Of Medals and Honors

Despite the title, Francisco Baltazar didn't actually get any awards when he was still alive. In fact, he was even imprisoned twice during his lifetime! No wonder he didn't want his children to follow in his footsteps after he died.

However, he did get something for his efforts. They are listed in this post for all of you to see.

1. He got a Philippine debate form named after him. It's called Balagtasan and it's done in extemporaneous verse.
2. His official title is "Prince of Tagalog Poets". Pretty nice, eh?
3. The Francisco Balagtas Elementary School (FBES), located along Alvarez Street in Santa Cruz, Manila, was erected in honor of him.
4. Plaza Balagtas in Pandacan, Manila was named after him. The streets in Pandacan Manila were named after Florante and Laura characters, also to honor him.
5. Continuing the trend of naming things after him, his hometown Bigaa in Bulacan changed its name to Balagtas, Bulacan.