37th national book awards

Hello. I just want to share this happy news because I rarely get one these days. Two books that published my works are finalists—in the same category!—in the 37th National Book Awards of the National Book Development Board - Philippines and The Manila Critics Circle.

The publications The Bohol We Love, an anthology of memoir that is edited by Marjorie Evasco and one that includes my personal essay “A (Re)Collection of Stones”; and Sustaining the Archipelago, an anthology of ecopoetry from the Philippines that is edited by Rina Chua and one that includes my poem “Poetry as a Lesson in Botany” are both finalists for Best Book of Anthology in English, Literary Division.

Huge thanks to the people who make this happen. Also, books from several friends and mentors are nominated / finalists as well! Cheers and confetti, everyone! Yey!

You can see the complete list here or here.

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67th carlos palanca memorial awards for literature winners

In the Philippines, September usually heralds the special announcement of a select group of people who will be receiving some special recognition. This is the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature, and as celebrated yesterday evening, at the Manila Peninsula Makati, it is on its 67th year.

And what a wonderful night of literature and like minds, especially to my friends who won! Shout out to Jesus and Glenn, and to my batch-mates in the Silliman Writers Workshop (47th batch, Katsubongs represent!)—Dustin, Noelle, Tokwa, and Igor! I was supposed to submit my manuscript but I forgot the deadline. Petty excuse, I know. Next time, I will make sure I have set my alarm. Here are the winners:

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KABATAAN DIVISION

KABATAAN SANAYSAY
1st Prize: NO WINNER
2nd Prize: Carmel Joy F. Vergara, Patlang
3rd Prize: Robyn Therese V. Jocom, Sungkitin Pabalik ang Nakalipas

KABATAAN ESSAY
1st Prize: Alpheus Matthew D. Llantero, The Adventure of an Alien and the Matalino Kid
2nd Prize: Pauline Sherice Wee, Culture Redefined
3rd Prize: Marielle Fatima B. Tuazon, The Pursuit of Lucidity

***

FILIPINO DIVISION 

MAIKLING KUWENTO
1st Prize: Andrian M. Legaspi, Sa Pagitan ng Sabaw ng Chaolong at Hilab ng Tiyan
2nd Prize: Valentine Dula, Patintero
3rd Prize: Nicko M. de Guzman, Troll

MAIKLING KUWENTONG PAMBATA
1st Prize: Maryrose Jairene Cruz-Eusebio, Ang Patay-gutom
2nd Prize: Josel Luigi F. Creencia, Lato't Ginto
3rd Prize: Cheeno Marlo M. Sayuno, Si Tiya Salome

SANAYSAY
1st Prize: Eugene Y. Evasco, Ang Mapa ng Taglagas sa Aking Maleta
2nd Prize: Will P. Ortiz, Sisid
3rd Prize: Mubarak M. Tahir, Aden Bon Besen Uyag-Uyag (May Buhay Pa Pala)

TULA
1st Prize: Christian R. Vallez, Sa Pagitan ng Banal at Karnal
2nd Prize: Jason G. Tabinas, Na Inyong Ikinalulunod
3rd Prize: Rogelio Dela Rosa Jr, Tanghod at iba pang Paghihintay

TULA PARA SA MGA BATA
1st Prize: John Vincent J. Bucal, Muwang ng Musmos
2nd Prize: Errol A. Merquita, Tagulilong: Ang mga Nawawala
3rd Prize: Paterno B. Baloloy, Jr, Agam-Agam ng Langgam

DULANG MAY ISANG YUGTO
1st Prize: Eljay Castro Deldoc, Pilipinas Kong Mahal With All the Overcoat
2nd Prize: Rodolfo Carlos Vera, Indigo Child
3rd Prize: Dominique Beatrice T. La Victoria, Ang Bata Sa Drum

DULANG GANAP ANG HABA
1st Prize: Dustin Edward D. Celestino, Ang Pangahas na si Pepe Rodriguez
2nd Prize: Joshua L. Lim So, Araw-araw, Gabi-gabi
3rd Prize: Vincent A. De Jesus, Changing Partners

