On January 6, the Quezon City local government held a soft opening of the Tandang Sora Women’s Museum, located within the grounds of the Tandang Sora National Shrine in Barangay Tandang Sora. The museum, named after the Filipina revolutionary, is set to feature various stories of unique women in history who fought to uphold and advance human rights.
Tandang Sora, whose real name is Melchora Aquino, was heavily involved with the Philippine revolution. Known as the Mother of the Katipunan, Tandang Sora opened her home to Katipuneros for secret meetings, providing meals and medication to members of the revolutionary group.
The museum will explore Tandang Sora’s contributions to the revolution while also honoring the broader role of Filipina women in the fight for independence, and their lasting impact on the nation’s history. Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte spearheaded the initiative to open the museum, with support from the office of Senator Risa Hontiveros.
The museum’s collection was curated by visual artist Sandra Torrijos, whose work also deeply explores women’s rights and issues. The collection includes a variety of artifacts — from rare artifacts to contemporary pieces — that spotlight the contributions, achievements, and challenges faced by women and female leaders in the Philippines.
