Two women achievers in the field of arts were feted Monday night, March 13 during the House of Representatives' traditional all-women plenary session.
Honored in separate resolutions penned for them were actress Dolly de Leon and the late writer-novelist Lualhati Bautista.
It was quite fitting for De Leon and Bautista to be given tribute by the lady legislators, of which there are 86 in the lower chamber. The all-women session itself was part of the ongoing celebrations of National Women's Month.
Initially presiding over the plenary session was Tingog Party-list Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez, wife of House Speaker and Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez.
During the session, the House adopted House Resolution (HR) No.802, as amended, congratulating and commending De Leon for winning best supporting actress in the Sweden’s Guldbagge Awards, the Los Angeles Film Critics Association (LAFCA) Awards, and the 2022 North Dakota Film Society Awards.
The 55-year-old also has distinction of being the first Filipino nominated as best supporting actress in the 2022 Golden Globe Awards for her role in the film “Triangle of Sadness".
De Leon ultimately lost the Golden Globe to Angela Bassett, who played Queen Ramonda in "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever". Still, the Filipina's nomination for a Golden Globe trophy remains a big deal.
The House also adopted House Resolution (HR) No.787, expressing the profound condolences of the chamber on the passing of Bautista last Feb. 12, 2023 at the age of 77.
"She is remembered for her profound contribution to Philippine Literature and Cinema and has touched the hearts of friends, families and aspiring literary writers,” the resolution read.
Born on Dec. 2, 1945, Bautista is known for her popular novels Dekada '70; Bata, Bata, Pa'no Ka Ginawa?; and ‘GAPÔ.
Wikipedia cites the late writer for her "honest realism, courageous exploration of Philippine women's issues, and compelling female protagonists who confront difficult situations at home and in the workplace with uncommon grit and strength".