|
 Melchora
Aquino, who is more popularly known as Tandang Sora was
born on January 16, 1812. She was not able to get formal
education due to poverty. But despite her lack of
academic knowledge, she lived a colorful and meaningful
life.
At age 84, Melchora was still able to play an important
role in the Filipino revolution against the Spanish
colonizers. She took care of countless injured
Katipuneros and attended to almost all their needs.
The Spanish authorities learned of the Katipuneros
planned uprising. They rounded up the male population,
arrested and tortured them.
Many were injured and eventually died. A few lucky ones
managed to escape and survived. They hid at Melchora's
house. She took care of them. Since then Melchora's
residence became the secret meeting place of all the
Katipuneros. |
| |
|
When full-blown war erupted, all the wounded Katipuneros
were brought to her house. She took care and fed them.
A Filipino traitor reported her charitable activities to
the Spanish authorities. She was arrested despite her
old age and brought to Spain. She was jailed at the
Guartel de Espanya.
When the American'troops conquered the Spanish
colonizers, Melchora was able to return to the
Philippines on February 23,1903. She enjoyed full
freedom since then until her death at the age of 107.
Because of her heroism, a place in Quezon was named
after her. The place is now known as Tandang Sora,
Quezon City. |
| |
|
