In celebration of Women’s Month 2025, the Ateneo Library of Women’s Writings and the University of Gender and Development Office in partnership with Ang Ilustrador ng Kabataan invite you to the opening of "STORIED LIVES: Portraits of Women in the ALiWW Collection" — a fund-raising exhibit for the Research Grant on Women and Gender.
“Anita” by Abi Goy (Digital)
Anita Magsaysay-Ho (1914–2012)
The lone woman among the Thirteen Moderns, she danced between lines and colors, capturing the quiet power of rural life. Her art, alive with movement, whispered stories of resilience across generations. With her brush, she turned Filipino women into ethereal muses of strength and grace.
The lone woman among the Thirteen Moderns, she danced between lines and colors, capturing the quiet power of rural life. Her art, alive with movement, whispered stories of resilience across generations. With her brush, she turned Filipino women into ethereal muses of strength and grace.
“Among the Flowers” by Abi Joson (Felted wool)
Araceli Dans (1929–2024)
She breathed life into a canvas by transforming delicate lace and barong into timeless masterpieces. A master of realism, she captured the soul of Filipino heritage with every intricate fold and shadow. Through her art, she preserved tradition, proving that beauty, like history, is meant to be seen and remembered.
She breathed life into a canvas by transforming delicate lace and barong into timeless masterpieces. A master of realism, she captured the soul of Filipino heritage with every intricate fold and shadow. Through her art, she preserved tradition, proving that beauty, like history, is meant to be seen and remembered.
“TwiZted” by Al Estrella (Digital)
Jessica Zafra
A literary firecracker, she sparks wit and rebellion in every sentence, turning the mundane into the extraordinary. She is a fearless storyteller as she blends satire, sarcasm, and sharp social commentary. Whether dissecting pop culture or life’s absurdities, her words ignite minds, leaving readers entertained, enlightened, and hungry for more.
A literary firecracker, she sparks wit and rebellion in every sentence, turning the mundane into the extraordinary. She is a fearless storyteller as she blends satire, sarcasm, and sharp social commentary. Whether dissecting pop culture or life’s absurdities, her words ignite minds, leaving readers entertained, enlightened, and hungry for more.
“Pagsulat at paglaya” by Aldy Aguirre (Watercolor on paper)
Neni Sta. Romana-Cruz
As an award-winning writer and educator, she brings history and heritage to life through her books and essays. She is a passionate advocate of literacy, a storyteller, and a cultural chronicler. With every word, she nurtures young minds, preserving Filipino stories for generations to come.
As an award-winning writer and educator, she brings history and heritage to life through her books and essays. She is a passionate advocate of literacy, a storyteller, and a cultural chronicler. With every word, she nurtures young minds, preserving Filipino stories for generations to come.
“Direk!” by Alyssa Babasa (Gouache and colored pencils)
Marilou Diaz-Abaya (1955–2012)
By crafting thought-provoking masterpieces like José Rizal (1998) and Muro-Ami (1999), she was a trailblazing filmmaker who used cinema as a mirror to society. A pioneer of Philippine cinema, she blended artistry with advocacy, shaping narratives that challenged minds, stirred hearts, and inspired generations of storytellers to follow her path.
By crafting thought-provoking masterpieces like José Rizal (1998) and Muro-Ami (1999), she was a trailblazing filmmaker who used cinema as a mirror to society. A pioneer of Philippine cinema, she blended artistry with advocacy, shaping narratives that challenged minds, stirred hearts, and inspired generations of storytellers to follow her path.
“Stellar Voyage” by Ana Luciano-Fernandez (Digital)
Paz Márquez-Benítez (1894–1983)
In writing a tale of love and longing, she carved her name in Philippine literature with Dead Stars — the country’s first modern short story. With elegance and depth, she captured love, loss, and longing, shaping generations of writers. A literary pioneer and educator, she illuminated the path for Filipino fiction, where stories still shine bright.
In writing a tale of love and longing, she carved her name in Philippine literature with Dead Stars — the country’s first modern short story. With elegance and depth, she captured love, loss, and longing, shaping generations of writers. A literary pioneer and educator, she illuminated the path for Filipino fiction, where stories still shine bright.
“Gilda the Trailblazer” by Txin Orig (Digital)
Gilda Cordero Fernando (1930–2020)
A pioneer in literature and the arts, she bridged tradition and modernity through fiction, essays, and colorful interdisciplinary projects, leaving a lasting impact on Philippine cultural discourse and creative expression. She spun tales where history flirted with myth, turning pages into portals of Filipino identity.
