(21 December 1746 – 12 March 1829)

Was a Tagalog poet and playwright in the 18th and 19th century.

He was said to be the mentor of Francisco Balagtas, the author of Florante at Laura.

De la Cruz was popularly known by his nickname, Huseng Sisiw

De la Cruz was born in Tondo, Manila on 21 December 1746 to Simon de la Cruz and Maria Naval.

His father was a cabeza de barangay at the time of his birth.

A neighbor taught him to read his first letters.

By the age of eight, he was already fluent in the Spanish language.

Jose dela Cruz, better known as Huseng Sisiw, was a romantic person at heart. Two short poems became definitely identified with him: Singsing ng Pag-ibig (The Ring of Love) and Awa sa Pag-ibig (Pity in Love).

De la Cruz is a skilled poet and writer.He could deliver lyric verses and even write dramas on the spur of the moment.

Songs and Ballads: “Clarita” “Adela at Florante” “Floro at Clavela” “Rodrigo de Villas” and, “Historia Famosa ni Bernardo Carpio” Comedia: “La Guerra Civil de Granada” (The Civil War of Granada) “Reina Encantada ó Casamiento de Fuerza” (Enchanted Queen

or Marriage of Force) “Los Dos Virreyes ó la Copa de Oro” “Principe Baldovino” “Conde Rodrigo de Villas” “El Amor y la Envidia” (Love and Envy) “ Don Gonzalo de Cordoba” and, “Jason at Medea”

It is known that de la Cruz was married, but the name of his wife and the date of the wedding were not known. A death record revealed that he was interred at Bitas Cemetery on 13 March 1829, which is generally assumed to be the day after he died.