Francisca Reyes Aquino was a pioneering Filipino educator and nationalist known for her extensive research and documentation of Philippine folk dances. She studied indigenous dances across Northern and Central Luzon, documenting the dances, songs, and steps. This research formed the basis for her master's thesis and book, Philippine Folk Dances and Games. She is recognized as the "Mother of Indigenous Dance" in the Philippines and received numerous honors and awards for her work in preserving and promoting Philippine culture and arts.