There were many stumbles before getting the CPG Award for Excellence in Literary Arts. Or any recognition for that matter. I’m just lucky I have a family that reads, especially parents who supported my decision to take on what others might say an “uneconomical” field (creative writing what?), and a sister who introduced me to books and to writing very early on. Lucky to have relatives like my lolo Julian “Papa Iyan” Ypong Torralba, whose little library in the old house in Tamblot was packed with books, journals, magazines, and newspapers. That slim room taught me that entire universes hide between tiny printed words.
But even with an early intro to reading and writing, life still gets in the way. You get distracted, get your heart smashed into smithereens, get hurt so deeply that not even the salve of prose or poetry can soothe you. Or quiet the demons in your head. I stopped writing for almost three years, no new sensible material from 2013 to 2016. This is where my gratitude goes to my partner Marjune, and to my friends in Kaliwat ni Karyapa, Plastic Free Bohol, and the Bohol Climate Walkers. These people showed me what purpose looks like. They were the compass that pointed me back to myself and what matters most. Other fellow CPG Awardees who I knew from way, way back and became friends along the way are also an inspiration without a doubt. There are people who aren’t happy for this award, and you can tell by their forced snark and indifference, but I let it be. We focus.
Beyond that family, that sister, that lolo, that private library, that circle of friends, or that organization, I wish all our governments could be the support system a talent needs, and provide the kind of foundation that consistently nurtures it until it can stand on its own. I wish for more public libraries in our city and municipalities. I wish we recognize that reading and writing are as intrinsically valuable as any other discipline.
Because privilege can be made accessible. Because public spaces that nurture learning and leisure are possible. Everyone in the ceremonial hall that morning holds the power to move us in this direction. May the 2025 Carlos P. Garcia Awards be a true beginning, a moment when we choose to share that power with all.
Once again, thank you to Loon, the municipality that first nominated me for this award. Thank you to the 2025 CPG Awards committee, the Provincial Government of Bohol, the Center for Culture and Arts Development - Bohol, and the Bohol Arts and Cultural Heritage Council. Daghang salamat!
[ More photos here ]
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