Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 2):
JULY 18, 1893
Rosario Villaruel became the first woman Mason in the Philippines. She was 18 years old and used “Minerva” as her Masonic name.
Her father Faustino Villaruel, the founder of Logia Walana and a member of Jose Rizal’s La Liga Filipina, initiated her for Logia de Adopcion (Lodge of Adoption).
Other women who joined her were Valeriana Legazpi, Trinidad Rizal, Romualda Lanuza, Sixta Fajardo, and Josefa Rizal.
The two Rizal women were sisters of Jose Rizal, who was also a Mason. Other prominent Masons include Marcelo H. Del Pilar and Antonio Luna.
Rosario Villaruel was known for her beauty and courage, and sponsored Masonic activities and banquets.
The Spanish authorities arrested her for being a Mason which was considered as anti-friar.
She was also accused of hitting a friar who attempted to kiss her, and for her refusal to kiss the hand of the Archbishop.
Her father was also arrested and became one of the 13 Martyrs of Bagumbayan.
(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved
Photo credit: nypl.digital.library
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