We are Grade 11 students from Immaculate Heart of Mary College – Paranaque. We are going to be tackling about the book “Soledad’s Sister” by Jose Dalisay. Our thoughts will be discussed and a thorough overview of some social issues from the book shall be viewed.
Background of the author
Jose Y. Dalisay Jr. (born January 15, 1954) is a Filipino writer. He has won numerous awards and prizes for fiction, poetry, drama, non-fiction and screenwriting, including 16 Palanca Awards
Soledad’s Sister is the second novel of Filipino author Jose Dalisay (the first being Killing Time in A Warm Place, 1992). It won recognition as one of five novels shortlisted in the first The Man Asian Literary Prize in 2007. (Wikipedia)
“ CONNECTED TO EVERYONE’S LIVES ”
By: Aleiza Marielle A. Villena
The story Soledad’s sister is like an eye opener to us Filipinos because it was mentioned there that Filipinos take risks to work in other countries in exchange of their own safety and life in order for them to have enough money for their family to use in their everyday lives, just like Aurora in the story she have risked her life in order to make the life of her family light and easy just like how Filipino families ran through here in our country. Despite the huge problem that Aurora have encountered her sister Soledad did not bother to continue the legacy and righteous deeds she have done. Just like how the mind of many Filipino workers and families here in the Philippines despite all of the tragic moments and hard task that we have encounter we always make sure that we always put our head up and make all things right again. Just like what Soledad did to make her life and her sister’s life significant and made justice with. The connection of the “ Boy Alambre” to all the karma to everyone’s lives it is like a reminder to all of us that in whatever wrong doings we decide and choose to do there is always an associated unfortunate event that will happen next to us just like what happened to the “ Boy Alambre” he fell the river after getting the casket and thrown in the river. The other scene that is much known to us Filipinos is that the story about Walter which has been left by her wife and son for other man and a good lifestyle in England. This is significantly known here in the Philippines that a lot of families are being broken down by this circumstances and the child is the one always being affected many of them are raised without the mother or the father just because of the reason of having other family of one of their parents. So all in one novel the life of the Filipinos have been discussed it was like all connected as one but, all of the issues here in our have been discussed and let our eyes opened for just a stance.
“ SACRIFICES “
By: Kiara Riel C. Tinasas
It has been quite a sacrifice for certain people to work abroad, away from their families to be able to earn money. Not everyone could have the guts to travel on the other side of the planet, to work hard to earn their income. But, some people could, through the strength that they get from their loved ones. The motivation that they get from their families. The thought of seeing their families healthy and happily enjoying life.
But just like in life it is not always full of positivity. This story wants to raise awareness for the abused overseas workers. Not all overseas workers are blessed with the bosses or companies they are assigned to. Some of these overseas workers have experienced unjust events that could have ended their lives. Some just actually come back home arriving in a casket not breathing anymore. Our society could be so cruel these days, living up to unjust actions.
One of the most cruel things that our overseas workers have experienced, being accused with actions they may have never committed. Yet the country’s system is bias because, they could easily deport the overseas worker. This is what’s happening with some of our overseas worker. They just want to be able to work and earn money for their families yet, they go through cruel things. I believe that this cruelty should end, this unjust actions should not be tolerated. Overseas workers should stand by their rights and never let themselves be stepped on or be harmed.
For the families who have their relatives working overseas, make them feel appreciated. Make them feel you love and affection even if you are miles away from them. Make sure to check up on them and see if they are doing good. Love could do wonderful things and making sacrifices is one of those wonderful things.
” STRUGGLE AND DETERMINATION OF AN OFW “
By: Andrew Jake B. Oculam
Overseas Filipino worker experience the struggle of inhumane in other country because of racism and how the boss look at them, some of the their boss they didn’t receive any respect from them because they are low profile and standards and Filipinos workers didn’t expect any respect treated with respect and basic Human Rights. Filipino overseas are determine in working abroad because they work for there family because they need to support for their everyday life for their kids who go to school and the Filipino workers are parents they made a sacrifice just to help for their daily needs. The Filipinos Workers should be given a respect and human rights because they work hard and make sacrifices for their family just to live and all they want is to respect them and not everyone is aware of there determination and sacrifices for their family just to give them a comfortable life. Some of them they don’t think about the needs for them they just think for their family that’s why they are known as heroes in the Philippines or “ Bayani”.
“THE LIFE OF BEING AN OFW IS NOT EASY “
By : Marlon Tuy
Filipinos started dreaming to go out from the country to give the better life on their family. Thinking that you can give more financial assistance to your family, they think that if you are working abroad you are earning in a dollar, that is true, you are earning a dollars and you also spending in dollars too. Cost of living in the different country is higher than what we expected especially in the Middle East, America, Europe Country, and others.Adjustment is very important if you want to work abroad you will need to follow their culture and tradition of their country.
Soledad's Sister by Jose Dalisay 