Spain’s 333-year rule within the Philippines ended in the course of the Philippine Revolution, a revolutionary war waged by the Katipunan secret society against the Spanish Empire from 1896 to 1898, when the United States intervened.
Among the numerous revolutionary heroes of the time was Melchora Aquino, higher known by her nickname “Tandang Sora” – “tandang” meaning “old” – because she was already 84 years old when she entered the war. She was a serious contributor to the revolution; her house became the headquarters of the Katipunan and he or she provided food, shelter and medicine to the organization’s members.
Melchora’s early years: a talented child
Melchora Aquino was born on January 6, 1812 to a peasant couple, Juan Aquino and Valentine Aquino. Despite having no formal education, she demonstrated considerable intelligence and reading skills at a young age, and demonstrated a talent for singing; she performed at local events and much.
Due to her beauty, she was often chosen to play the role of Reyna Elena (Queen Elena) during Santacruzan, a ritual held on the last day of Flores de Mayo in honor of Queen Helena of Constantinople. During this holiday, she walked around town and said prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Adulthood: Life as a parent
As an adult, Melchora inherited her parents’ farm and followed of their footsteps, leading the lifetime of a farmer. She married the village chief Fulgencio Ramos; they were blessed with six children. However, Ramos died shortly after the birth of her sixth child, and Melchora became a single mother.
Despite the difficult situation, she managed to supply her children with a correct education. In addition, she was a successful businesswoman who ran a store.
Commitment to the revolution
The last years of the nineteenth century were the start of the revolution. Melchora was not an official member of the Katipunan; nevertheless, she proved to be a beneficial contributor to the cause. Secret meetings were held in her home – now the headquarters of the Katipunan – and the organization’s leader, Andrés Bonaficio, often visited her for advice. Through her connections with the Katipunan, she met Bonaficio’s top officers, whom she protected and cared for, and was aware of the organization’s plans and activities.
The discovery of the Katipunan by the Spanish in 1896 was the catalyst for the revolution that began with the Balintawak Cry. About a thousand Katipunan members gathered and tore up their local tax certificates. Melchora continually supported the Katipunan, providing food at meetings and caring for the wounded.
Unfortunately, her involvement within the revolution got here at a price; On August 24, 1986, Spanish authorities visited a crucial meeting and he or she was captured. She was a beneficial prisoner because she had knowledge of the secrets of the Katipunan: their members, hideouts, financiers, amongst others.
While in Spanish captivity, Melchora was ruthlessly interrogated. Her refusal to reply the abductors’ inquiries led to her deportation to Guam, where she worked as a housewife. Seven years passed and on February 26, 1903, the “Mother of Balintawak” was finally allowed to return home after the United States took over. She spent the last years of her life in her daughter’s home before she died on February 19, 1919, on the age of 107.
Heritage
Melchora Aquino’s legacy lives on. Most of her descendants, the third to seventh generations, live in Quezon City, after which a district and a road are named. In 2012, her stays were reburied on the Tandang Sora Shrine in Banlat, Barangay Tandang Sora. Moreover, the 100 peso bill has her image on it.
The story of Melchora Aquino is a story of hardship, perseverance and courage. She is a beacon of inspiration and hope and can eternally be remembered as a heroine of the Philippines.
