The anthology “First Draft: Essays by Ten Women” is off the press, published by Tahanan Books, edited by Lorna Kalaw-Tirol, and with an introduction by Mariel N. Francisco. It features the narratives of a group of women who had been meeting for over 10 years in different homes and restaurants to share their compositions for critiquing.

The authors, apart from Kalaw-Tirol and Francisco, are Gilda Cordero-Fernando, Fe C. Arriola, Karina Africa-Bolasco, Melinda Quintos-de Jesus, Rita Ledesma, Elizabeth Lolarga, Edna Zapanta-Manlapaz, and Chit Roces-Santos.

In his blurb, sociologist and columnist Randy David wrote that the essays “are fascinating forays into the nature of inner experience. Honest, courageous, and reflective—they tell of different ways of being, of reckoning time, of responding to the demands of multiple roles, of experiencing pain, loss, grief, and aging.”

Marlu Vilches, vice president for higher education of Ateneo de Manila University, called the narratives “refreshing,” done “by achieved women who are simply themselves without trying to prove their worth further. In their inner room, we listen to how they play their multiple roles in various aspects of their lives…and their arriving at a greater awareness of self that can face the world squarely and bravely and well.”

Copies of the book are initially available at a 10% discount to all walk-in customers of Ilaw ng Tahanan Publishing, Inc. at Cityland III Condominium Unit 402, 105 V.A. Rufino corner Esteban Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City, Philippines. Or call/fax (+632) 8813 7165; text/call mobile (+63916) 383 7238; or visit www.tahananbooks.ph.

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