A pioneer in literature and the arts, she bridged tradition and modernity through fiction, essays, and colorful interdisciplinary projects, leaving a lasting impact on Philippine cultural discourse and creative expression. She spun tales where history flirted with myth, turning pages into portals of Filipino identity.
“Karina in Color” by Beth Parrocha (Watercolor and colored pencils)
Karina Bolasco
A champion for Philippine literature, she shapes the Philippine publishing landscape with passion and purpose. A publisher, editor, and advocate, she has nurtured voices that challenge, inspire, and transform. Through books that spark discourse and preserve heritage, she ensures that stories—bold, diverse, and powerful—continue to shape the nation’s future.
A champion for Philippine literature, she shapes the Philippine publishing landscape with passion and purpose. A publisher, editor, and advocate, she has nurtured voices that challenge, inspire, and transform. Through books that spark discourse and preserve heritage, she ensures that stories—bold, diverse, and powerful—continue to shape the nation’s future.
“Ora et Laban” by Blooey Singson (Digital)
Sr. Mary John Mananzan, O.S.B.
Recognized for her contributions to education, feminist theology, and social justice in the Philippines, she turns faith into action, proving that true devotion means lifting others and challenging injustice at every turn. She served as prioress of the Missionary Benedictine Sisters in Manila, president of St. Scholastica’s College, and co-founded the organization GABRIELA.
Recognized for her contributions to education, feminist theology, and social justice in the Philippines, she turns faith into action, proving that true devotion means lifting others and challenging injustice at every turn. She served as prioress of the Missionary Benedictine Sisters in Manila, president of St. Scholastica’s College, and co-founded the organization GABRIELA.
“Balik-Tanaw” by Cy Vendivil (Digital)
Soledad S. Reyes
A distinguished literary scholar and cultural critic, she specializes in Philippine popular literature, komiks, and women’s writing. Her work challenges traditional literary hierarchies, highlighting the significance of mass literature in shaping national identity. Through extensive research and analysis, she broadens the discourse on Filipino literary and cultural studies.
A distinguished literary scholar and cultural critic, she specializes in Philippine popular literature, komiks, and women’s writing. Her work challenges traditional literary hierarchies, highlighting the significance of mass literature in shaping national identity. Through extensive research and analysis, she broadens the discourse on Filipino literary and cultural studies.
“Like a Blue Flower” by Danielle Florendo (Watercolor on paper)
Christine Bellen
As a storyteller who brings Filipino folklore and heritage to life, she is best known for her Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang adaptations. A playwright and children's book author, her words weave magic, preserving the rich tapestry of Philippine literature and imagination.
As a storyteller who brings Filipino folklore and heritage to life, she is best known for her Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang adaptations. A playwright and children's book author, her words weave magic, preserving the rich tapestry of Philippine literature and imagination.
“Delicious!” by Fran Alvarez (Acrylic, gouache, and colored pencils)
Doreen Fernandez (1934–2002)
A literary gourmand who turned food into poetry and history into flavor. A revered writer, cultural historian, and critic, she explored Filipino cuisine’s deep roots and rich stories. Through her books such as Tikim (1994) and Sarap (1998), she immortalized the nation’s culinary soul, shaping how the world savors Philippine food culture.
A literary gourmand who turned food into poetry and history into flavor. A revered writer, cultural historian, and critic, she explored Filipino cuisine’s deep roots and rich stories. Through her books such as Tikim (1994) and Sarap (1998), she immortalized the nation’s culinary soul, shaping how the world savors Philippine food culture.
“Barahang Walang Bilang” by Hannah Nantes (Collage with hand-pulled print and ink drawing)
Brenda Fajardo (1940–2024)
A storyteller with a brush, she painted history, identity, and destiny through rich, symbolic imagery. A visual artist, educator, and cultural advocate, she captured folklore and social commentary in her tarot-inspired works. Her art empowered many, reminding Filipinos that their past, present, and future are theirs to shape.
A storyteller with a brush, she painted history, identity, and destiny through rich, symbolic imagery. A visual artist, educator, and cultural advocate, she captured folklore and social commentary in her tarot-inspired works. Her art empowered many, reminding Filipinos that their past, present, and future are theirs to shape.
“Sumasayaw Ang Mga Alon, Umiindayog Ang Mga Dahon” by Jap Mikel (Digital)
Ligaya Fernando-Amilbangsa
A dancer, scholar, and cultural warrior, she has dedicated her life to preserving indigenous arts, proving that heritage, like dance, must flow gracefully across generations. She is a guardian of tradition, breathing life into the delicate movements of pangalay, an ancient dance from the Sulu Archipelago.
