Lualhati Bautista, the noted writer, novelist, and activist who authored “Dekada 70”, “Bata, Bata, Pa’no Ka Ginawa?” “Bulaklak ng City Jail,” and “GAPÔ,” passed away on Sunday morning. She was 77.
Bautista’s first cousins, Maria Rosario and Sonny Ross Samonte, confirmed sad news through Facebook posts on Sunday.
Her grandson Xyril Salazar also told ABS-CBN News she died at her residence in Quezon City at around 6 a.m. He declined to disclose details about the cause of her death.
The Bautista family has yet to finalize funeral arrangements.
“My first cousin, Ms. Lualhati Baustita[,] [well-known] writer, novelist, a feminist, known for her advocacy on women’s rights, passed away this morning,” Rosario wrote on FB.
Samonte remembered Lualhati by posting a portrait of her.
“Sad [news] for our Torres Clan, our first cousin [Lualhati Bautista] died at 77 [years] old this morning,” Samonte wrote. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)
Bautista leaves behind a rich legacy of literary works and screenplays, most of which were turned into hit movies.
“We want everyone to remember her as an inspiration in creating art that is free and freeing,” said Salazar, escribing her as “a fierce writer and critic, with a pen as mighty as her and with convictions and wits that made fascists tremble in fear to most, and a loving mother and grandmother.”
Bautista’s screenplays were the bedrock for memorable ‘70s and ‘80s films such as “Sakada,” “Kung Mahawi Man ang Ulap,” and “The Maricris Sioson Story.”
She also wrote the prize-winning short stories “Tatlong Kwento ng Buhay ni Juan Candelabra,” and “Buwan, Buwan, Hulugan mo Ako ng Sundang: Dalawang Dekada ng Maiikling Kuwento.”
Two of her last published books were “Sixty in the City” and “In Sisterhood.”
A local producer was negotiating with Bautista for the film adaptation of “Sixty in the City” before she passed.
In 2020, Bautista was among the awardees of the Gawad CCP Para sa Sining, the highest award given by the Cultural Center of the Philippines to individuals or groups in recognition of their “outstanding achievements and contributions to Philippine arts and culture.”