author
Modesto de Castro
1819–1864
Best remembered as the “Father of Tagalog Prose,” this 19th-century priest wrote with warmth, clarity, and a strong sense of moral purpose. His most famous work, Urbana at Felisa, became a lasting guide to manners, values, and everyday conduct for generations of Filipino readers.
1 Audiobook
Pag Susulatan nang Dalauang Binibini na si Urbana at ni Feliza
by Modesto de Castro
About the author
Born in Biñan, Laguna on June 15, 1819, he became a Filipino priest, writer, and orator whose work helped shape Tagalog prose in the 19th century. Historical marker records note that he studied theology at the University of Santo Tomas and later served in important church posts, including as parish priest of Paombong, Bulacan, rector of Manila Cathedral, and parish priest of Naic, Cavite.
He is especially known for Urbana at Felisa (published in 1864), a book presented through letters and remembered as a guide to good manners, proper conduct, and thoughtful relations with others. He also wrote religious and devotional works such as Platicas Doctrinales, Novena de San Isidro Labrador, Novena del Apostol Santiago, and Exposicion de las Siete Palabras.
Because of the grace and influence of his writing, he is widely remembered as the "Ama ng Prosang Tagalog" or "Father of Tagalog Prose." He died on January 21, 1864, but his work remains an important part of Filipino literary history.