Lualhati Torres Bautista, was born on December 2, 1945, in Tondo, Manila, Philippines, she is a well-known writer known for her honest realism and exploration of Philippine women's issues. She graduated from Florentino Torres High School in 1962 after completing her primary school in 1958 at Emilio Jacinto primary School. Despite having started her journalism studies at the Philippine Lyceum, she left to follow her passion for writing.
In 1983, Lualhati Bautista Published the story of “Dekada '70”. She wrote a novel surrounding the life of Amanda Bartolome, a middle-aged woman in Manila, and her middle-class family during the era of Ferdinand Marcos Sr.'s Martial Law in the 1970s.Through her writing, Bautista reveals both the personal struggles of the Bartolome family and the broader societal issues, including women's rights and Philippine history. The novel captures the complex dynamics of the time, reflecting real-life experiences and historical events in the Philippines.
The novel voices out that women should not be viewed merely as "babae lang" or insignificant, but rather as individuals deserving of respect, recognition of their struggles, and acknowledgment of their potential and aspirations. It emphasizes that women should have the agency to think, choose, and shape their own lives, rather than obey societal expectations of what a woman should be. That's why I think Lualhati Bautista is such a great writer, she incorporates these themes in her novel, making it a bridge to understanding Filipino women and their struggles in a patriarchal society.
In Dekada '70, Bautista highlights the importance of recognizing our own privileges. Not everyone grows up with the same opportunities, and privilege often shapes how we see the world. This idea is reflected in the character of Jules, Amanda's son, who undergoes a political awakening as he becomes more aware of the injustices in society. His journey mirrors Amanda's realization that the "man's world" she lives in can only change if people are willing to challenge the existing power structures.
Bautista’s novel resonates because it invites readers to reflect on the intersectionality of different social issues. It is not only a feminist book, but it also challenges society expectations, looks at power relationships, and addresses systemic injustices.In order to create a story that is both personal and universal, Bautista cleverly combines personal experiences with more general historical and political issues. Lualhati Bautista is one of the most significant voices in Philippine literature because Dekada '70 is a monument to the bravery and determination of Filipino women in the face of injustice.
Lualhati Bautista is an exceptional writer because of her ability to create deeply personal stories with larger societal issues, creating narratives that resonate on both an emotional and intellectual level. Her work is notable for its honesty and realistic depiction of the complicated realities of Philippine life, especially for women. The thing that truly sets Bautista apart is her ability to depict topics such as family dynamics, political oppression, and gender injustice in a way that is both personal and universal. She builds a bridge to comprehend the intricate details of Filipino society through her writing, particularly with regard to social justice and women's rights. Her works have left a long legacy, but so has the influence she had on the use of literature to examine and evaluate a country's past setbacks and victories.
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