FRANCISCO BALTAZAR Y DELA CRUZ was born on April 2, 1788 in Barrio Panginay, Bigaa, BULACAN. He is known much more widely through his nom-de-plume (pen name) FRANCISCO BALAGTAS. He was a remarkable poet, and widely considered as the Tagalog equivalent of WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE for his impact on Filipino literature. The famous epic, FLORANTE AT LAURA, is regarded as his defining work. He also won an award during his school days, and graduated valedictorian in Madrid. He was recognised by the PAHAYAGANG KASTILYANO (SPANISH DECLARATION) and became the front cover for two weeks. He is so greatly revered in the Philippines that the term for Filipino debate in extemporaneous verse is named for him:BALAGTASAN. He died on February 20, 1862(aged 73) in Udyong, BATAAN.
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GRACIANO LOPEX JAENA
Orator and Propagandist
Orator and Propagandist
Graciano Lopez Jaena was born in Jaro Iloilo on December 18, 1856. His parents were Placido Lopez and Jacobs Jaena. He wrote the article "FRAY BOTOD" at age 18 where he criticised the Spanish friars. He founded the "LA SOLIDARIDAD" the first newspaper to tackle about Philippine reforms. Lopez Jaena along with Jose Rizal and Marcelo del Pilar were regarded as the triumvirate of the Propaganda Movement. He died of tuberculosis on January 20, 1896.
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