying at institutions like Colegio de San Jose, where he delved into humanities, theology, and philosophy. Balagtas honed his poetic skills under the guidance of renowned poet Jose de la Cruz, also known as Huseng Sisiw.

His romantic life often inspired his works, notably his masterpiece Florante at Laura, which he reportedly wrote while imprisoned due to a legal dispute stemming from a love rivalry. Published in 1838, this epic poem significantly impacted Filipino literature and culture. After his release, Balagtas moved to Bataan, where he served as an assistant to the justice of the peace and a court translator. He married Juana Tiambeng in 1842, and together they had eleven children. Francisco Balagtas passed away on February 20, 1862, leaving behind a legacy as the "Prince of Tagalog Poets."

## Books

- [Florante at Laura](https://samolit.com/books/96076)