The renowned Filipino author and women’s advocate Lualhati Bautista passed away on Sunday at 77 years old.
Bautista’s cousin, Sonny Rose Samonte, confirmed the news in a social media post.
Bautista reportedly died at her residence in Quezon City at 6am, but family members did not disclose the cause of death.
The novelist and activist was best known for her works Dekada ’70 (Decade 70) and Bata, Bata…Pa’no Ka Ginawa (Child, How Were You Made; Lea’s Story), which chronicled injustices and women’s struggles under Martial Law. Both novels were turned into blockbuster films starring veteran actress Vilma Santos.
The book Dekada ‘70 won the prestigious Palanca Awards, referred to as the Philippines’ Pulitzer Awards, for best novel in 1983. Its film version was the Philippines’ entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the 2003 Academy Awards. Bautista also won Palanca Awards for Bata, Bata and her first novel, ‘GAPÔ.
Bautista’s death prompted an outpour of messages from political leaders, artists, and public figures who paid tribute to the novelist.
Former Vice President Leni Robredo thanked Bautista for sharing her talent and courage through her work, and for supporting her bid during the presidential elections.
“Giving tribute to Lualhati Bautista. Thank you so much Ma’am, for sharing your self, your talent, and courage through your life and work. It is a huge honor to have earned your support,” Robredo wrote, posting photos of Bautista in pink, Robredo’s campaign color, and a screenshot of Bautista supporting her on Facebook.
Senatorial candidate and human rights lawyer Chel Diokno also gave tribute to Bautista.
“Lualhati Bautista’s passing is a huge loss in the art world. She left an important mark in every Filipino’s life who supported her work. My sincerest sympathies to her family and loved ones,” he wrote.
“I sympathize with the friends and family of the renowned writer and activist, Lualhati Bautista,” Sen. Risa Hontiveros wrote in a post. “Her strength and courage are now immortalized through her legendary works, in which she commemorated the struggles of everyday Filipinos. Our life under American occupation, how the bloody Martial Law affected our families, the plight of our single moms, and even the elderly. Her stories remind us that everyday life is political.”
“She did this again and again, unwaveringly. She did not dodge. May we always remember her, and the stories she shared, when we are faced with difficult times and decisions. May we, like her, be brave people for our country, all the days of our lives. Today and tomorrow, you will always be a legend, LB. Pagpupugay!”
The popular book chain National Bookstore, which carried her books on its shelves, also provided tribute to the late author.
“Lualhati Bautista was an award-winning and renowned novelist, a fierce activist and critic, and one of the most iconic writers in contemporary Filipino literature. She may be gone, but her powerful stories will live on in our hearts and minds,” the brand wrote.
“I hope you bore witness as to how the nation you represented in your work grieves you, especially the mothers. May the nation live through your work, and may you live in the hearts of the nation,” historian and educator Xiao Chua wrote online.
Meanwhile, actor Jun Sabayton lamented how Bautista was not granted the distinction of being a National Artist for Literature in her lifetime.
“I just wish we managed to add more female National Artists for Literature, as most of them are men. Our generation grew up reading Lualhati Bautista. I was wrecked when I first read Gapo in high school because of my Filipino teacher, Mrs. Velarde, who first introduced us to Ricky Lee and took us all to watch the play Pitik Bulag sa Buwan ng Pebrero. I was so angry at the Americans who would shoot native Filipinos like animals in Ma’am Lualhati’s novel. Goodbye and thank you for your art, Lualhati Bautista. RIP. I am saddened by your passing,” he wrote.