A dancer, scholar, and cultural warrior, she has dedicated her life to preserving indigenous arts, proving that heritage, like dance, must flow gracefully across generations. She is a guardian of tradition, breathing life into the delicate movements of pangalay, an ancient dance from the Sulu Archipelago.
“Sana ay Huwag Niyo Kaming Kalimutan” by Jomer Haban (Digital)
Maria Rosa Henson (1927–1997)
As the first Filipina to speak out as a comfort woman, she turned pain into power, exposing wartime atrocities through her memoir. Her voice, raw and unyielding, ignited a movement, ensuring truth and justice would never be forgotten.
As the first Filipina to speak out as a comfort woman, she turned pain into power, exposing wartime atrocities through her memoir. Her voice, raw and unyielding, ignited a movement, ensuring truth and justice would never be forgotten.
“Filipino Woman” by Jonathan Rañola (Mixed media)
Encarnación Alzona (1895–2001)
A National Scientist of the Philippines, she made significant contributions to historical research and women’s rights advocacy. Her scholarship remains foundational in Philippine historiography and the advancement of gender equality. She proved that knowledge is not just power—it’s a force that shapes the future.
A National Scientist of the Philippines, she made significant contributions to historical research and women’s rights advocacy. Her scholarship remains foundational in Philippine historiography and the advancement of gender equality. She proved that knowledge is not just power—it’s a force that shapes the future.
“Ang Mabuting Imelda” by Jovan de Ocampo (Fountain pen ink and polymer resin)
Imelda Cajipe-Endaya
Weaving feminism, history, and social justice into powerful visual narratives, she is a painter, printmaker, and installation artist who champions the struggles of Filipino women and migrants. Through vibrant hues and textured layers, she reclaims stories, turning art into a force for change.
Weaving feminism, history, and social justice into powerful visual narratives, she is a painter, printmaker, and installation artist who champions the struggles of Filipino women and migrants. Through vibrant hues and textured layers, she reclaims stories, turning art into a force for change.
“Songbirds” by Juno Abreau (Watercolor on paper)
Carla Pacis
With stories such as Hipon and Biya (2004), Carla Pacis is a masterful storyteller whose words transport young readers into worlds of wonder and discovery. An award-winning Filipino children's book author, she weaves tales rich in culture, adventure, and heart. She nurtures imagination, sparks curiosity, and celebrates the beauty of the Filipino spirit.
With stories such as Hipon and Biya (2004), Carla Pacis is a masterful storyteller whose words transport young readers into worlds of wonder and discovery. An award-winning Filipino children's book author, she weaves tales rich in culture, adventure, and heart. She nurtures imagination, sparks curiosity, and celebrates the beauty of the Filipino spirit.
“La Liberty” by Luce Melegrito (Mixed media on textile)
Pacita Abad (1946–2004)
Known for her trapunto technique, she layered fabric, beads, and paint into vibrant masterpieces. From social themes to underwater wonders, her art was a celebration—alive, rebellious, and unapologetically global. She painted the world with bold colors, capturing its boundless energy.
Known for her trapunto technique, she layered fabric, beads, and paint into vibrant masterpieces. From social themes to underwater wonders, her art was a celebration—alive, rebellious, and unapologetically global. She painted the world with bold colors, capturing its boundless energy.
“The World Through Her Eyes” by Mikhaella Magat (Digital)
Mary Racelis
A scholar with a heart for the people, she turns research into a force for change. She is a distinguished anthropologist and sociologist whose work focuses on urban poverty, social justice, and community empowerment. Through her work, she transforms insights into action, proving that knowledge is a catalyst for justice.
A scholar with a heart for the people, she turns research into a force for change. She is a distinguished anthropologist and sociologist whose work focuses on urban poverty, social justice, and community empowerment. Through her work, she transforms insights into action, proving that knowledge is a catalyst for justice.
“All that I Love” by Patti Ramos (Mixed media on watercolor paper)
Edith Tiempo (1919–2011)
A literary luminary, she crafted poetry and prose with precision and grace. The Philippines’ first female National Artist for Literature, she balanced depth with clarity, weaving words into timeless reflections on life and humanity. As a writer, mentor, and critic, she shaped generations of literary voices.
A literary luminary, she crafted poetry and prose with precision and grace. The Philippines’ first female National Artist for Literature, she balanced depth with clarity, weaving words into timeless reflections on life and humanity. As a writer, mentor, and critic, she shaped generations of literary voices.
