The Menopause Heroine Quiz: Which Iconic Pinay Are You?

A highly unscientific but emotionally accurate guide to discovering your inner superheroine during menopause.

Menopause hits like a Metro Manila traffic jam: you’re secretly hoping that it won’t happen but regardless of how much you pray, it always does. One minute you’re calmly sipping your third coffee of the day, the next you’re sweating like a lechon on the spit and glaring at your husband for breathing too loudly.

And yet, amidst this biological revolution, a profound truth emerges: you’re not losing yourself — you’re transforming! This feels especially relevant as we celebrate the 75th(!) anniversary of a Filipina known for her transformation — Darna!!! (said with gusto and with sound effects). She’s shown us that transformation isn’t about becoming someone else — it’s about revealing the superpowers that were always there.

Thinking about this also made me wonder… from comic book queens to mythical legends… which Pinay heroine’s powers might we be channelling in this wild ride called menopause?

Darna – The Midlife Transformer

You’ve been Narda for years—dutiful daughter, career woman, reliable tita of Manila. But lately, you’ve felt a strange power building inside. You’ve swallowed the metaphorical stone (hot flashes and hormone shifts), and now you’re done waiting to be saved.

You are the bato. And you’re done apologizing for it.

Signs you’re Darna:

You’ve mastered the art of setting boundaries.
You’ve discovered righteous rage can be productive.
You now understand the phrase “I don’t have the time nor patience for this.”

Superpower: Instant strength under pressure. And a mouth that now says exactly what it means.

Dyesebel – The Dual-Natured Dreamer

Part of you still wants to glide through life gracefully. The other part just wants to throw your seashell bra at someone and scream underwater where no one can hear you.

You’re navigating two worlds: the one you’ve always known, and the new realm you’re still discovering.

Signs you’re Dyesebel:

You have moments of beauty followed by tidal waves of WTF! emotions.
You sometimes feel like a stranger in your own body, as if someone swapped your legs overnight, and too much salt makes you bloated.
You still sparkle at social gatherings – but only until 8 PM.

Superpower: Shifting identities with grace. And knowing when to swim away from energy-sucking drama.

Volta – The Hot-Flash Firecracker

You’re wired, you’re wonderfully weird, and your emotions now come with spectacular lightning effects. One minute you’re laughing, the next you’re frying your spouse with a look that could power Meralco for a week. But your saving grace? You know how to laugh at yourself—and that’s your real power.

Signs you’re Volta:

You’ve mastered the art of the portable fan placement in public spaces.
You say “I’m fine” but you really mean “Get out of my way.”
You radiate unpredictable energy that’s equally fascinating and terrifying to those around you.

Superpower: Electric mood shifts, comic timing, and zero fear of turning up the heat—literally and figuratively.

Maria Makiling – The Wisdom Keeper

By day, you’re still tending to life’s gardens – family, work, community. But something profound is stirring within. The mountain goddess of Laguna has awakened in your spirit, bringing ancient wisdom and a deep connection to the cycles of nature.

Menopause didn’t diminish you – it revealed the powerful healer and wise woman you’ve been becoming all along.

Signs you’re Maria Makiling:

You’ve developed an uncanny intuition that borders on prophetic.
You’re now the person friends call for both practical advice and soul guidance.
You find yourself drawn to natural remedies and your feed is now full of turmeric, moon water, and tips from a guru who swears by vaginal steaming.

Superpower: Earth-deep wisdom that comes with age. Mysterious knowing smiles. And the ability to nurture others – without depleting yourself.

Valentina – The Misunderstood Villainess

People whisper that you’ve changed – gotten “difficult” or too frank. But maybe that’s just what happens when you stop putting up with nonsense. Those snakes on your head? They’re boundaries, hissing warnings to those who would drain your energy. That legendary glare? It’s hard-earned wisdom that refuses to be unacknowledged.

You’re not evil. You’ve just evolved.

Signs you’re Valentina:

You’ve unapologetically cut ties with people who drain you.
You’re no longer afraid of being the “kontrabida” in someone else’s victim narrative.
You embrace your power—even if it makes others squirm with discomfort.

Superpower: Radical self-preservation that borders on the supernatural. And the ability to bite back—intellectually, emotionally, or with a perfectly executed pout that would put Miranda Priestly to shame.

So… which Pinay heroine are you?

Maybe you’re Darna on Monday mornings facing workplace challenges, Dyesebel by Wednesday when emotions surge, and full-on Valentina during family gatherings when someone asks “have you gained weight?”

That’s the beauty of this “second spring”: we get to be all of them. We get to embody all these powers without seeking permission or validation. We get to be who we need to be depending on the time, place and people around us. Complex, multi-faceted and above all, our authentic selves.

Now go forth, Pinay heroine. Put on your imaginary cape, mermaid tail, or crown of snakes and absolutely slay this next magnificent chapter of your life.