Francisco Baltazar

Francisco "Baltazar" Balagtas Francisco Balagtas y de la Cruz, commonly known as Francisco Balagtas and also as Francisco Baltazar, was 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.  Born: April 2, 1788 Died: February 20, 1862 (age 73 years), Orion Spouse: Juana Tiambeng (m. 1842–1862) Full name: Francisco Balagtas y de la Cruz Nickname: Kiko Parents: Juan Balagtas, Juana de la Cruz Awards and Titles The popular Filipino debate form Balagtasan is named after Balagtas. Balagtas also won an award during his schooldays and graduated valedictorian in Madrid. He was recognized by the Pahayagang Kastilyano (Spanish Declaration) and became the front cover for two weeks. Only three of Balagtas' complete works have survived to this day. Of the three, Florante at Laura is considered Balagtas' defining work and is a ...