DULANG PAMPELIKULA
1st Prize: Rodolfo Carlos Vera, Ang Aking Juan Luna
2nd Prize: Kristian Sendon Cordero, Kulto ni Santiago
3rd Prize: Avelino Mark C. Balmes Jr, Pablo Ocampo Extension


***

REGIONAL DIVISION

SHORT STORY – CEBUANO
1st Prize: Jondy M. Arpilleda, Bunok
2nd Prize: Manuel M. Avenido, Jr, Panagtigi
3rd Prize: Errol A. Merquita, Aninipot


SHORT STORY – HILIGAYNON
1st Prize: Jesus C. Insilada EdD, Tinuom
2nd Prize: Peter Solis Nery, Ang Milagro sa Ermita
3rd Prize: Leonard Francis M. Alcoran, Ang Itlog nga wala Nagabalibad

SHORT STORY – ILOKANO
1st Prize: Ronelyn Ramones, Ti Lubong ni Anastasia
2nd Prize: Lilia Quindoza Santiago PhD, Siak Ti Interpreteryo
3rd Prize: Ariel Sotelo Tabag, Dado


***

ENGLISH DIVISION

SHORT STORY
1st Prize: John Bengan, Disguise
2nd Prize: Katrina Guiang Gomez, Misericordia
3rd Prize: Joe Bert Lazarte, Don't Blink

ESSAY
1st Prize: Michelle Josephine G. Rivera, In My Father's Kitchen
2nd Prize: Paul Gideon D. Lasco, The Art of "Hugot" in our Republic of "Sawi"
3rd Prize: Jade Mark B. Capiñanes, A Portrait of a Young Man as a Banak

POETRY
1st Prize: Noelle Leslie dela Cruz, Sisyphus on the Penrose Stairs: Meta-Reveries
2nd Prize: Rodrigo V. Dela Peña Jr, Blood Compact
3rd Prize: Hurjay Medilo, Elegy for a Dying World

POETRY WRITTEN FOR CHILDREN
1st Prize: Cynthia Baculi-Condez, From Dawn to Dusk
2nd Prize: Patricia Celina A. Ngo, Magical Mall of Mysteries
3rd Prize: Ma. Amparo N. Warren, Animal Songs/Just So Poems

ONE-ACT PLAY
1st Prize: NO WINNER
2nd Prize: NO WINNER
3rd Prize: Joshua L. Lim So, Sa Syquia, Malate, Kabanata II: Letting The Days Go By

FULL-LENGTH PLAY
1st Prize: Dustin Edward D. Celestino, The Story of This Father
2nd Prize: Joachim Emilio B. Antonio, exesanonymous.com
3rd Prize: NO WINNER


***

GRAND PRIZES

NOBELA
Grand Prize: Eros S. Atalia, Ang Ikatlong Anti-Kristo

NOVEL
Grand Prize: Glenn L. Diaz, The Quiet Ones.

63rd carlos palanca memorial awards for literature

September, for some, is the month bearing the good news. And this year, for the 63rd edition of the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature, a few friends and acquaintances receive the honor. Congratulations, fellows in writing. You know who you are, and all of you deserve it. Here is the complete list of winners:

REGIONAL DIVISION

Short Story - Cebuano
1st: TUBOD, Jona Branzuela Bering
2nd: ANG BATANG TAMSI, Richel G Dorotan
3rd: PADRE BOTOX, Noel P Tuazon

Short Story - Hiligaynon
1st: SI PADRE OLAN KAG ANG DIOS, Peter Solis Nery
2nd: ULUBRAHON, Norman Tagudinay Darap
3rd: TORBIK, Alice Tan Gonzales

Short Story - Iluko
1st: NO WINNER
2nd: BAGNOS PAYEGPEG, BETERANO, Danilo B Antalan
3rd: TI PALIMED NI KATUGANGAK, Gorgonia B Serrano

