Why create a mythology for womankind?
By Michelle Camille Correa While it’s true that Philippine society is matriarchal and that its women possess a certain degree of independence unparalleled in other Asian societies, Filipino expatriate novelist and journalist Ninotchka Rosca believes that creating a mythology for womankind, especially for Filipinas, is still an absolute must-do. During the launch of her newest book “Sugar and Salt” on Aug. 10, 2007 at the Loyola Schools Bookstore, Rosca outlined several reasons why. In local fables and stories where women are seen as prizes to be fought over and won by men, Rosca asserted that “women’s passivity is celebrated rather than criticized.” However, Rosca insists that “the nature of nature is female.” Life comes from the womb. A mother gives birth and nurtures her young, for example. In today’s world, Filipino women are the ones who put food on the table as overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) or even as mail-order brides. “Think of the valuation of the lives of women overseas” wh
