GAPO LUALHATI

Bautista was born in Tondo, Manila, Philippines on December 2, 1945 to Esteban

Bautista and Gloria Torres. She graduated from Emilio Jacinto Elementary
School in 1958, and from Torres High School in 1962 being one of the brightest
in her class. 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.