Leona Florentino
Leona Florentino | |
|---|---|
Statue of Leona Florentino on Calle Crisologo, Vigan City viewed at night. | |
| Born | 19 April 1849 Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Captaincy General of the Philippines |
| Died | 4 October 1884 (aged 35) Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Captaincy General of the Philippines |
| Occupation | Novelist, Political writer, Poet, and Journalist |
| Language | Spanish Ilocano |
| Nationality | Filipino (Ilocano) |
| Citizenship | Philippines |
| Spouse | Elias de los Reyes (1863–1883, his death; estranged) |
| Children | 5, including Isabelo de los Reyes |
Leona Josefa Florentino (19 April 1849 – 4 October 1884) was a Filipina foundational poet, dramatist, satirist, and playwright who wrote and poetically spoke in Ilocano, her mother tongue, and Spanish, the lingua franca of her era. She is considered as the "mother of Philippine women's literature", serving as the "bridge from oral to literary tradition"; and as a pioneer in Philippine lesbian literature.