Florante at Laura

by Francisco Balagtas

Kailangan ngang kung ano ang akda ng dakilang Makata ay siyang papanatilihing buhay magpakailan man, walang munti mang pagbabago, sa maging labis man o kulang, kahi’t mali mang nakikita. Ni isang titik, ni isang kuwit—maliban na nga lamang kung hindi maiwasan dahil sa makapangyarihang atas ng panibagong alituntunin sa pagsulat.

Genres: Classics, Poetry, Romance, Fiction, Fantasy, Literature, Read For School

110 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1838

About the author

Francisco Baltazar, known much more widely through his nom-de-plume Francisco Balagtas, was a prominent Filipino poet, and is 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.

Reviews

[Charmel]

school required reading. sooo.
I'm not gonna rate it (but if I am, I'll probably give it 3 stars)

[Jr Bacdayan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am very conflicted as I write this review. I don't know if I am entitled to criticize a cultural and literary treasure. Maybe just a trolly won't hurt. Firstly, I acknowledge the importance of this work to the Philippine Culture. But, that's the only positive thing that I can see. That's not even a genuine enough reason. Partly, just my observation, because we have no other choices. Poetic yes, but not necessarily great. It is notable, though, that this work of a hopeless and lovesick 'cisco is meant for his love-dovey and not for the country. So this is really meant to be sappy. I also can't help but be wary towards this piece of work because I consider it to be quite unrefined and unoriginal. I won't get much into detail because I still have respect for Baltazar as he is an important figure. I'll just sack the bugger a teeny-tiny bit. See? One of the more obvious criticisms is that he uses foreigners. What a pity! Why not set it in our country and have it played by our countrymen? The way I see it, this is just a localized fairy-tale meant to rouse the heart, nothing more. There, that feels good. And the names, (just for comical effect) what poor choices! Miramolin? Ali-adab? And Aladin, really? He's not good at this naming game, is he? I wanna know what he would've named his children, if he ever had any. Ah, I do feel better. Well, enough ran-sacking for now. Let's leave poor Francisco alone. Don't get me wrong, I'm thankful that we have our "supposed" equivalent of Shakespeare. But, dang! It wouldn't hurt if he was actually much better, ya know. But still, I'm thankful. I'm really really really thankful. **Grins**

[Angélica · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a challenge to read the verses when I was in high school. Maybe I'll re-read this in the future, after I finish with Rizal. I didn't get to appreciate the classics we read in high school because I was silly and my grasp of classical Tagalog was (and still is, unfortunately) shameful.
I actually kinda shipped Florante x Aladín and Laura x Flerida back then. Maybe I didn't see enough build-up (IMO) between the canon pairs.

[Claire · Rating 1 out of 5]

One of the worst novels I've ever laid my eyes on. Worse, I was forced to study this piece of crap to pass Filipino. Sure it's considered as a Philippine "classic", but anyone who reads this would have to agree that there is no bit of originality. It's a monstrous child born from an orgy of various foreign literature-absolutely dripping with plagiarism. A bitter result of a man turned mad by the loss of a lover. Ugh.

[Carlo Estadilla · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mahirap talaga magbigay ng mataas na review kung binasa mo lang yung libro dahil required. Ang hirap pa hindi pa gaano ka-mature yung reading skills ko nung second year high school. Di naman maikakaila yung galing ni Balagtas sa paggawa ng verses, pero hindi talaga compatible sa mga teenagers yung ganitong babasahin.

[Juan Pablo]

read in 8th grade. not gonna rate. all i can say is that it was kinda hard to read, considering my attention span was weaker back then and i didn't care about the poetic verses, the metaphors, and the story itself. but i think objectively, it speaks about a lot of issues during Balagtas's time.

[areej. · Rating 4 out of 5]

We were required to read this in school and over-analyzing every line for academic purposes of course but what surprised me is I actually enjoyed the story immensely. Sure I had to translate some of the deep Filipino jargon but nonetheless I found myself just forgetting this was required reading and not pleasure reading.

But I still have a love-hate relationship with this so-called Filipino classic. I mean, yeah sure it was good but it's not like WOAH BLOWS YOUR MIND SO FRICKEN GOOD.

There were themes that struck me and made me think.

I enjoyed the Feminist tones of this book, basically Flerida was the most interesting character for me.

