Bata bata...Paano ka Ginawa..?

Main Characters:

• Lea- the protagonist and hero in the novel.
• Maya- the daughter of Lea and Ding.
• Ojie- Lea's son to Raffy.
• Ding- Lea's live-in partner, Maya's father.
• Raffy- first husband of Lea,Ojie's father.
• Johnny- Lea's fantasy and co-worker.

Symbolism/Values:

• Know your worth as a person.
• Respect the right of others.
• Showing the love and care to the children.
• Think wisely in making decision.
• We have to be strong in the problems or trials that we encounter.
• Be faithful.

Introduction:

                In a period in the past, Philippines women normally and simply follow the wills and whims of their husbands and other male members of society. The role of women were just to act upon their roles as mothers who perform household chores, take care of the children, and take cares the needs of their husbands. They don't  
and should not based on previous customs-get involved with subject matters and discussion about livelihood and political issues. But the face of ambiance of the perceived role of women in society changed, as society itself was transform. The doors of offices were opened to give way to women workers. They were given a place where their complaints regarding women rights could be heard, as well as their concept about life and livelihood, earning them a voice with in and outside the boundaries of home....

Theme:
       
             The once mere role of women in the society has diversified....


             This has been clearly exemplified by Lea's role in Lualhati Bautista's novel, Bata bata... Paano ka Ginawa?. Before, women were stereotyped as females who are to stay in houses to do chores, take care of children and their husbands. They were not allowed to participate in manly conversations regarding works and politics. They don't have equal rights like men did. And they were not given the chance to speak up for themselves to have their own stands.
             Now women, instead of staying home doing chores, can be seen in the men's workplace.Instead of staying back from conversations, they are now heard when speak.They are now given more space and freedom to have their respective and distinctive roles in the society. They are now seen fighting for their rights and not minding consequences. They now fight against abuses, injustices and equal their levels as to men. Women are not seen holding back their thoughts and getting scared of being heard. They are starting to prove and earn their right to be treated as equals and worthy counterparts of men...

Plot:


             Lea thought all was going to be well with her relationships with men, her children and her work for a human rights organization when summer vacation started. Her youngest child, Maya has just graduated from kindergarten and her oldest, Ojie is going to be a find young man. But she started having more problems with Maya's being curious of things and Ojie's adjustment to adulthood. She even had problems with her live-in partner and father of Maya, Ding who was basically never home. Her husband and Ojie's father whom she separated with many years ago has now come back to bring his son to the states. And her job required more of her presence taking less of her vacant time for her children.
           Lea's presence was needed by many. She's needed by her children most of all. She left confused and scared of the thought that because of being busy with work; their fathers might take her children away from her. But the decision will not be hers to make because she let her children she had loved all her life choose their mother. And Lea felt happiness and contentment with the company of her children...

Interpretation:

                In this generation where the women usually became mother and also became father. One thing is for sure is that women can live and sacrifice. There are so many sacrifices for Lea Bustamante, and the worst is, if you have a child like her. The children is curious and asking why, but they are lucky to have a mother like Lea because she is not ashame on her past life. And because of that issues, her children accepted about their mother's issues and intrigues that are being thrown to him by the people...