Did you know that the heart of a celebrated Filipino poet beats on in this very spot? We’re standing where Jose Corazon de Jesus once lived and breathed. He wasn’t just any poet. He was known as Huseng Batute the King of Balagtasan a master of the Filipino art of poetic debate.
Jose Corazon de Jesus a name synonymous with Tagalog poetry was born right here in Manila in 1896. His father was Vicente de Jesus the first health bureau director under the American occupation. His mother was Susana Pangilinan from Pampanga. He was originally named Jose Cecilio de Jesus but later changed Cecilio to Corazon heart feeling it better reflected his passionate nature.
His childhood was spent in Santa Maria Bulacan. He studied at the Liceo de Manila graduating in 1916. He began writing poems early his first Pangungulila Yearning published in 1913 when he was just seventeen. His talent blossomed. His works appeared in many magazines and newspapers like Ang Democracia Taliba Liwayway and Sampagita. His poems touched on everything from simple joys to poignant reflections on life.
But Jose Corazon de Jesus wasn’t just a poet. He was a pivotal figure in the revival of the balagtasan a dramatic debate in verse. He and Florentino Collantes became legendary rivals their poetic battles drawing huge crowds. In a famous showdown at the Olympic Stadium in 1925 he was crowned Hari ng Balagtasan King of Balagtasan a title he held until his death.
He wrote thousands of poems. His lyrics to Bayan Ko My Country became an anthem for Filipino nationalism. He used his poetry to highlight social injustices and to reflect the Filipinos’ yearning for independence.
His life however was tragically short. He died of an ulcer in 1932 at only 35 years old. His heart was even donated to a government museum a testament to his legacy. Later it was buried with his mother. He rests now in Manila North Cemetery.
Remember Jose Corazon de Jesus. Remember the heart that beat with passion for poetry and country right here in Manila. His legacy lives on in his words his spirit forever part of this city.