St Pauls Publications

Putik sa Tag-ulan at mga iba pang Kuwento aims to extend consciousness and illuminate experiences. Works to discern whether man is liberator or "savior", the other half who makes the self (woman) complete. Strives to confront the issue of whether woman regards man as psychological crutch, security blanket, shock absorber, master, oppressor or tyrant.

Woman struggles for equality with man, deviates from the traditional view of the female as male-dependent, and sees man as individual with strengths and weaknesses just like any human being regardless of gender.

At times to the point of being obsessed with a man, the women characters of Putik are also disturbed by unfair labor practice, urban garbage and housing problems, colonial mentality, adultery, prostitution-- not only of the body but also of the intellect; passionately concerned with human dignity and redemption.

Woman is man-centered. Man is either an imperfect husband or a perfect friend (former or potential lover) who can never be a husband. Either woman self denies (maintains fidelity) or self actualizes (engages in extra marital affair) with either course of action leading her to an unexplored continent where different perception obtains the highly prized self knowledge and ultimate liberation and empowerment… of the body, mind, and spirit(?). The experience always leaves a feeling of having been led away from the borders and having enlarged one's territory. Sex is a metaphysical experience.

Man is used? His being a love object is instrumental to woman's endless quest for self discovery and highly prized self knowledge.

"Putik…" the title story, has the most daring love situation (this was written in the 1980's). Making love is a sacred ritual. Lovers are combatants in disguise, each trying to conquer but yields gracefully at the hour of defeat. Love is a trap. Love sets you free from angst. After the storm, peace. Someday, somehow, we'll find a new way of loving.

"Isang Gabi sa Ermita" ("One Night in Ermita") dramatizes many young Filipino women's perception of men as economic conveniences (although this has changed significantly in recent times), that the feminine charm is a potent tool to upgrade one's material life, to attain the middle class notion of comfort and happiness, through marriage with a financially stable man. This story employs deus ex machina.

"Kabiyak ng Dibdib" (Filipino metaphor for "Spouse") advocates fidelity. "Dalawa ang Mukha ng Pagkakamali" originally titled "Kalaguyo" ("Two Faces of Sin" originally titled "Paramour") speaks of the adulterous wife and the forgiving husband. "Minsan sa isang Gabing tulad nito" ("Sometimes on a Night like this") tells of a love that can never be, the love object is a Catholic priest.

"Saan Tayo Pupunta, Nay?" ("Where are we going, Mom?") recaps it all. Woman quo vadis?

Woman, who are you? Femme fatale? Mother earth-- life giving, nourishing, sustaining? Sister helping your wayward brother find the right path? Lover whose love suffocates, struggling to love with detachment? Beloved? Whom are you really seeking-- could it be God? How well (or badly broken) do you emerge from the various roles you opt to play?

Men do love romance stories too, don't they? This book by a woman about women is not for women only but also for men-- fathers, brothers, husbands, friends, and lovers-- fellow pilgrims all in the long journey towards the eternal city of our destination.

Back to Home