And I consider myself a hopeless romantic, the sappiness of this "epic" or "awit" really touched me and GAAAAAAH it's quite a romance they have there. Sure, it's not one of the most original stories out there, but what is? Heck it's cliche'd to the max but for a story required to study in school, it's not that bad compared to Ibong Adarna.

I enjoyed this story so much I started making up theories or "fanfiction". Listen to this, was Konde Adolfo's father mentioned in the book? No, right. All we know is his name is Konde Sileno. What about Laura's mother? Adolfo's mother?

This was my first initial suspicion: We only really get this story in Florante, Laura, Flerida, and Aladin's perspective right? What about the villain? Adolfo. What are his true intentions. If Francisco Balagatas were alive would he give me Florante at Laura in Adolfo's perspective? Probably not.

Here's my theory, Prinsesa Floresca is Adolfo's mother and he has this blind hatred for Florante because of him "stealing her away from him" and the rage intensifies when Prinsesa Floresca dies. He blames Albanya, Florante, and Duke Briseo for the death of his biological "mother" and wants them to suffer for it.

[ stupid I know but this theory is up for discussion ]

Florante just thinks it's because Adolfo has always been jealous of him when they were classmates in Athens (like wow Florante get over yourself you arrogant douche, kidding) but in reality it's because of him being Adolfo's step-brother.


But that's just a theory, and a thought to dwell on.

One downfall in this book was the ending, it did a good job of showing that Religion was not a hindrance in camaraderie but in the end, both Flerida and Aladin convert and I feel like it defeats the purpose of the whole anti-discrimination theme and racial theme.

What I would have loved to see in the end was Persya and Albanya living together in peace. But sadly, it never happened. Resolutions aren't always what I want but they do solve the problem and tie some loose knots so it's all okay.

Having to study this epic for several quarters means I have to hate it and be bored with it already right? But I'm not and that says a lot about this story.

Thank you Selya for breaking Francisco Baltazar's heart.

[Ann Jenelle Rotol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sa lahat ata ng dapat basahin sa subject na Filipino nung high school, ito ang pinakapaborito ko. Bakit? Hmm, bakit nga ba? Feeling ko lang, :)) Pag kinumpara mo kasi siya sa noli at el fili, di siya masyadong malalim. E hayskul pa ako nun. Sa panahong iyon, mas gusto ko ang light read kaysa sa mga mukhang boring na babasahin. Tapos parang ewan lang kasi yung Ibong Adarna. Kaya pinakapaborito ko ito. Tsaka gusto ko rin kaya si Balagtas! Ang galing niya e. :D

[Darl chiu · Rating 3 out of 5]

bakit ang ganda nung cover? haha.. =P

[Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the classic filipino novel. Recquired when I was on my 2nd year high school. We memorize lot's of vocabularies (talasalitaan) that time -bring back memories- I won't forget this novel ever.

[Spens (Sphynx Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one a LOT. Some of the themes explored are still relevant today.

[Ely · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ang Florante at Laura ay nabasa ko noong ako ay nasa 2nd year hayskul. Maganda ang pagkasulat ni Francisco Balagtas sa librong ito ngunit dahil sa murang edad hindi ko pa ito lubusang naintindihan, dahil na rin sa ibang mga malalalim na salita na ginamit ni Francisco Balagtas. Ito rin siguro ang dahilan kung bakit hindi ito nagustuhan ng ibang kagaya ko na nabasa ito dahil kailangan sa agham na Pilipino.

Gayunpaman, nagustuhan ko ang librong Florante at Laura ni Francisco Balagtas dahil ito ay hindi lang simpleng kuwento ng pagmamahalan, na sa pagtatapos ay ang inaasahan ng magbabasa ay "happy ending". Ang librong ito ay may halong trahedya, yung tipong hindi mo inaasahan ang mga kasunod na mangyayari sa susunod na kabanata.

Ang natutunan ko sa Florante at Laura ni Francisco Balagtas ay hindi ka dapat basta-basta nawawalan ng tiwala sa taong mahal mo, dapat bigyan mo siya ng konsiderasyon at ibigay mo ang buong tiwala mo lalo na pa kung hindi sigurado ang mga nalalaman mong balita sa kaniya. Tulad ng nasa kuwento, pagkatapos ni Florante, Aladin, Laura at Flerida makapag-usap ng mga tungkol sa kani-kaniyang pinagdaanan, sila ay nalinawagan at nagka-ayos.

