Tuesday, September 01, 2009

Celia Pomeroy, RIP August 22

Am not exactly sure what to say about Celia Mariano Pomeroy -- one of the few women’s names prominent in the Philippine struggle, first, against Japanese occupation and later, against US imperialism. She had been with the Hukbo ng Bayan Laban sa Hapon (People’s Army Against the Japanese)during WWII and after, with the Hukbong Mapagpalaya ng Bayan (People’s Liberation Army) -- the Huks, as I've heard Americans call them. She was a member of the politburo of the PKP, the old Communist Party established by Crisanto Evangelista. Not too many remember her but as a child, I had seen a rather poignant photo of her and husband, William Pomeroy, in some newspaper. They were both in shackles and exchanging an awkward kiss. This must have been at the time of their capture. They would spend the next ten years in separate jails.

Peace, sister; some remember you did your share.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Is there an obit posted somewhere? She lead an amazing and heroic life.

Unknown said...

Only in various blogsites... a pity but then this is how it is with women's history. Yes, she led an amazing life and did all she could for her people and what she believed in.

Mildred said...

I am a Filipina-American and I've never heard of this woman. I have to do more research, I think.

Ken Fuller said...

http://www.tribune.net.ph/20090901/commentary/20090901com5.html

Anonymous, this is the obit I did for the Daily Tribune.

anton joaquin said...

Yes indeed, my first feminist idol, Celia Pomeroy. I was in high school when they wereapprehended and jailed. I bought their book and is part of my collection. I felt for them even if I did not support all the Huks alleged to justify for their existence.

Also, Ms. Rosca, as nephew writer of BIOGRAPHY OF NICK JOAQUIN,may I ask inpouts from you about this great uncle of ours. My email address: tony.joaquin@gmail.com

It would be our honor and pleasure to include a piece written by you about Nick.

Thanks.

Tony Joaquin
biographer

Anonymous said...

I am listening to an album track by Phil Ochs called "Celia" - a love song about Celia Mariano. It is on his album "All the News that's fit to Sing" and was issued in 1965.

I met her some time after - before 1974 - on a lecture tour of the UK.

Bill