Today is Bonifacio Day! A day in the Philippines where the country honors one of their national heroes, Andres Bonficio, the revered, ‘Father of the Philippine Revolution’ against Spanish colonization. Today I would also like to shine the spotlight on Gregoria de Jesus, ‘Lankanbini,’ the muse or First Lady of the Katipunan, who also had a major role in the revolutionary work of the Katipunan.

What Kids Should Know About Andres And The Katipunan|

Adarna House has created a wonderful series titled, What Kids Should Know. They’re phenomenal and includes topics such as Filipino Architecture, Filipino Food and today’s feature, Andreas Bonifacio and the Katipunan. The books are an easy read and so fun! The information is conveyed with youthful infographics and relevant approaches for the youth (and adults like me!) of today.

Manila before 2009 is unbeknownst to me. Looking at photos from anything before that date feels like a completely different city, because it was. My experience with Manila is in it’s infancy so I absolutely love learning about Manila’s recent and distant history. The more I learn about Manila the more attached I feel. I devoured the pages as I spilled over each one and hope you do too.

“Who was Andres Bonifacio? How was Andres as a brother, a husband, and as a revolutionary leader? Here is a handy reference for children on the life of the Supremo and the Katipunan.”

- Adarna House

Notice the details on the header of the page? When you read the book you’ll find that the KKK had secret initials to indicate it’s members and what they stand for.

Bayani Biographies: Gregoria de Jesus|

One of the aspects that commends my respect about the Philippines is how progressive they are with women in authority. They have had multiple female presidents and are one of the leading countries with the number of female executives. Obviously, not everything is perfect as we are constantly reminded that, ‘machismo is alive and well in the Philippines’, but I do appreciate the commonplace of women in leadership roles. Gregoria de Jesus, the wife of Andres Bonifacio, was no exception.

“Gregoria de Jesus is popularly known as the wife of Andres Bonifacio. She worked as a custodian to arms and documents of the Katipunan. But, who was she before she married Andres? What else happened during the 1896 Revolution? What did she do after the Revolution? Gregoria de Jesus was more than the Lakanbini of the Katipunan who fought for her country. Oriang, as she was fondly called, fought for love all throughout her life. Learn more about this bayani who fought courageously and lived life whole-heartedly.” - Saint Mathew Publications

Bayani Biographies about Gregoria is a simple read and perfect for elementary biography level. I could imagine a young child reading this book and doing an incredible book report or dress up as Gregoria. Gregoria and other Katipuneras were incredibly brave and tough. You’ll read stories about how Gregoria acted as a look out for the organization and even traveled with a secret list of its members. Skirts were used to conceal weapons and many Katipuneras lead large groups into battle. If you want a deeper inside look at the female role of the Katipunan this is a great place.

I’m grateful to live in Manila today where I am stretched to learn a new culture and way of life. I am also learning how grateful I am to learn more of the past so I can better understand today. The Philippines tumultuous past is rich with history and we are better for knowing it. Maraming salamat po to Alexine of Pumplepie Books for gifting me these thoughtful books. Alexine is a wealthy resource for Filipino literature, reach out to her with your requests.

Kita Kita,

Amber

P.S. Here’s a short write up about the Katipunan (KKK) Museum in San Juan we visited a few years back. It’s free!