Biography

A Filipino poet and litterateur of the Tagalog language during the Spanish rule of the Philippines, he is widely considered one of the greatest Filipino literary laureates for his impact on Filipino literature. The famous epic Florante at Laura is regarded as his defining work.

He learned to write poetry from José de la Cruz (Huseng Sisiw), one of the most famous poets of Tondo, in return for chicks. Balagtas swore he would overcome Huseng Sisiw as he would not ask for anything in return as a poet.

On April 2, 2018, Google honored Balagtas' 230th birthday celebration with a Google Doodle.

His death place in Orion, Bataan is now named barangay Balagtas (formerly Udyong).

His birthplace, Bigaa in Bulacan, was renamed to Balagtas, Bulacan, in his memory. A museum, historical marker, monument and elementary school has been placed in his birthplace at Panginay, Balagtas, Bulacan.