The legendary poet who accepted payment in live chicks for his love verses
In short: José de la Cruz, known as Huseng Sisiw, was a self-taught literary giant in colonial Philippines. Despite his humble origins and lack of formal schooling, he mastered multiple languages and became the mentor to the father of Tagalog literature. His unique payment method for love poems earned him his famous nickname.
Born in Tondo, Manila, in 1746, José de la Cruz rose to prominence as a master of the Tagalog language and a prolific writer. Though his family could not afford formal education, he taught himself through sheer determination, mastering Spanish primers, philosophy, theology, and even Latin and Greek. His intellectual prowess was evident early; at age eight, he impressed Spanish Jesuits with his command of their language, leading to an extended conversation that delayed their travels.
De la Cruz was celebrated as the 'Hari ng Mga Makata' (King of the Poets) and was a central figure in the development of the 'Corrido' style of poetry. His influence extended to the next generation, most notably as the mentor of Francisco Balagtas. Despite his immense talent—he was said to be capable of dictating five different verses simultaneously—he remained notoriously perfectionist. He was never satisfied with works that others deemed sufficient, which contributed to the fact that none of his writings were published during his lifetime.
The moniker 'Huseng Sisiw'—or 'José the Chick'—originated from his unconventional business model. When suitors sought his help to compose love poems, he requested live chicks as his fee. This quirk was matched by his specific dietary habits, which favored young livestock and roasted pig. While many of his works, such as 'Historia Famoso de Bernardo Carpio,' were performed in local theaters, his legacy remains tied to his rigorous standards and the oral tradition of his craft, rather than printed volumes.
His defiance of academic elitism was clear in his interactions with formally educated critics. He famously dismissed the necessity of expensive books, arguing instead for the importance of substance and meaning. Today, he is remembered not just for his technical mastery of verse, but for his role in shaping the literary soul of the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Huseng Sisiw
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