“‘Tandang Sora; Bayani ng Bayan’, a proof of a unique kind of hero”

“…Sa edad mong 84, ano pa ang kaya mong gawin…?”-Pres.Benigno Aquino, III

Upon hearing this question, even a normal person would stop for a second, and

think what he or she can still do upon reaching this age. Truly, getting old also means

losing an ability to do something. But for this old woman, gaining age is not a reason to

stop fighting for the freedom of your country. This is what the documentary film

“Tandang Sora; Bayani ng Bayan” by Moshe Ladanga, would like us, viewers, to realize.

The power of love for country can make even an old woman move just to seek freedom.

It is a documentary filled with the information of Melchora “Tandang Sora” Aquino, how

she helped the katipuneros, fought with them, and keep the rebel group in discrete

despite of the torture she received. It also shows how a simple act of helping can

contribute for a change in our country.

Narrated by Cheche Lazarro, the documentary dived deeper into the lives of the

Filipino women during the colonization of the Spaniards. It is also said that 1896 was

the year of opportunity for the Filipino revolutionaries to spread out and fight for the

freedom. On the beginning of the documentary, Dr. Judy Taguiwalo, a professor in the

University of the Philippines, and Dr. Michael Tan, UP dean, stated the simple lives of

Filipino during Spaniards colonization. They also said that Tandang Sora also lived a

simple life as a Filipino woman. She was married, just as what is expected for the

Filipino woman, and bore children. Dr. Maria Serena Diokno, Chairperson of National

Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), also added that Melchora Aquino was

married to a Cabeza-de-Barangay which means that she lived not in the layers of the
society, but as an average Filipino citizen able to earn properly for a living. They earned

25 hectares of field which was planted with sugarcanes etc. Melchora’s life changed

when she became widowed. As per Dr. Diokno, she managed her husband’s

businesses alone. Dr. Tan added that she also became a father and a mother to her

children making her to struggle in life. But this scenario in her live never hindered

Tandang Sora to open her house for the katipuneros. She gave the katipuneros a

shelter to rest, to hang-out, and to heal. She served them food, medicine and many

more. But doing good deeds is not enough to be rewarded. On the middle part of the

documentary, one of her grandchildren (3rd generation) said that Tandang Sora was

accused of supporting rebels. She was captured and tortured but one of her best

characteristics is the integrity she instill in her heart even she was tortured. As her

remains was transferred from Quezon City hall, to Banlat, Quezon, the journey also left

a footprint which also emboss values to every Filipinos’ hearts. That being a hero

doesn’t only requires swords and bullets, but also a sincere helping heart plus

patriotism.

What is interesting in the documentary is the march of the soldiers while Tandang

sora’s remains were being transferred. It shows honor, and dignity, and it tells everyone

that reward is always given, not asked, for in the mind of Melchora “Tandang Sora”

Aquino, helping everyone is a deed without expecting anything in return.

The movie is rated PG. Students as early as grade 3 up to the late adults must

know Melchora Aquino, and her heroic act. They must know that even a woman without

a sword can contribute for the freedom of the Philippines. Seeing this documentary film

is a good start of knowing more about a hero who is never hindered despite of her age,
gender, and ability.

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