Women's Month reading list: works by journalists

It is not easy to fight for the truth. Historically, women journalists have faced misogyny and harassment while doing their jobs. However, it has not stopped them from braving the frontlines in struggles against disinformation and injustice, even at the cost of their safety. This March, join us as we spotlight the contributions of accomplished women in the field of journalism. Here are books by women journalists you can read and support!

Lugar Lang 

by Jhoanna Lynn B Cruz

Palanca award-winning writer Jhoanna Lynn B Cruz is full professor of literature and creative writing at the University of the Philippines Mindanao, where she currently serves as dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. She is known for amplifying lesbian-centered works. In 2010, her first book, "Women Loving: Stories and a Play" from De La Salle University and Anvil Publishing, became the first single-author collection of lesbian-themed works published in the Philippines. In 2015, an ebook of her stories, entitled Women on Fire, was published. In 2020, Cruz’s "Abi Nako, or So I Thought," became the first lesbian memoir in the country, following her move to Davao City after her failed heterosexual marriage and her adventures rebuilding her life as a single mother, lesbian, and writer. 

In 2024, her column essays published in the Mindanao Times from August 2016 to October 2018 were compiled into a book entitled "Lugar Lang." Her essays balance the personal and the political, filled with reflections on home and her lesbian identity, as well as intense criticisms of the Duterte administration. She experiments with the essay form, transforming the presentation of the issues within them, which she deems as “dressing up” the opinion column. One opinion piece is dressed up as a dramatic monologue by Pepsi Paloma’s ghost. Another opinion piece is dressed up as a speculative story set in an alternative universe where former President Rodrigo Duterte apologizes for his misogynist ways. She faced online political persecution for her dissent, though this did not deter her from finding creative ways to continue speaking up.  

Get your copy in paperback: Website | Lazada and Shopee

COVID-19 in the News: Of Seekers, Scoundrels, and Saints

by Ma. Ceres P Doyo

Before she became a seasoned journalist, Doyo had been a practicing psychologist, a novice of a religious congregation, a human rights worker, and a writer for the alternative/mosquito press. Her articles challenged the Marcos dictatorship and thus earned her the ire of some powerful individuals of the time. Her writing prowess is further evidenced by two of her books winning the National Book Award in 2016 and 2022: "Macli-ing Dulag: Defender of the Cordillera" and "Press Freedom under Siege." 

Her newest book, "COVID-19 in the News: Of Seekers, Scoundrels, and Saints," gathers her work as a staff writer for the Philippine Daily Inquirer. She writes about the pandemic not as a distant observer but as an affected citizen and an unflinching witness. The book highlights the heroism of healthcare workers, service providers, concerned individuals, institutions, and organizations. With equal fervor, Doyo exposes those in and out of government who squandered national resources at the expense of Filipino lives. Doyo has spent her whole career advocating for the truth. Through her work, readers are given the chance to understand on a deeper level the important issues that affect all Filipinos.

Get your copy in paperback: Website | Shopee and Lazada

Unrequited Love: Duterte’s China Embrace

by Marites Dañguilan Vitug and Camille Elemia 

Marites Dañguilan Vitug has been a journalist for more than three decades. She was first propelled to report about political issues after the assassination of Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. She began covering issues like the underground insurgency and protests. This led to a career reporting on politics, insurgency, military, justice, security issues, and natural resources, which has won her many awards and public recognition. She is also a best-selling author who has written nine books on Philippine current affairs. Vitug is currently editor at large at Rappler. 

With a decade of journalistic experience, Camille Elemia is an award-winning multimedia journalist known for her investigative reporting on Philippine politics, China’s influence, and media and disinformation issues. She is a reporter for The New York Times and Radio Free Asia and its affiliate BenarNews and was formerly with Rappler and CNN Philippines. 

Through archival research and field interviews, Vitug and Elemia unravel the baffling tale of former president Rodrigo Duterte’s affection for China and his extraordinary efforts to cultivate this relationship despite China’s threats against our sovereignty. It’s perfect for those looking for an eye-opening and thought-provoking political read! Vitug and Elemia’s dedication to uncovering difficult truths serves as inspiration for aspiring journalists and all concerned Filipino citizens to stay vigilant and steadfast in the protection of our country’s rights. 

Get your copy in paperback: Website| Lazada, and Shopee