Lualhati Bautista. Image: Facebook/Lualhati Bautista
Heartfelt tributes from showbiz personalities pour in on social media following the death of the renowned novelist, writer, and activist Lualhati Bautista, including from veteran actress Vilma Santos-Recto.
The passing of Bautista, who was best known for her novels “Dekada ’70”, “Bata, Bata, Pa’no Ka Ginawa?”, and “Gapo”, was confirmed by a relative on Facebook on Sunday, Feb. 12. She was 77 years old.
Santos, who starred as Amanda Bartolome in “Dekada ‘70” and Lea Bustamante in “Bata, Bata… Pa’no Ka Ginawa?”, was among those who expressed sorrow for the death of the renowned writer whose works had been translated into such memorable films in which she starred in.
In a text message to INQUIRER.net, she described Bautista as a “staunch feminist” who remained vocal about women’s rights even until the final moments of her life.
“Rest in eternal peace, Bb. Lualhati Bautista, a multi-awarded writer, novelist, screenwriter, staunch feminist, and a friend. I take comfort in the memories I had with this wonderful lady. Nagpapasalamat ako sa tiwala’t gabay niya para magampanan ko nang husto si Lea Bustamante at Amanda Bartolome. ‘Ang Bata, Bata … Pa’no Ka Ginawa?’ at ‘Dekada ’70’ ay dalawa sa di-malilimutang pelikula sa buhay ko bilang isang artista,” she said.
READ: Veteran actress Vilma Santos-Recto pays respect to renowned novelist and activist Lualhati Bautista, describing her as a “staunch feminist” who remained vocal about women’s rights until the final moments of her life, in a text message to the Inquirer. | @HMallorcaINQ pic.twitter.com/KTjEGpDUZD
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) February 12, 2023
“You will be greatly missed, Lualhati. Kahit wala ka na, nandito pa rin kami na patuloy itataguyod at ipaglalaban ang mga karapatan ng kababaihan sa ating lipunan. To the Bautista and Torres families, my deepest condolences for your loss. Our prayers,” she added.
Carlo Aquino, who took on the role of Ojie de Lara in “Bata, Bata… Pa’no Ka Ginawa?”, paid respects to the renowned novelist on his Instagram Stories.
Image: Screengrab from Instagram/@jose_liwanag
“Janus Silang” author Edgar Samar thanked Bautista for being one of his inspirations to succeed as a writer.
“Nagluluksa sa pagyao ng nobelistang pinagkakautangan natin ng maraming bagay—bilang bayang nagsisikap na huwag makalimot. Kung di ko unang nabasa ang Dekada ‘70 noong 10 taon pa lang ako, baka di ako nahumaling sa pagbabasa at pagsusulat. Rest in power, Lualhati Bautista,” he said.
Writer Jerry Grácio said Bautista should have received a National Artist for Literature award when she was still alive.
“Matagal na dapat naging National Artist for Literature si Lualhati Bautista, tagatala ng danas ng babae, ng babae at ng bayan, ng mismong bayan. Muli, nagpupugay kami at namamaalam.”
Throughout her life, Bautista is known for being a staunch advocate of social justice, women’s issues, and human rights which can be reflected in her works.
Among her most noteworthy accolades are the Palanca Awards in 1980, 1983, and 1984, which exposed the atrocities in the Marcos regime, as well as the injustices of women. She also made her voice heard as a screenwriter, notably through the 1984 film “Bulaklak ng City Jail” which revolves around the realities of women in prison, starring veteran actress Nora Aunor. EDV