FILIPINO DIVISION 

Nobela
TATLONG GABI, TATLONG ARAW, Eros Sanchez Atalia

Maikling Kuwento
1st: BAYANGGUDAW, Lilia Quindoza Santiago
2nd: PAMAMANHIKAN, Bernadette Villanueva Neri
3rd: AD ASTRA PER ASPERA, Kristian Sendon Cordero Maikling

Kuwentong Pambata
1st: ANG PAGLALAKBAY NI PIPOY PISO, Maryrose Jairene C Cruz
2nd: ANG SINGSING-PARI SA PISARA, Eugene Y Evasco and Chris Martinez
3rd: SALUSALO PARA KAY KUYA, Lucky Virgo Joyce Tinio

Tula
1st: MANANSALA, Enrique S Villasis
2nd: ASAL-HAYOP, Mark Anthony Angeles
3rd: LOBO SA LOOB, Kristian Sendon Cordero

Tulang Pambata
1st: HARANA NG KULIGLIG, Eugene Y Evasco
2nd: FAMILY TREE NG TUMUBO SA ANIT, April Jade I. Biglaen
3rd: SISID, Alvin Capili Ursua

Sanaysay
1st: OUR LADY OF IMELDA, Kristian Sendon Cordero
2nd: GABAY SA GURONG-LIKOD, Salvador T Biglaen
3rd: MGA BIRTWAL NA KARAHASAN, Laurence Marvin S Castillo

Kabataan Sanaysay
1st: ANG ALAMAT NG BATANG MANUNULAT, Rowin C de Leon
2nd: PAGKATOK NG DUMAGUNDONG NA MANOK SA UMAGA, Annette Irina C Tanlimco
3rd: DEUS EX MACHINA: SAPAGKAT TAYO AY BULAG PA, Rajee S Florido

Dulang Pampelikula
1st: NO WINNER
2nd: KUNG PAANO MAGHIWALAY, George A de Jesus III
3rd: THE REVENGE OF THE COMFORT WOMAN, Patrick John R Valencia

Dulang Ganap ang Haba
1st: NO WINNER
2nd: NO WINNER
3rd: DHAHRAN QUEENS MANILA, Luciano Sonny O Valencia

Dulang May Isang Yugto
1st: MGA KUNEHO, Miguel Antonio Alfredo V Luarca
2nd: KAPIT, George A de Jesus III
3rd: PAMAMANHIKAN, Bernadette Villanueva Neri

ENGLISH DIVISION

Short Story
1st: ARMOR, John Bengan
2nd: KRYSTAL HUT, Erlinda V Kravetz
3rd: REN, Lystra Aranal

Short Story for Children
1st: MARVINO'S LEAGUE OF SUPERHEROES, Nadeth Rae E Rival
2nd: THE MAGIC BAHAG, Cheeno Marlo Sayuno
3rd: A THOUSAND OF PAPER CRANES, Patricia Marie Grace S Gomez

Poetry 1st: PASTORAL AND OTHER POEMS, Mikael de Lara Co
2nd: CROWN FOR MARIA, Carlomar Arcangel Daoana
3rd: ANIMAL EXPERIMENTS, Joy Anne Icayan

Poetry for Children
1st: ATTACK OF THE PERSISTENT COLD VIRUS AND OTHER POEMS, Mia A Buenaventura
2nd: MR BULLY AND OTHER POEMS FOR CHILDREN, Francis C Macansantos
3rd: MONSTERS UNDER MY BED, Kathleen Aton-Osias

Essay
1st: THE KRAKAUER TABLE, Shakira Andrea C Sison
2nd: UNDER MY INVISIBLE UMBRELLA, Laurel Anne Fantauzzo
3rd: VOICES FROM THE VILLAGE, Maria Neobie G Gonzalez

Kabataan Essay
1st: HYMNS OF THE MOUNTAINS, DREAMS OF THE STARS, Marc Christian M Lopez
2nd: PANACEA, Vicah Adrienne P Villanueva
3rd: MANIFESTO OF LITERATURE, Pauline Samantha B Sagayo

Full-Length Play
1st: END OF THE GALLOWS, Jay M Crisostomo IV
2nd: THE SON OF ASHES, Mario L Mendez Jr
3rd: COLLECTION, Floy C Quintos

One-Act Play
1st: BLUE EYES, Allan B Lopez
2nd: DEBRIEF, Lystra Aranal
3rd: CALL OF DUTY, Danilo Nino Calalang

what national artist?

