Provided refuge, food, and medical and spiritual aid to Katipuneros (revolutionaries) in her small convenience store. Illiterate and a single mother, she also let revolutionaries hold secret meetings in her house. Became known as the Mother of the Katipunan, as well as Tandang Sora (or Old Sora), at 84 years old. When the Spaniards interrogated her, she did not divulge what she knew about the revolution. Because of her age, she was sentenced to be exiled to Mariana Islands. She returned from exile under the American occupation. The revolution impoverished Tandang Sora. Notwithstanding her dire conditions, she politely declined the colonial government’s offer of a lifetime pension. She was content and happy, she told the government emissary, that she was able to help in regaining her country’s freedom. She died at the age of 107. (Melchora Aquino)
Led the People Power Revolution of the Philippines, calling for massive civil disobedience protests (including four days of the military-civilian rebellion where millions crammed the streets to protect reformist soldiers who had mutinied against Marcos and nuns armed only with rosaries knelt in front of tanks, stopping them in their tracks) eventually leading to the ousting of Ferdinand Marcos and her declaration as President. Oversaw the promulgation of a new constitution, which limited the powers of the presidency and established a bicameral legislature. Gave strong emphasis and concern for civil liberties and human rights, and peace talks with communist insurgents and Muslim secessionists. Her economic policies centered on bringing back economic health and confidence and focused on creating a market-oriented and socially-responsible economy. Survived several coup attempts, and even after her presidency served as a unifying force during troubled times. (Corazon Aquino)
