Lualhati Torres Bautista 

(born December 2, 1945) is one of the foremost Filipino female

novelists in the history of contemporary Philippine Literature. Her novels include Dekada
'70, Bata, Bata, Pa'no Ka Ginawa?, and ‘GAPÔ.

BIOGRAPHY
Bautista was born in Tondo, Manila, Philippines on December 2, 1945 to Esteban Bautista and
Gloria Torres. She was a journalism student at the Lyceum of the Philippines, but dropped out
because she has always wanted to be a writer and schoolwork was robbing her of precious time
to pursue her dream. Her first short story, Katugon ng Damdamin,<ref: Liwayway Magazine,
November 17, 1963 issue> was published in Liwayway Magazine and thus started her writing
career.

Despite a lack of formal training, Bautista as the writer became known for her honest realism,
courageous exploration of Philippine women's issues, and her compelling female protagonists,
who confront difficult situations at home and in the workplace with uncommon grit and
strength.

WORKS
‘GAPÔ, Dekada '70 and Bata, Bata… Pa’no Ka Ginawa? exposing injustices and chronicling
women activism during the Marcos era.

‘GAPÔ, Palanca Awards 1980 grand prize winner, published in 1992, is the story of a man
coming to grips with life as an Amerasian. It is a multi-layered scrutiny of the politics behind US
bases in the Philippines, seen from ordinary citizens living in Olongapo City point of view.