Four National Artist awardees of 2009 being invalidated broke news just recently. The order issued to the four by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was nullified because it “disregarded the rules of the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) in giving ‘preferential treatment’ to the four in the selection of awardees.” (The Philippine Star). 

The one who spearheaded this case was Commissioner of NCCA, National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario. In a capsule, it stated that all was made without proper procedure. And being the most vocal and more visible in the media among the four, Carlo J. Caparas retaliated on national television.

“Kilala ako sa buong bansa. Itong mga tula ni Almario, walang bumabasa,” Caparas said (I’m recognized all over the country. These poems by Almario, they’re not read).

As a practicing writer, his words struck a nerve. Being mostly unread by the mass is always a given to those who toil for literature. It is a lonely craft, so they say. Though this is more of a personal claim, I believe writers do not aim to please, as compared to Caparas and his body of works. His profession doesn’t make him less accomplished on what he must be oh-so trying to do for many years.

Cartoonists or comic book artists can be as revered as ballerinas, architects, or even poets. But here’s the catch: He’s not the artist of Panday or Bakekang. Never has been. He’s only the brain behind it. Thus, the title of National Artist for Visual Arts bestowed upon Caparas is beyond comprehension. That fact alone makes the conferment null, void, and overtly embarrassing.

Besides, the National Artist award requires a certain gravitas, a respect mined not by measures of fame but of influence. A National Artist brings ripples to society with his or her introspection of the human condition, may it be through dance, lyric or sculpture. A National Artist never brings attention to himself (hopefully).

But he is right on one point. Almost everyone knows him in the country. And I guess here rests the problem of his logic: Popularity entitles quality.

It is sad Caparas keeps this myth close to his heart. All hopes for progress would certainly go down the drain if anyone’s thinking goes in line with this. With his statement, it seems we have to agree that what brings more applause, what is trending on Twitter, what is consistently shoved on our faces is the one that truly matters, the one thing that we must not ignore. For heaven’s sake. These so-called Minions are famous, but that doesn’t make them food for the soul, right? Junk food is famous among children but that doesn’t make it healthy, right? Right.

I will not argue any further.

The point is, if Carlo J. Caparas insults another National Artist who does deserve the title, demeans the rest of the pantheon of Philippine letters, then to the Gates of Hell with him. Because on the bright side, that would be a fantastic comic book story for many writers.

spoliarium and the 31st national book awards

I just met Juan Luna. His famous work that is, the Spoliarium. And it is spelled as such, not the often-used “Spolarium.” Many years ago, the nearest I could get into seeing it were on television, history books, art magazines, and the internet. I’ve been based in Manila for three years and haven’t gaped at it in person until last November 17. It’s like—as how a friend’s friend put it—being in Paris and not seeing the Mona Lisa at the Louvre Museum in Paris. Really embarrassing for any art enthusiast.

The 4.22 meters x 7.675 meters oil painting, housed in the National Museum of the Philippines, was Luna’s piece to the Madrid Art Exposition in 1884 which actually won him a gold medal. To say that it easily topped the said competition is an understatement. It depicts the aftermath of a gruesome spectacle in Rome that is a gladiatorial match. Spoliarium, according to the museum’s official site, refers to “the basement of the Roman Colosseum where the fallen and dying gladiators are dumped and devoid of their worldly possessions.”

 

The work is vast but the emotional force it contains is bigger, much more enormous than its canvas. Every wrinkle on every face, every wilted limb of each lifeless man constitutes to a story that transcends what it visually features: the frailty of human life, the impact of death, the everyday horror of what could happen next. Juan Luna’s Spoliarium—along with the museum’s other masterpieces by Fernando Amorsolo, Jose Joya, Cesar Legaspi, my favorites Ang Kiukok and Vicente Manansala, and many more— is proof that art remains one of man’s triumphant mementos that become richer, more profound, and more relevant in each passing time.

