The iconic legacy of Filipino-American history came alive in San Francisco on July 8, 2024 at the Philippine Consulate General building in San Francisco, CA with the grand unveiling of the bust sculpture of Filipina war hero Magdalena Leones. Created by celebrated Filipina-American sculptor and lawyer Elaine Antonio Bordeaux, the event paid homage to one of the most significant yet lesser-known heroines of World War II.
The event took place with attendance by community leaders, academe, history enthusiasts, and art aficionados gathering to witness this powerful tribute. The bronze bust sculpture of Leones, meticulously crafted by Bordeaux, captures the strength, resilience, and sacrifice of the first and only Filipina to receive the Silver Star Medal, one of the U.S. military’s highest honors for bravery.
Magdalena Leones, often referred to as the “Lioness of the Philippines,” played a critical role during World War II, where she served as a guerrilla intelligence officer. Leones helped smuggle weapons, relay crucial messages, and gather intelligence that would prove essential to the Allied forces. Her courage and contributions as a woman in a male-dominated wartime environment make her an inspirational figure for women today.
Elaine Antonio Bordeaux, a Filipina-American sculptor known for her focus on women empowerment and cultural heritage, expressed her honor in bringing Magdalena Leones’ story to life. “Leones’ heroism transcends time. She is a symbol of courage not just for Filipinos, but for women all around the world. Her story needed to be told in a way that immortalizes her strength and indomitable spirit,” said Bordeaux at the unveiling ceremony.
The unveiling also included speeches from local Filipino community leaders, veterans, and women empowerment advocates, emphasizing the importance of remembering the contributions of Filipino-American women throughout history. The event was also part of a broader effort to strengthen ties between the Philippines and the Filipino diaspora in the United States, fostering a sense of pride in shared history.
About Elaine Antonio Bordeaux:
Elaine Antonio Bordeaux is a renowned Filipina-American sculptor and lawyer, recognized for her works that spotlight women heroes, cultural heritage, and human resilience. Her artistic vision is to uplift marginalized narratives through her sculptures, capturing both historical and contemporary figures who inspire future generations. Bordeaux’s previous works include tributes to Dr. Jose Rizal and other key figures in Filipino and world history. She is the President of the Dr. Jose Rizal Legacy International Foundation, a 501c3 based in the United States with a mission to promote Philippine arts, culture and history.
EA Bordeaux Art 