FRANCISCA REYES AQUINO -
the legendary "Mother of Philippine Dancing," was born in Lolomboy, Bocaue, in the Philippine Province of Bulacan, on March 9, 1899.
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She obtained her High School Teacher's Certificate in 1923 and her Bachelor of Science in
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Education degree in 1924 from the University of the Philippines. In 1920’s she vigorously researched on the different folk dances o f the Philippines which made her the “Folk Dance Pioneer” of the country. Her research entitled “Philippine Dances and Games” contains the country’s unrecorded celebrations, folk dances, ritual and games.
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From 1929 to 1931, Francisca’s teaching and research were interrupted by two years of study at Boston University as a University of the Philippines Fellow.
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In 1934, Francisca married Professor Ramon P. Tolentino, Jr., then Assistant Director of the
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Department of Physical Education In Leyte, they found the Tinikling, danced between rapidly clapped, bamboo poles and named after a long-legged bird, the tikling, seen in rice paddies. Tinikling has since become a national favorite of both children and adults. In 1935, they made complete notes on 33 folk songs and
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dances in Mountain Province, 8 in Ilocos Norte, 14 in Ilocos Sur, and 4 in Abra. Mrs. Reyes Tolentino organized the Filipiniana Folk Dance Troupe which performed for
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servicemen as a part of the United States Army Special Services for seven months in 1945. In 1940’s, the Bureau of Education, where she served as the supervisor of Physical Education, distributed her work for the teaching teaching of folk dances in schools as a mean to promote our cultural heritage to the Filipino students.
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In 1947, she married Serafin Aquino, secretary-treasurer of the Philippine Amateur Athletic Federation.
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Aside from her thesis, she has also published many books regarding Philippines Philippines dances like Fundamental Dance Steps and Music, Gymnastic for Girls, Philippines National Dances, Philippine Folk Dances Vol. I-VI, etc. Due to her valuable contribution in the development of Filipino culture, the former president Ramon Magsaysay awarded her the Republic Award of Merit.
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In 1973, President Marcos gave Dr. Reyes Aquino the National Artist for Dance Award for her
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contribution contribution to the preservation and propagation of the folk dances o f the Philippines. A Memorial Fund was established in her name and "Lola Kikay," a musical based on her life, has been staged.
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Dances Dr. Reyes Aquino taught include Alahoy, Apat Apat, Ba-Ingles, Basulto, Binadyong, Himig Sa Nayon, Kalapati, Lubi-Lubi, Maglalatik, Manang Biday, Polka sa Nayon, Tiklos, and Tinikling.