*

On the same day and in the same place, around five in the afternoon, I attended the 31st National Book Awards for the nomination of Ian Rosaless Casocot’s Beautiful Accidents in the Cirilo F. Bautista Prize for Short Fiction in English. (See full list here).

 

And, apparently, without prior knowledge, I could also be in the event for Under the Storm: An Anthology of Contemporary Philippine Poetry (edited by Khavn De La Cruz and Joel M. Toledo) nomination in the Manila Critics Circle Special Prize for a Book by an Independent Publisher. My longish piece “Stones” is one of the 150 poems featured in this collection.

 

Held in the venue’s magnificent old session hall, the whole affair felt like a night of overflowing champagne in the gilded age. Though both books lost in their respective categories, we had a sumptuous late dinner at Tao Yuan Restaurant in Malate we all felt like big winners. And in the end, our appetite was the bigger winner.

62nd carlos palanca memorial awards for literature winners

Here’s that list again. And in it a sprinkling of exceptional people I’m lucky to have met with at Dumaguete, Iligan, and Bacolod: Joshua “Tokwa” Lim So, Erick Aguilar, Charmaine “Shane” Carreon, Ian Rosales Casocot, and Jesus Insilada. Congratulations, bullfrogs.

Following the pleasantries and formalities of the awarding ceremonies at The Rigodon Ballroom of The Peninsula Manila last September 1, Ian and his former students (or rabid supporters) went out to have some drinks at the Buddha Bar and (a little bit more) at Republiq. Because, apparently, someone felt “jaded.”

*

FILIPINO DIVISION

Dulang Pampelikula
1st – Rodolfo Vera (Death March)
2nd – Richard S. Legaspi (Primera Bella)
3rd – Mia A. Buenaventura (Ang Bulag na Musikero)

Dulang Ganap ang Haba
1st – Vincent M. Tañada (Ang Bangkay)
2nd – Luciano Sonny O. Valencia (Ang Penitensiya ni Tiyo Renato)
3rd – Allan B. Lopez (Melodrama Negra)

Tokwa and his Golden Medalyon

Dulang May Isang Yugto
1st – Joshua Lim So (Joe Cool: Aplikante)
2nd – Renerio R. Concepcion (Kumandong Nakaiswat)
3rd – Erick D. Aguilar (Terminal)

Ang Sasambahing Hipon, Erick

Tula
1st – Enrique S. Villasis (Crocopedia)
2nd – Kristian Sendon Cordero (Pagsalat sa Pilat)
3rd – Alvin C. Ursua (Kumpuni)

Tulang Pambata
1st – John Enrico C. Torralba (Gusto Ko Nang Lumaki)
2nd – Peter Solis Nery (Sa Mundo ng mga Kulisap)
3rd – Nely T. Azada (Sampung Tula Para sa mga Bata)

Maikling Kuwento
1st – Mark Benedict F. Lim (Banaag)
2nd – Honorio Bartolome de Dios (Ang Tawo sa Puso ni Teresa)
3rd – Mar Anthony Simon dela Cruz (Darleng)

Maikling Kuwentong Pambata
1st – Will P. Ortiz (Ang Tatlong Bubwit at Bangkang Marikit)
2nd – Bernadette V. Neri (Atang sa Kaluluwa nina Apong Salawal at Apong Saya)
3rd – Luz B. Maranan (Ang Pangat, ang Lupang Ninuno, at ang Ilog)

Sanaysay
1st – Niles Jordan Breis (Go-See, Kraw Gen, Intro: Sa Daigdig ng Promo)
2nd – Elyrah L. Salanga-Torralba (Utang Ina)
3rd – Jing Panganiban Mendoza (Redempsiyon)

Kabataan Sanaysay
1st – Jan Francis B. Asis (Sa Ingit ng Pinto)
2nd – Gerome E. De Villa (Sa Aking Pagbuklat sa mga Makabagong Pahina)
3rd – Jueliand Peter A. Perez (Madyik Bisikleta)

