First Filipino Socialist Novel Banaag at Sikat (1906), to be launched by Anvil Oct 4

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First Filipino Socialist Novel Banaag at Sikat (1906), to be launched by Anvil Oct 4   http://panitikan.com.ph/newsarchive/monthly/september2008.htm#sikat     ANVIL EDITION OF BANAAG AT SIKAT TO BE LAUNCHED AT BANTAYOG MEMORIAL CENTER   ANVIL PUBLISHING, INC. will launch Banaag at Sikat, one of the first literary novels written by premier Filipino author Lope K. Santos on October 4, 2008, from 12 nn to 2 pm, at the Bantayog Memorial Center in Quezon Ave. cor Edsa, Quezon City. This important book is deemed as Santos' "obra maestra" and considered the "Bible of the working-class Filipinos." The novel revolves around the life of the socialist Delfin and his friend Felipe, and how they fought for their social beliefs and principles against a backdrop of cruelty and inequality caused by the rich landowners.   Banaag at Sikat tackles social issues like capitalism and equality of rights in a society, and has been the motivation of Hukbalahap (Hukbo ng Bayan Laban sa Hapon) during World War II. Its central message – a long tradition of camaraderie exists despite any crisis that affects all workers – remains applicable even in modern times. The book is also the only novel that the Filipino critic Teodoro Agoncillo included in the list of important books about Tagalog literature because it started a mode of writing a Tagalog novel. Its narration of the lives of the characters is clear and smooth, and it carries themes of love, livelihood and the reality found in society.   Lope K. Santos was a renowned novelist, journalist, poet, and labor leader of his time. He is remembered as the Father of Filipino Grammar and was granted the first "Paham ng Wika" Award in Tagalog Literature history for this very novel. He was named the director of the Surian ng Wikang Pambansa by President Manuel L. Quezon. For more details, please contact Joyce Bersales at 747-1622.