Melchora Aquino

Melchora Aquino (January 6,1812-March 2,1919) was a Filipino revolutionary who became known as "Tadang Sora" ("Tandang" is derived from the Tagalog word matanda, which means old) in Philippines history because she was already old when the Philippine Revolution broke out in 1896. She had never gone to school and very little is known about her parents, save that they were poor and hardworking people.

She operated a store in her native country, and her business became a refuge for the sick and wounded revolutionaries, whom the old lady fed, treated and encouraged with motherly advice and prayers. Secret meetings of the Katipuneros (revolutionaries) were also held at her house. Thus, she was aptly called the "Mother of the Katipunan" or revolution. When the Spaniards learned about her activities, she was arrested and deported to the Marianas Islands.

After the United States took control of the Philippines in 1898, Aquino, like other exiles, returned to live there until her death at the age of 107.