ENGLISH DIVISION

Full-length Play
1st – Robert Arlo B. De Guzman (Practical Aim)
2nd – Jorshinelle Taleon-Sonza (The Passion of Andres)
3rd – Jose Ma. D. Manalo (Manilatown)

One-act Play
1st – No winner
2nd – Joachim Emilio B. Antonio (The Dust in Your Place)
3rd – Patrick John R. Valencia (In Bed with My Mother)

Fellow Bisaya, Shane

Poetry
1st – Carlomar Arcangel Daoana (The Elegant Ghost)
2nd – Charmaine L. Carreon (The Yonic Lover)
3rd – Jason Leo G. Asistores (Waiting and Other Poems)

Poetry for Children
1st – Peter Solis Nery (Punctuation)
2nd – Anca Bautista (Magic Is and Nine Other Magical Poems)
3rd – Raymundo T.Pandan, Jr. (The Ocelot and Other Poems)

With teacher and nth time winner, Ian

Short Story
1st – Rebecca E. Khan (In Transit)
2nd – Ian Rosales Casocot (It Always Breaks My Heart a Little to See You Go)
3rd – Lystra Aranal (Bright Lights)

Short Story for Children
1st – Grace D. Chong (The White Shoes)
2nd – Raymund M. Garlitos (Lauan, The Seed that Wanted to Fly)
3rd – Aleli Dew B. Ayroso (Mister World and His Magical Box)

Essay
1st – Hammed Q. Bolotaolo (Of Legends)
2nd – Martin V. Villanueva (Dao)
3rd – Irwin Allen B. Rivera (Patterns)

Kabataan Essay
1st – Katrina Bonillo (Chapter One: DOWNLOADING)
2nd – Sari Katharyn Molintas (Being Bookish)
3rd – Jhesset Thrina O. Enano (What We Are Losing)

REGIONAL DIVISION

Short Story – Cebuano
1st – Noel P. Tuazon (Duhiraw)
2nd – Richel G. Dorotan (Ang Tulo Ka Mayor sa Hinablayan)
3rd – Rev. Fr. Rey B. Araneta, CM (Abog sa Flyover)

Mr. Two in a Row, Jes

Short Story – Hiligaynon
1st – Alice Tan Gonzales (Lanton)
2nd – Dr. Jesus C. Insilada (Panubok sa Pula Nga Pulos)
3rd – Alain Russ Dimzon (Binukot)

Short Story – Iluko
1st – Danilo B Antalan (Dagiti Sala Ti Panawen)
2nd – Fernando Sanchez (Babato)
3rd – Sherma E. Benosa (Dagiti “No La Koma“ ni Monika)

HALL OF FAME AWARDEE FOR 2012
Peter Solis Nery

First Prize Winning Works
1998 – “Lirio,” Short Story – Hiligaynon
2007 – “Candido,” Short Story – Hiligaynon
2008 – “The Passion of Jovita Fuentes,” Full-length Play
2011 – “Donato Bugtot,” Short Story – Hiligaynon
2012 – “Punctuation,” Poetry for Children

[ list lifted from this site ]

winners of the 61st carlos palanca memorial awards for literature

It’s that season again. A couple of favorites and buddies turn up in this year’s list of winners, and here’s one great holler to fellow katsubong Joshua Lim So for winning first prize in full-length play and third prize in dulang ganap ang haba. Congratulations to everyone. There’s still next year, so better write those works now.

2011 philippines free press literary awards winners

Team Jologs strikes again! Here are the winners of this year’s Philippines Free Press Literary Awards that capped last night at Club Café, Makati Sports Club. Netty, you make us proud. And for those who didn’t land in any of the three spots of the two genres, being a finalist I think is enough commendable honor. Congratulations to all!

