Melchora Aquino, popularly known at Tandang Sora and "Mother of the Philippine Revolution," was born to prosperous farmer parents, Juan Aquino and Valentina de Aquino on January 6, 1812 in barrio Banlat, Caloocan, Rizal (now Banlat, Balintawak, Quezon City).  
 
     She learned to read and write while she was young. A pretty young lass, she was often called to play the role of Reyna Elena in the barrio santacruzan festival.  
 
     She married one of her persistent suitors, Fulgencio Ramos, who later become the cabeza de barangay. In marriage, they were blessed with six children: Juan, Simon, Estefania, Juana, Romualdo and Saturnina.  
 
     Being of amiable character, she was well-liked by the community. Because of her good singing voice, she was frequently invited to the pabasa not only in Banlat but also in the surrounding barrios.  
 
     The death of her husband almost broke her spirit. Grieving, but brave as a mother, Melchora played the dual role of a father and mother to her children. She under took the managemewnt of the farm and the other business interest left by her spouce. Courage,industry,patience, nobility: these were the attributes that sustained her during those trying days.