PRESS RELEASE NO. 2-2025

Acting Head of Post Pamela Durian-Bailon welcomes the guests and highlights the contributions of Enriqueta de Peralta in Philippine literature and the women’s rights movement.

13 January 2025, Honolulu – The Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu supported the book launch of  “Enriqueta de Peralta - A Woman Ahead of Her Time” last January 10 at the Consulate’s Sentro Rizal. Acting Head of Post Pamela Durian-Bailon noted how Enriqueta de Peralta’s inspiring life continues to inspire Filipinos, particularly Ilocanos, to this day. 

During the launch, Ms. Patricia de Peralta Quiason shared the story of Enriqueta de Peralta and her accomplishments as a poet, a civic leader, and a women’s rights advocate. 

In his keynote address, University of Hawaii Professor Aurelio Agcaoili highlighted the important contribution of Enriqueta de Peralta to Philippine literature who “did not shy away from her social duties as a citizen.” Professor Agcaoili added that Enriqueta already embodied feminism even before it became widespread in Western society.  He said Enriqueta De Peralta cannot be dismissed in history, and that her story must “be part of the consciousness of younger people to make the language and literature of our people thrive.” 

Ms. Marilyn Baquiran, Chair of the International Professional Association of Dingras (IPAD), shared critics’ reviews of the book while Ms. Gladys Menor and Ms. Thelma Ortal read Enriqueta’s poems for the audience. 

In her remarks, Ms. Teresita Peralta shared the advocacy of IPAD to print more copies of the book and distribute the same to Filipino students, especially the younger generation of Ilocanos. (END)

Professor Aurelio Agcaoili lauds the late Enriqueta de Peralta for her literary contributions and her work as a poet who “did not shy away from her social duties as a citizen.”

Patricia de Peralta Quiason shares the story of Enriqueta de Peralta.

Teresita Peralta shares future plans for the book, including the publication of the book specifically for the use of Filipino students.

Marilyn Baquiran reads reviews of the publication.

Gladys Menor reads a poem by Enriqueta de Peralta.

Thelma Ortal reads an excerpt from the “Vagina Monologues,” translated to Ilocano by Prof. Agcaoili.