Francisco Balagtas was a prominent Filipino poet and playwright, born on April 2, 1788, in Bigaa, Bulacan, Philippines. He is best known for his epic poem, Florante at Laura, which is considered a masterpiece of Philippine literature. Balagtas' works often reflect themes of love, social justice, and the struggles of the Filipino people during the Spanish colonial period. Balagtas' influence on Philippine literature is significant, earning him the title "Prince of Tagalog Poets." He contributed to the development of the Tagalog language and inspired future generations of writers. His legacy continues to be celebrated in the Philippines, particularly during National Literature Month.