Ang Florante at Laura ni Francisco Balagtas ay bibigyan ko ng 4 na bituin, ngunit kung ito sana ay naipakilala sa akin ng mas matanda na ako sa 13 taong gulang bibigyan ko ito ng 5 na bituin. Irerekomenda ko na ito ay ipabasa sa mas mataas na baitang upang lubusan nilang maintindihan at magustuhan nila ang kuwento.

Hindi maipagkakailang maganda ang kuwento ng Florante at Laura ni Francisco Balagtas kung kaya't dapat natin ito ipagmalaki!

[Jovy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave this a four star not because of the plot but because of how it was originally written in the Tagalog language (definitely not the translated version)

Positives first: (a) this was written by the National Poet of the Philippines - Francisco Balagtas (b) it was written as "awit" or song with poetic form that has very strict rules, i.e. 4 lines per stanza and 12 syllables per line, which is really very hard to do (c) ignore the location of the story and focus on one thing - love!!! That's the only thing that matters anyway (d) this was dedicated to his love, Celia, and not to anybody

Negatives: (a) why write about paintings of the early Greek Empire and not about the early Filipino history - we can find love anywhere (b) why use Albanian Dukes and Persian Prince, you can easily write it as Filipino Prince and Princess

When I was in second year high school, this book was a required reading. As I remember I did really well in understanding what the poem song was saying. I've never hated and questioned this story during that time.

This is the second time I read this because if curiosity. First of all is how will I like it in the translated version and secondly would I still feel the same way the first time I read it? I think I've answered both of this - the first question's answer is my opening statement and the second question's answer is the paragraph before this.

[waks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matagal nang sinasabi na si Balagtas ay ang "ating Shakespeare". Siguro tama sila, sa pamaraanan na parehas silang gumawa ng tula at sa sarili nilang wika. Marahil mas tumpak sabihin na magkatulad ang epekto ng mga gawain nila: nalagay sila sa pambansang panitikan ng kani-kanilang bansa, at ang kanilang mga tula ay ginawang mga teatro.

Kahanga-hanga ang dakilang akdang FLORANTE AT LAURA, at marapat lang na isa siya sa pinakakilalang piyesa ng panitikan natin. Isang napakanakakalumo at napakagandang pagbibigay pugay sa wikang Tagalog, isa itong tula na kumukwento ng isang dayaw na pagiirog ni Florante kay Laura, at ang labanan ng Albania at ng Persia. Grabe yung sakop ng kuwento: isang romantikong epiko, na may labanan, pagmamahal, at pagbabayani. Hindi mong mapipigilan ang sarili mo sa paggiging kasinglumo ni Florante habang siya'y humihiyaw tungkol sa kanyang napakalungkot na estado. At ang napakadilag na paggamit ng Tagalog ni Balagtas ang nagtataas ne'to sa banwa ng Kalangitan at Empyrea.

Napakahusay ni Balagtas.

Sa katapusan ng rebyu na ito, iiwan ko dito ang unang berso ng puno ng salita:

Sa isang madilim na gubat na mapanglaw
Dawag na matinik ay walang pagitan
halos naghihirap ang kay Febong silang
dumalaw sa loob na lubhang masukal.

[Gabriel Sarangaya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Francisco Balagtas was a great writer. Magaling siya. I respect his works. For me, isa ito sa mga books na pwedeng ipagmalaki. this is part of our history.

BUT..As a Grade VIII student, because of the "deep" words it is hard to understand. Hindi ako against sa pag-aaral nito but I think it is not applicable to study by teenagers. Yes. Let us say na maganda nga itong basahin at pinag-aaralan nga talaga nila.
But the story and it's format.. maraming teenagers ang napipilitan lang talagang basahin. Marami. I am not reffering to ALL. I am reffering to few teenagers.

Nasa modern world na tayo. Some words of Florante and Laura, especially some "deep" words ay hindi na ginagamit sa present time. Kahit hindi natin sabihin, nahaluan at na-impluwensyahan na tayo ng western culture.

Hindi ko man sabihin but when I finished reading florante at Laura parang nahilo ako. Plus the fact na some of the parts are hard to understand.

But it doesn't mean na ayaw ko sa Florante at Laura. I am just saying my thoughts. Kahit some are negatives.

