Pinay Power

Accidentally on purpose, wonder | wander | women are focused lately on remembering and honoring significant women in our lives.

#woawomen uphold the trend with this commemorative on Philippine precolonial warrior princesses.

“While women in precolonial Philippines were often designated to the venerable position of the babaylan, it was not an uncommon occurrence for them to pick up arms and become warriors.” – Perry Gil S. Mallari, The Filipina as Ritualist and Warrior

Filipinas of precolonial Philippines were not the protected simpering Maria Clara image that our colonizers chose to conjure and perpetuate. 

As a matriarchal society, it was the norm for Philippine women to be held with esteem on political issues, to actively engage in business and trade, and to hold property and rule over their subjects.

They were highly regarded and accorded decision-making powers, political positions, economic independence, and freedom to pursue decisions they believe were right for them. 

They were empowered women of substance who were also heads of their families, companions to their husbands, healers of the infirm, foretellers of agriculture, guardians of communities, champions of their people, and chiefs of their barangays. 

They were babaylan – a female Datu, the revered tribal leader. 

Many women from pre-colonial to colonial Philippines have won various sword fights, ruled societies, commandeered armies into battle, held religious positions, and conquered cities. 

Among these women are Princess Urduja, the multilingual mighty warrior queen of Pangasinan - who took part in battles and encouraged commercial trade with countries like Java, China, and India.

Princess Pangian Inchi Jamila who was considered the best swords woman in pre-colonial Philippines and held a considerable degree of influence over her chiefs and councils of state.

Sulu Princess Lela Men Chanei invaded and conquered 15th century Manila. 

Filipino women are a tapestry of wonder and have contributed to history an incalculable amount of ideals and influence in society and drive for progress.