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‘First Woman of Philippine Literature’ to launch latest book in Vancouver
Tuesday September 7, 2004
Vancouver, BC--Internationally-acclaimed, award-winning Filipino novelist
and ‘First Woman of Philippine Literature’ Ninotchka Rosca will be in
Vancouver to launch her latest book on Saturday September 18, 6:30pm at
the Russian Hall, 600 Campbell Avenue.
Jose Maria Sison: At Home in the World, Portrait of a Revolutionary, Rosca’s
sixth book, is the newest and perhaps most thorough incarnation to chronicle
the life of exiled Philippine revolutionary, Jose Maria Sison. Part biography,
part history lesson and part literary anthology, At Home in the World
frames the acheivements of Jose Maria Sison, founder of the Communist
Party of the Philippines, and Chief Political Consultant of the Negotiating
Panel of National Democratic Front of the Philippines within the history
and context of the Philippines’ struggle for national liberation. The
book also includes the former English Professor’s award winning poems.
Today, Sison is branded as a terrorist by the US and the European Union
and has consequently lost his housing, health and allowance benefits all
of which are granted to political refugees.
Rosca delivers a solid and humble portrayal of a man who has been often
tagged with terror and chaos. “When the European Parliament called him
a terrorist, he sued them and demanded damages because they had tarnished
his reputation. He’s not one to be intimidated, no matter who the enemy.
That’s the Sison Way,” Rosca shared at a recent book launch in the Philippines.
“The book launch is not only an exciting event but will be an excellent
educational opportunity,” explains Beth Dollaga, of the BC Committee for
Human Rights in the Philippines (BCCHRP). “Her relationship with Jose
Maria Sison goes back almost 40 years and is not solely an emotional and
personal bond. Their friendship is political as well as intellectual,
and she has seen him mature on both levels,” concludes Dollaga.
A former political prisoner under the Marcos Dictatorship, Rosca has written
numerous works of fiction, and is the 1993 winner of the American Book
Award for her novel, Twice Blessed. She has appeared in several publications
including the Village Voice, Q, Ms. Magazine and the International. She
is the Founding chair of Gabriela Network, solidarity organization for
Filipino women, and the International spokesperson for the Purple Rose
Campaign to end the sex trafficking of Filipino women and children and
is a lecturer for the Institute of Social Change (Speak Out) on women’s
rights.
The book launch will feature a short reading by Rosca followed by a question
and answer period. The author will be available for book signings and
photo opportunities. -30-
For more information or to arrange an interview with Ms. Rosca, please
contact Charlene or Beth at 604-215-1103.
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