The 333-year long rule of Spain in the Philippines reached its denouement during the Philippine Revolution, a revolutionary war waged by the secret society Katipunan against the Spanish Empire from 1896 until 1898, when the United States intervened.
Among the many revolutionary heroes during the time was Melchora Aquino, better known by her moniker "Tandang Sora"—"tandang" meaning "old"—as she was already 84 years old by the time her involvement in the war started. She was major contributor to the revolution; her house became a headquarters for the Katipunan and she provided members of the organisation with food, shelter, and medicine.
Melchora's early years: gifted child
Melchora Aquino was born on January 6, 1812 to a peasant couple, Juan Aquino and Valentine Aquino. Despite a lack of formal education, she was considerably intelligent and literate at an early age and displayed a talent for singing; she performed at local events as well as Mass.
Owing to her beauty, she was often chosen for the role of Reyna Elena (Queen Elena) during the Santacruzan, a ritual held during the last day of the Flores de Mayo that honours Queen Helena of Constantinople. During this festival, she would walk around town and recite prayers devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Adulthood: life as a parent
As an adult, Melchora inherited her parents' farm and followed in their footsteps by leading a life as a farmer. She married village chief Fulgencio Ramos; they were blessed with six children. However, Ramos passed away shortly after the birth of the sixth, and Melchora was left as a single mother.
In spite of her circumstances, she managed to provide a proper education to her children. In addition, she was a successful businesswoman who operated a store.
Involvement with the revolution
The final years of the 19th century saw the beginning of the revolution. Melchora wasn't an official member of the Katipunan; nonetheless, she proved to be a valuable contributor to the cause. Secret meetings were held in her house—now a Katipunan headquarters—and Andrés Bonaficio, a leader of the organisation, frequently visited to seek advice. Thanks to her connection to Katipunan, she became acquainted with Bonaficio's top officers, whom she protected and cared for, and was privy to the organisation's plans and operations.
The discovery of the Katipunan by the Spaniards in 1896 was the catalyst for the revolution's eruption, beginning with the Cry of Balintawak. Around one thousand Katipunan members assembled and tore apart their community tax certificates. Melchora supported the Katipunan ceaselessly, providing food during the meetings and tending to the wounded.
Unfortunately, her involvement with the revolution came at a price; on August 24, 1986, an important meeting was paid a visit by Spanish officials, resulting in her capture. She was a valuable prisoner, as she held knowledge of the Katipunan's secrets: their members, hideouts, financers, among other things.
In the Spaniards' captivity, Melchora was ruthlessly interrogated. Her refusal to respond to her captors' inquiries brought her a deportation to Guam, where she worked as a household keeper. Seven years passed, and on February 26, 1903, the "Mother of Balintawak" was finally allowed to return home following the United States' takeover. She spent her last years in her daughter's home before passing away on February 19, 1919 at the age of 107.
Legacy
Melchora Aquino' legacy lives on. Most of her descendants, which spans the third to seventh generations, live in Quezon City, wherein a district and road is named after her. In 2012, her remains were reburied at the Tandang Sora Shrine in Banlat, Barangay Tandang Sora. In addition, a 100 peso bill bears her image.
Melchora Aquino's story is one of hardship, perseverance, and courage. She serves as beacon of inspiration and hope, and she will forever be remembered as a heroine of the Philippines.
