Philippine heroes and heroines biography channel

Caught in between the double quincentennial of Magellan’s arrival in the Philippines and his demise by Lapulapu’s sword is the third quincentennial of Juana’s baptism and her teary-eyed welcome of the Sto.

Nino.

In one fell swoop in 1521, the Filipino woman was transformed from equal partner to princess-on-a-pedestal; from a somewhat forward creature who had a mind of her own to a mother-figure overcome by the Baby Jesus (or so say the Pigafetta chronicles of Magellan’s voyage).

The effect of that turning point must count for something because the Filipino heroines on record are sadly few and far between: one can count them on the fingers of one hand.

However, as the last month of the 500-year celebration comes into view, the National Historical Commission will present a craftily constructed webinar titled “The 500th Anniversary of the Filipino Woman’s Heroism: Through Victory and Humanity, sa Tagumpay at Pa