Urduja

Urduja has been described as tall with golden bronze skin, beautiful with long dark hair. She was believed to be a warrior princess skilled in sword fighting and horseback riding, who personally led her soldiers in battles. She was the leader og the Kinalakian, or Amazons. Local residents also believe that she was a strong maiden who ruled a kingdom called “Tawalisi”. the old name of the province of Pangasinan. She was known to be a wise ruler who governed her people well.

According to legend, Princess Urduja never married. She declared that she will only marry the man who can defeat her in battle, saying “My husband must be braver, stronger, and wiser than myself.” No one qualified, so she remained unmarried.

The legend of Princess Urduja gained legitimacy when National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal himself included her story in his writings and even estimated her kingdom to be in the “neighborhood of the northern part of the Philippines.”

Balay Prinsesa embodies the beauty, confidence and aplomb of princess Urduja, paying homage to the legendary warrior princess of Pangasinan.