At last, Florante at Laura. A great book. Part of our history.

[Sarah Jean Neuda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first time I read this was back in highschool. I didn't really understood it at that time. All I know even after reading it and passing the 2nd year Filipino subject is that it is a story of star crossed lovers Florante and Laura and how their lives intertwined with that of Alladin and Flerida.
After nearly 20 years, I've got a chance to re read this epic poem. After the awe inspiring feeling of reading a pure and unaldurated tagalog which hit me for the first 15 minutes, I realized that the highly adored poem is nothing more than tagalized medieval fairy tale.
The reality that this mandatory read for all high school age Filipinos is so un-original left me feeling a bit disappointed. Still i'm giving it four stars for the sheer experience it gave me of reading again in pure uncoventional tagalog after two decades!

[Gabriel John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think everyone in the Philippines have read this book, although in an objective, academic way; the reason being that this is a compulsory course to be taken during high school. I believe only a few have read this on their own or understood and appreciated its subtle blends of love and other emotions. For you to understand this book, read it outside class hours and outside the bondage of homework and academic need. Try to see how beautiful this book is. It will sound too "old" and "archaic" the first time but when you see the central thought of the book, you'd surely reconsider what you said before.

[Leslie (updates on SG) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I understand this epic poem is a classic, but I found it unsatisfying. Yes, the poem (translated by JP Villarica) has rhyme and rhythm, but I could not identify the motivation (as described in this recent essay by Siddhartha Mukherjee). Why did Balagtas choose put in verse an ancient story of the Greek Empire as opposed to the Philippines? And of all classical stories, why this particular one? None of the characters is memorable, and the themes of love and interreligious conflict are underdeveloped.

The quest for a Filipino writer I like continues.

[Nikki Antonio · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.7/5.0

Hindi madaling magsulat ng 399 na talatang may tugma at sukat na maiintindihan ng mga batang may gulang na 14. Nailahad ni Balagtas ang kaniyang emosyon sa bayan at sinisinta sa pinaka-masining na paraan.

May pagkakataong sa una kong pagbasa ng Florante at Laura na may lingid sa aking bokabularyo at kaalaman ang iba niyang nababanggit. Siguro'y dahil musmos pa ako at 'di pa bihasa ang aking nalalaman.

Nang basahin kong muli ang awit sa sumunod na taon, sinubukan kong intindihin ang salaysay at napahanga ako sa angking talino, sipag, at tiyaga ni Balagtas nang isarado ko ang libro.

[JoPaul · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first and only lyric poetry that I have read, but surprisingly good and well-crafted by one of the best Filipino authors of Philippine literature. The love story of Florante and Laura in a time where barbarianism is the culture, allows the readers to know and feel how it is difficult for lovers to end up on each other's arms.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is actually the first book that we are required to read and study about at school that I loved the most so far. Although I feel like there's still something missing in the story of Aladin's backstory especially about his mother. So yeah.

I don't even know why i put this here. oh well. Its still a book, right?! XD

[Hera Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hindi lang naman to puro pag-ibig oi, pero pag-ibig talaga ang naging dahilan kung bakit nabuo itong akda na ito. Pero kung tutuusin mas may malalim pa na mensaheng gustong ipaabot si Tatay Balagtas para sa mga mambabasa nito. Kung babasahin niyo itong ulit at isasapuso ang bawat titik ay talagang inyong makikita na hindi lang ito isang simpleng kuwento ng pag-ibig

[Drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this when I was in second year high school. Florante and Laura has some of the basic elements of any fictional romance (e.g: the dashing hero, the damsel in distress) but it has also some very good twists (e.g: the "flashback timeline").

[Rollie · Rating 4 out of 5]

required to read when i was in 2nd year high school.

[Krystine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh-kaay, Its a pretty simple short story made long because of long poetic words.

[kimyunalesca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I fell asleep reading this book hahaha! my advice..watch the play instead same content,more fun and action ^_^v

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A classic Filipino Novel... one of the best!

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the only Filipino classic I've read so far that has a happy ending.

[Niño Manaog Saavedra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Labis na matutuwa ang mga banyaga sa akdang ito na sinaliksik at minodelo sa kanilang sariling istilo.

[Eriele the Mermaid · Rating 3 out of 5]

Used a textbook to read this, actually.