Fierce Filipinas: 10 Children’s books celebrating 10 Filipino women leaders

Corazon ‘Cory’ Aquino was the first woman president of the Philippines. Young Cory was a quiet, smart kid who always cared about fairness. When she grew up and started a family, they couldn’t stand the bad leader hurting the Phillippines. With courage, trustworthiness, and truthfulness, she led a peaceful revolution that stopped the dictator and she became the president of the Philippines. This touching story is filled with fun pictures and interesting facts. Plus, there’s more to learn at the end, featuring the timeline of her life with simple pictures and inspiring messages. 

Described as the first female revolutionary leader of the the Philippines, Gabriela Silang is a remarkable woman whose journey from tragedy to triumph is nothing short of inspiring.

Married to Diego Silang, the leader of the revolutionary movement against Spain, she was a fearless fighter who took over the leadership of the movement in Ilocos
after the assassination of her husband. The book chronicles the life of Gabriela who emerged from the shadows of loss to become a beacon of hope for her people.

3) Maria Orosa: Freedom Fighter, Scientist and Inventor from the Philippines

Author: Norma Chikiamko; Illustrator: Mark Salvatus

Known as the inventor of the banana ketchup, Maria Orosa is remembered and honoured for her scientific inventions as well as her bravery during World War II. This book tells the remarkable story of a caring scientist who developed nutritious foods and fed the Philippines at a time of crisis.

After studying food science in America, she returned to the Philippines and developed new ways to preserve seasonal fruits and vegetables in a time of grave food shortages. She made vinegar from pineapples, ketchup from banana, and even turned rice bran – a vitamin-rich waste product – into healthy yummy desserts! In World War II, she worked as an underground agent to fight the Japanese.

Gregoria de Jesus is widely recognized as the spouse of Andres Bonifacio. She served as a custodian for the arms and documents of the Katipunan. However, what was her life like before marrying Andres? What other events unfolded during the 1896 Revolution? And what were her contributions after the Revolution? With compelling storytelling that delves into the lives of our national heroes, the Bayani Biographies series seeks to demonstrate to readers that today’s youth share similarities with the heroes they read about.

Pura Villanueva Kalaw combined her beauty and brains to promote women’s rights in the Philippines. Pura was the country’s first beauty queen, having been crowned as “Queen of the Orient” during the first Manila Carnival in 1908. But two years before that, she organised the Asociacion Feminista Ilongga, the Philippines’ first suffragette movement led by women.

Filipino women were eventually given the right to vote in 1937, thanks to a national campaign spearheaded by Pura and her contemporaries. She later became a journalist, editor and writer, all the while championing the rights of Filipino women.

“Fierce Filipina” shares the story of Gliceria Marella de Villavicencio, a Philippine national hero who helped the country towards its independence. Written by her great-great-granddaughter, this book shows how Gliceria never gave up in helping her fellow Filipinos.

She fought against Spanish and American rulers, teaming up with other important people like Dr. José Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, and Emilio Aguinaldo. This book teaches about love, facing challenges, and always standing up for what’s right. “Fierce Filipina” will encourage readers of all ages to listen to their hearts and work for fairness in society. 

Fe del Mundo founded the first paediatric hospital in the Philippines and the first Filipino woman to be given the title National Scientist in 1980. She was a recipient of the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Public Service in 1977 for her many contributions in public health.

This book portrays her dedication to her job through the eyes of a child observer. It highlights her accomplishments in everyday places, like the hallway filled with photos showing her career or conversations over dinner with the child’s parents. The book carries more than a positive message; it makes every reader- child or adult- believe that anyone can make the world a better place. The title suggests the sound of a beating heart- a gift shared by all.

Leni Robredo was the second woman vice president of the Philippines. She is known for her caring nature and empathy, reaching out to the most underprivileged Filipinos across the nation.

This is the tale of her journey, from her childhood days marvelling at the dancing waters in Naga, to her roles as a wife and mother, her career as a lawyer and community leader, and finally, her ascent to the second highest office in the country. This book holds a beautiful and inspiring story of not just an individual, but of what she symbolises and believes in.

Before she became an internationally acclaimed performer, Maria Lea Carmen Salonga was once just a young girl from Manila with big dreams. “Princess Lea” recounts Lea’s remarkable journey from a six-year-old who landed a role in a local production of The King and I to an award-winning performer. She has graced stages worldwide, portraying iconic roles like Kim in Miss Saigon, Eponine and Fantine in Les Miserables, and Mei-Li in Flower Drum Song.

Lea received a Tony Award and a Laurence Olivier Award, and has performed for six Philippine presidents, three American presidents, and the Queen of England. In addition to sharing Lea’s inspiring story, the book imparts the lessons she has learned along her journey, aiming to inspire aspiring young entertainers to pursue their dreams.

When Cely’s father brings a crocodile home, she is fascinated and wants to draw it in their swimming pool. However, her mother insists that drawing and painting are not suitable for girls. Undeterred, Cely takes her pencils and notebooks to the garden, determined to pursue her passion. Thus begins the remarkable childhood story of Araceli Limcaco Dans, one of the Philippines’ renowned painters.

Based on true events, Gabriela Dans Lee’s award-winning narrative skillfully weaves together art and history, recounting her grandmother’s role in the Filipino wartime efforts during World War II. Adrian Panadero’s captivating illustrations transport readers to a war-torn era, where Cely discovers that her destiny — and her family’s survival — rests in the art that has granted her a new perspective on the world.