“The Director's Cut” by Pergy Acuña (Papercut)
Daisy Avellana (1917–2013)
As the “First Lady of Philippine Theater,” she breathed life into the stage and screen with her powerful performances and visionary direction. A National Artist for Theater, she co-founded the Barangay Theater Guild, transforming Philippine drama with classics like Portrait of the Artist as Filipino, leaving an indelible legacy.
As the “First Lady of Philippine Theater,” she breathed life into the stage and screen with her powerful performances and visionary direction. A National Artist for Theater, she co-founded the Barangay Theater Guild, transforming Philippine drama with classics like Portrait of the Artist as Filipino, leaving an indelible legacy.
“Woman of Firsts” by Popi Ozaeta (Digital)
Cecilia Muñoz-Palma (1913–2006)
The first female Supreme Court Justice of the Philippines, she was a trailblazer in Philippine law. A staunch advocate for democracy and human rights, she presided over the Constitutional Convention that drafted the 1987 Constitution, shaping the nation’s legal framework anew and championing judicial integrity and constitutional reform.
The first female Supreme Court Justice of the Philippines, she was a trailblazer in Philippine law. A staunch advocate for democracy and human rights, she presided over the Constitutional Convention that drafted the 1987 Constitution, shaping the nation’s legal framework anew and championing judicial integrity and constitutional reform.
“The Angel of Sto. Tomas” by Rev Cruz (Gouache and colored pencils)
Fe Del Mundo (1911–2011)
The first woman admitted to Harvard Medical School, she dedicated her life to pediatric care, founding the first pediatric hospital in the Philippines. Honored as a National Scientist, she revolutionized Philippine medicine and healthcare, nurturing generations with compassion and innovation.
The first woman admitted to Harvard Medical School, she dedicated her life to pediatric care, founding the first pediatric hospital in the Philippines. Honored as a National Scientist, she revolutionized Philippine medicine and healthcare, nurturing generations with compassion and innovation.
“Never a Dilettante” by Tin Javier (Paper collage)
Lina Flor (1914–1976)
Spinning stories like gold, she wove drama, love, and everyday struggles into words that resonated with the Filipino soul. Creator of Gulong ng Palad, she turned radio waves into lifelines of hope. A novelist, journalist, and scriptwriter, her legacy echoes in every tale that touches the heart.
Spinning stories like gold, she wove drama, love, and everyday struggles into words that resonated with the Filipino soul. Creator of Gulong ng Palad, she turned radio waves into lifelines of hope. A novelist, journalist, and scriptwriter, her legacy echoes in every tale that touches the heart.
“Cosmic Musings” by Tinsley Garanchon (Digital)
Nena Saguil (1924–1994)
One of the pioneers of Philippine abstraction, she abandoned the familiar for cosmic landscapes of swirling dots and hypnotic patterns. From Manila to Paris, her art transcended borders, whispering secrets of the universe in a language only the soul could understand. Her works captured dreams, galaxies, and the unseen rhythms of life.
One of the pioneers of Philippine abstraction, she abandoned the familiar for cosmic landscapes of swirling dots and hypnotic patterns. From Manila to Paris, her art transcended borders, whispering secrets of the universe in a language only the soul could understand. Her works captured dreams, galaxies, and the unseen rhythms of life.
“Herusalem, Herusalem, Ang Aming Tungo!” by Yan Gallegos (Papercut)
Amelia Lapeña-Bonifacio (1930–2020)
The “Grand Dame of Southeast Asian Children’s Theater,” she made magic combining puppetry and folklore, and founded Teatrong Mulat ng Pilipinas which stages plays such as the long-running Papet Pasyon. A playwright, professor, and National Artist, she nurtured young minds, ensuring that Filipino stories continue to enchant generations.
The “Grand Dame of Southeast Asian Children’s Theater,” she made magic combining puppetry and folklore, and founded Teatrong Mulat ng Pilipinas which stages plays such as the long-running Papet Pasyon. A playwright, professor, and National Artist, she nurtured young minds, ensuring that Filipino stories continue to enchant generations.
“All-in Woman” by Yeda Porcalla (Digital)
Edna Vida-Froilan
Known for her expressive choreography and technical excellence, she has elevated ballet and contemporary dance, blending cultural narratives with movement to create performances of lasting significance. She is a distinguished choreographer, dancer, and former prima ballerina whose contributions to Philippine dance have been instrumental in shaping its artistic landscape.
Known for her expressive choreography and technical excellence, she has elevated ballet and contemporary dance, blending cultural narratives with movement to create performances of lasting significance. She is a distinguished choreographer, dancer, and former prima ballerina whose contributions to Philippine dance have been instrumental in shaping its artistic landscape.
