On Monday, January 6, 2025, the Philippines marked a historic occasion: the opening of the Tandang Sora Women's Museum. Coinciding with the birthday of Melchora Aquino, affectionately known as Tandang Sora and revered as the Mother of Katipunan, this museum is the first of its kind to celebrate and honor the contributions of Filipinas in Philippine history.
History is often dominated by masculine narratives, recounting the tales of fallen kings and powerful patriarchs. The Tandang Sora Women's Museum seeks to shift the focus, shedding light on the often-overlooked stories of Filipino women and their courageous roles in the country’s fight for freedom. Through the legacy of Tandang Sora, the museum pays tribute to these trailblazing women who have shaped the nation’s history.
According to the museum’s curator and artist herself, Sandra Torrijos, the museum also features women from pre-colonial history to contemporary women who make impactful contributions to many movements.
“Herstorical siya. Nagsisimula ang concept sa babaylan, mga kababaihan noong araw, ay may pagkapantay-pantay sila bago dumating ang Espanyol. From there, umikot na tayo sa mga kababaihan na lumaban sa rebolusyon, hanggang sa contemporary women’s movement,” Sandra said in an interview with GMA Integrated News.
In usual narratives we hear about history, the contribution of women is often unrecognized. One could argue that the very backbone of every history we know today rests upon countless women like Melchora Aquino and other Filipinas of diverse backgrounds who took bold action to contribute to the public good. The museum will attempt to commemorate the revolutionary works of Tandang Sora and illuminate the women throughout history.
Tandang Sora Women’s Museum is located at the Tandang Sora National Shrine at the heart of Brgy. Tandang Sora, Quezon City.
Before powerful figure we know today, there is women like Melchora Aquino who got the courage of a thousand men and may argue that history was built by a woman.
