The Image of Filipino Women in Litearature

“The Image of Filipino Women” The Philippines’ strongest resource is its people. Numerous people from the past to present have shown that Filipinos can achieve great heights through hard work and unity. Ninoy Aquino fought for democracy in the Philippines. Diego Silang conspired with British forces to overthrow Spanish rule. Andres Bonifacio is the father of the Katipunan. Jose Rizal died for the freedom of the Filipino people. All these men showed exemplary performance in shaping and developing of the Philippines. But behind these legendary men who shaped the history of the Philippines are women who helped mold them to who they are. Ninoy Aquino had Cory Aquino who continued the works Ninoy was not able to finish when he was executed. Diego Silang had Gabriela Silang who continued his battle long after he was gone. Andres Bonifacio had Gregoria De Jesus who is the founder & VP of the women’s chapter of the Katipunan of the Philippines. Jose Rizal had Teodora Alonzo Realonda de Quintos who was his first teacher and was his constant guide as he grew up. Women have played a very significant part in the development of the country even before they had rights to do so. When equal rights for men & women were established, the chains that bound them were cut and they were allowed to run freely, revealing potential that led the Philippines to a better position. The image of Filipino women has been very well represented through literary works by local authors like Paz Latorena (The Small Key), Amador T. Daguio (Wedding Dance), Arturo B. Rotor (Zita), Paz Marquez-Benitez (Dead Stars), Aida Rivera-Ford Love in the Cornhusks), Kerima Polotan-Tuvera (The Virgin), Estrella D. Alfon (Magnificence), and Gilda Cordero-Fernando (The Visitation of the Gods). Soledad from “Small Key” best represents women who are married to or are in a relationship with men who have trouble letting go of past lovers. She is married to a man who can’t seem to let go of the possessions of his late wife. Here she shows the image of Filipino women being patient, loving, devoted, and curious. Lumnay from “Wedding Dance” best represents women who would give up her happiness for the betterment of her spouse. She is selfless, self-sacrificing and therefore a commendable wife. Zita from “Zita” represents women who feel like they are led on by men, but later on finds out that that admiration was for nothing. She can be described as studious, eager to learn, driven and inspired, has no good control of her feelings, and emotionally weak. Esperanza and Julia from “Dead Stars” exude the most basic qualities of a Filipino woman: simple, caring, elegant, positive, charismatic, graceful, charming, and humorous. Tinang from “Love in the Cornhusks” is another great example of a hardworking, humble, and motherly woman, just like Ms. Mijares from “The Virgin,” except for that she wasn’t motherly for she didn’t have a child. Though Ms. Mijares seemed to be discontented in the story, she shows the outstanding quality of a Filipino woman which is that she always puts her family first. She was dedicated to working to make her family happy and to send her relative to school. The mother in “Magnificence” is the best exemplar for all the mothers in the Philippines. She was strong, calm despite the situation, and she loved her kids. The little girl in the story was representative of the girls in the country who are ignorant, and still have a lot to learn about life. Lastly, Ms. Noel from “Visitation of the Gods” is the quintessence of how all teachers should be. Unscathed by bribe and not blinded by the want for power and a better title, she remained who she was, simple, humble and hardworking, just to be a good teacher. She wasn’t like her co-teachers who always kissed up to those in position. She did what she was supposed to do righteously. Overall, women in literature are depicted in a relatively positive way. They are almost always shown as strong, independent, and wise, a very good representation of the image of a Filipino Woman.