Balagtasan

Balagtasan in the Philippines : A cultural gem of verbal artistry.
HISTORICAL ROOTS
On April 6, 1926, two Filipino poets named Jose Corazon de Jesus and Francisco
Collantes performed a duel in Instituto de Mujeres (Women’s Institute) found in
Tondo, Manila, a building that was also an office of another prolific Filipino
writer.Their battle would come in lines of prose, verses, and words, each more
devastating than the swords and guns of war. The two opposing protagonists
debated and argumentatively stood their ground to defend their positions on a
common scope using deliberate, persuasive, and intricate poetries.
This art of poetic debate and deliverance would come to be known as Balagtasan.
THE BIRTH OF BALAGTASAN

During the American occupation of the Philippines, poetry was more than a
personal art for the enjoyment of a small circle of initiates. At that time, it was a
popular art practiced by highly skilled craftsmen for the delight and enjoyment of a
broad and sophisticated public. From common places like houses and marketplaces
to the more luxurious establishments like theater houses and operas, poetry was
and is a way for most Filipinos to find artistic inspirations (an escapism or coping
mechanism, if you will) out of a bleak and depressive era.Balagtasan was a derived
form of Duplo, a poetic way of conveying an elegy whilst entertaining the ones
who are grieving during a person’s wake. Balagtasan, however, reiterated itself as
an artistic, even theatrical, form of conveying opinions by poetry where two
opposing sides would debate on the same topic.
Celebrating another prolific Filipino poet’s birthday days before the actual event, it
was coined from the last name of a highly-skilled, highly revered poet named
Francisco Balagtas (also known as Francisco Baltasar). He was one of the prolific
and well-known, prominent figures during the Spanish colonial era of the country,
and is widely known today as the principal author of Florante and Laura – an epic
written in awit (a type of Filipino poem consisting of twelve syllables and four
stanzas) considered to be one of the country’s most important and influential piece
of Tagalog/Filipino literature.
PERFORMANCE
Often command in theatrical places and public events, Balagtasanis usually
performed between 2 or additional poets with opposing views on one, same topic.
Topics to be debated vary from nationalsecurity to common issues found among a
society. A mediator conjointly presents herself/himself throughout the controversy,
usually gap the discussion with a bit describing the character of the event’s
debate.Pieces employed in this event area unit typically pre-written and practiced
initial before being shown to the overall public, though’ there are moments
wherever freedom of expression and impromptu is important. Items is written in
Filipino, English, or anylanguage following a strict structural guideline and nature.
Poets can use rhetorical expressions and powerful sentences, all whereas reciting
them poetically, simply to induce their points across. They’ll attempt to “attack”
their opponent’s exploitation counter-arguments and counter-points whenever a
chance arises.The opposing poets can deliver their points severally throughout the
event. And as being the most goal of the event, the poets can attempt to persuade
the audiences and a panel of judges that every of their arguments is as sturdy
because the others which they must be chosen because the winner of the
controversy.The sole mediator opens the event with a remark, momentarily
interrupts ought to a writer “cross the road,” associate degreed ends the event with
an appreciation and an issue of whether or not that of the writer had given the
foremost powerful, refined, acceptable, and intellectually sound argument. A
winner, sometimes, are determined once the bulk votes for that aforest.
PERFORMER OF BALAGTASAN
In a balagtasan, there are usually three performers. There is the Lakandiwa (male)
or Lakambini (female) who introduces the topic and the contestants, acts as referee
in case the debate gets too heated, and decides who wins or loses. Sometimes a
board of judges may be appointed to decide the winner. Or the decision may be left
to the audience who decides the winner by the enthusiasm and duration of applause
for each of the two contestants – for or against the topic – based on the poet’s
eloquence, stage presence, dramatic gestures and self-confidence as projected on
the stage
STRUCTURAL ELEGANCE
Balagtasan follows a structured format, typically involving two skilled poets
engaging in a verbal duel. Each poet takes turns presenting their verses, tackling a
specific theme or topic. The verses are crafted in a way that showcases not only the
poet’s literary prowess but also their ability to respond spontaneously and
creatively to their opponent’s lines. The rhythmic flow and eloquence of the verses
add to the charm of Balagtasan.
EVOLUTION OF BALAGTASAN
That time, it was a popular art practiced by highly skilled craftsmen for the
instruction or delight of a broad public.
In 1924, a poetic event took place at the Instituto de Mujeres in, Tondo, Manila.
This became the balagtasan – a poetic joust patterned after the duplo of the 19 th
century. It was conceived as a tribute to Balagtas or Francisco “Balagtas” Baltazar,
the literary giant of the 19th century who wrote the famous awit Florante at Laura,
an allegory of the sad condition of the Philippines under the colonial regime of
Spain.
CONCLUSION
Balagtasan stands as a testament to the resilience and vibrancy of Filipino cultural
expression. In a rapidly changing world, this unique blend of poetry and debate
continues to captivate audiences, bridging generations and preserving the essence
of the Filipino spirit. Balagtasan remains not only a celebration of linguistic artistry
but also a reflection of the enduring cultural heritage that defines the Philippines
Reference:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balagtasan
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Balagtasan in the Philippines : A cultural gem of verbal artistry.

THE BIRTH OF BALAGTASAN

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