New Bible for women launched

The giant representation of the Tagalog Women’s Bible adorned the stage at the Women of Blessing Rally in Cuneta Astrodome.

With all the hype about women power and women being treated equal with men, it still can’t be denied that these once called ‘weaker sex’ have special needs. Mrs. Nora Lucero, General Secretary of the Philippine Bible Society said, “Ang Filipina ay unique. Kakaiba ang kanyang mga hangarin, interes, at mga struggles sa buhay. Gusto nating matugunan ang mga ito sa pamamagitan ng isang Biblia na masasabi niyang talagang para sa akin ito. (The Filipina is unique, as well as her goals, interests and struggles in life. And we want to address these in a Bible that she can claim her own).”

Unveiling of the Tagalog Women’s Bible. Leading the ceremony

are Mrs. Lucero of PBS and Mrs. Tita Tolentino, Women of Blessing Chairman.

This is the motivation behind the Philippine Bible Society’s (PBS) new Scripture product, the Ang Biblia para sa Makabagong Filipina. The Tagalog Women’s Bible was formally launched during the Women of Blessing rally held at the Cuneta Astrodome on October 22, 2005 attended by 4,000 women from various parts of Luzon.
The Ang Biblia para sa Makabagong Filipina was especially produced for the needs of modern-day Filipinas. It contains carefully written articles on the relevance of God’s Word to current women issues. Most of these articles were based on life experiences of reputable women from various fields, including Evelyn Miranda-Feliciano, Catholic Mass Media awardee and best-selling author; Jophen Baui, writer and Bible translator; Sarah Jean Padrinao, FEBC radio announcer; and Amyjay Riconalla, Chairman of Fellowship of Christians in Business. The articles address topics such as sexual harassment, marital/domestic violence and balancing work and rest.

PBS GenSec Mrs. Lucero (2nd from right) with the writers

(from left) Jophen Baui, Evelyn Miranda-Feliciano and Richelle Ann Joson-Ligot.

“Karamihan sa mga issues ng mga babae ay parang nakabaon sa pages ng Scriptures. (Women issues are oftentimes buried in the pages of the Scriptures),” said Ms. Baui. “Ang mga articles ay parang mga pointers that will direct the readers to passages speaking to women, for women, and about women (The articles are like pointers that will direct the readers to passages speaking to women, for women and about women).”
The Tagalog Women’s Bible, containing the easy-to-understand Magandang Balita Biblia text, is available both in Catholic and Protestant Editions. Copies are distributed at PBS’ BibleHouses in Sta. Mesa and United Nations Avenue, as well as leading bookstores nationwide.