For her role in the Philippine revolution, we celebrate Gregoria “Ka Oriang” de Jesus’ legacy as a hero. After fighting for the country’s freedom as the muse of the Katipunan, she then proved to be a loving and caring mother to her children, a feat no less than as important for the nation.
Ka Oriang as a Katipunera
Ka Oriang ‘s second wedding to Andres Bonifacio was officiated by the Katipuneros, followed by her initiation into the revolutionary organization, making the Lakanbini (muse) of the Katipunan. The first wedding took place at the Binondo Church in March 1893 in deference to her parents who formerly opposed their romantic relationship.
As a katipunera, Ka Oriang swore to follow the Kartilya ng Katipunan and served as custodian of the seal, guns, and documents of the secret society from Spanish authorities. She founded its women's chapter and led as its vice president. She also helped sew the Katipunan flag. Her married life was mostly spent fleeing, hiding in the mountains, and enduring many hardships for her love of Bonifacio and the country.
While Ka Oriang’s married life was blessed with a son born in her ancestral home in Caloocan, the infant Andres succumbed to smallpox. Her second pregnancy resulted in a miscarriage.
She was separated from Bonifacio when he was arrested and faced trial in Maragondon, Cavite. After his disappearance and execution, Ka Oriang spent a month looking for his remains, unfortunately her search was in vain.
It was Julio Nakpil, the commander of the Katipunan troops in the north and an ally of Bonifacio, who took care of Ka Oriang and eventually married her on December 10, 1898. They spent their married life and raised a family in Calle Barbosa in Quaipo, Manila, now known as Bahay Nakpil-Bautista museum and heritage house. Ka Oriang gave birth to eight children namely: Julio, Julia Felipe, Francisca Paula, Josefina Claudia, Mercedes Tecla, and Caridad. Fermina and Melitona died early.
Ka Oriang as a mother
Not much has been written about Ka Oriang as a wife or mother after settling down to domestic life. In the "Bayani Biographies: Gregoria de Jesus", authored by Natasha Kintanar, a chapter in the book portrays Ka Oriang as a loving mother who took care of her children and the household until her demise.
Ka Oriang nurtured and reared her children with love and devotion that extended to her nephews and nieces. She was remembered as a good cook and a wonderful storyteller. She also spent her time bonding with the children in leisure activities.
“Her cooking was so popular among their relatives that she was always the designated cook for family gatherings. She was so good at it that she could tell the ingredients of a certain dish just by tasting it,” wrote Kintanar.
The book also lists Ka Oriang’s specialty dishes such as Sinantolang Bangus (Santol Soup with Milkfish), Pinatisang Alimango (Crabs in Fish Sauce, Cabeza de Habali (Head of Pork), and Tinumis (Savory Pork Offal Stew). In recognition of her cooking skills, her Morcon recipe is proudly displayed in the Bahay Nakpil-Bautista’s kitchen.
On Fridays, she would sit down and read the latest story of "Ang mga Kwento ni Lola Basyang" from Liwayway magazine.
On weekends, Oriang took her children, nephews, and nieces to Pasay Beach (now Roxas Boulevard) to swim and ride on a balsa (raft) until sunset. She would also accompany her daughters in the Santacruzan festival.
She instilled in them the teachings of the Kartilya, taught them to be respectful and obedient, and reinforced discipline. She also wrote her “Ten Advice to the Youth” based on the Kartilya. According to her grandchildren, her ultimate advice is “palaging buo ang loob” (do things wholeheartedly and with courage).
Her only son, Juan Nakpil, grew up to be an architect and was recognized as a National Artist for Architecture. The Bahay Nakpil-Bautista showcases the achievements of Ka Oryang’s children and grandchildren. Oriang was 68 years old when she passed away due to heart disease on March 15, 1943.
Oryang @150
As a muse of the Katipunan and loving mother, Ka Oriang’s life lessons and legacy are noteworthy of national discourse as her sesquicentennial birth anniversary will be celebrated on May 9, 2025.
To kick off the observance, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and the City Government of Caloocan City recently launched the “Tagubilin: The Life Lessons of Gregoria de Jesus” artwork exhibit and the revealed to the public the Oryang @150 logo in a simple ceremony held in Caloocan City Hall South.
The event was officiated by Gina C. Batuhan, Division Chief, Historic Sites & Education Division, NHCP; and ENP Aurora C. Ciego, DPA, Caloocan City Administrator with Karen Tanada, a descendant of Ka Oriang.