FICTION

1st - Caroline Hau, “Recuerdos de Patay”
2nd - Jenette Vizcocho, “When You See A Dog”
3rd - Michelangelo Samson, “Erscheinung”

POETRY

1st - Luisa A. Igloria, “Zeno’s Paradox”
2nd - Timi Siytangco, “How to Kill a Whale Shark”
3rd - Andrea Teran, “Weight Without Gravity”

something beautiful

Former students are still students. That is why last Friday (July 1), I left early from work and went to Toyota Foundation Bldg., Asian Center, University of the Philippines-Diliman, for its printing press’s midyear launching of nine new books, which included Beautiful Accidents, a collection of short stories by my former “teacher” in Silliman University, Ian Rosales Casocot (in quotations because technically I was never enrolled in his classes).

This book contains the award-winning stories “Old Movies,” “The Hero of the Snore Tango,” and “Things You Don’t Know.” In it is also the brilliant “Group Study,” which first appeared in Dark Blue Southern Seas 2008. I won’t share why that particular one is brilliant because it just is—with a wink at the sides.

Schoolmates attended the launching, specifically from the college paper, The Weekly Sillimanian, which surprised me a lot. I have never seen them in a long time. There were professors and fellows I met in different workshop batches. There was Prof. Leonor Magtolis Briones, former treasurer of the Philippines, who was our graduation commencement speaker and who also asked for my works when she knew I dabble in writing and left me very flattered.

And last but definitely not the least, there was the (formal, finally) introduction to those who composed the LitCritters of Manila: Dean Francis Alfar, Nikki Alfar, Vincent Simbulan, Alex Osias, Kate Aton-Osias, Andrew Drilon (who left earlier and absent in the picture above) and Charles Tan. Ian was our moderator back in college for the Dumaguete chapter of this reading-writing group, so, to put two and two together, it became SOP that night that the two groups ought to have one magisterial photo.

It was a beautiful gathering. And I think it was no accident.

2011 philippines free press literary awards finalists

Philippines Free Press literary editor Joel Toledo has released this year’s finalists of the magazine’s annual literary awards. It’s no surprise, the people comprising this list. They’re good. To Margie, Nette, Eliza, and my dear teacher, Ma’am Myrna, here's a shower of confetti for you. What an interesting way to commemorate this blog’s 500th post.

FICTION

Erscheinung, Michelangelo Samson
After The Body Displaces Water, Daryll Jane Delgado
When You See A Dog, Jenette Vizcocho
Numb, Jenette Vizcocho
Recuerdos de Patay, Caroline Hau
Sweet, Marguerite de Leon
Spawn, Popi Laudico
Desert Winds, Jean Gerald Anuddin
A Study of Insects, Irene Carolina Sarmiento
Works Cited, U. Eliserio
Fade to Red, Twink Macaraig

POETRY

Variations on the Expulsion from Eden, Eliza Victoria
The Painted Prince, Frank Penones Jr.
Duwende, Myrna Peña-Reyes
Love is How We Come Undone, Amado Bajarias
How to Kill a Whale Shark, Timi Siytangco
Warrior’s Wife (After Li Po), Ino Habana
Weight Without Gravity, Andrea Teran
The Widow, Upon Learning That Her Old Lover Had
Returned to the Island of San Antonio, Merlie Alunan
Zeno’s Paradox, Luisa A. Igloria
Weight of the World, Michellan Sarile-Alagao

Notes from the editor:

The 2011 Philippines Free Press Literary Awards covers Fiction and Poetry that have appeared in the pages of the magazine from January to December 2010.

The Awards Night will be on July 12, 2011 (Tuesday), 6-10 p.m, at Club Cafe, Makati Sports Club. Formal invitations and detailed poster to follow soon.

Finalists are advised to notify me if there are any mistakes in the typing of your names, especially in regard to the possible prize money if you do win and the respective bank account conflict. Anyone who has contacts with some of the finalists that are not on the Facebook can email me via ramblingsoul@yahoo.com so I can notify them as well.

Finalists are advised to visit the magazine’s website and read the guidelines, policies, and notes for the annual Literary Awards posted in there carefully.

Congratulations to all the finalists and winners who will only be notified that they’ve won and be informed of their respective six judges (three per category) during the Awards Night.

Winners must be physically present during the awards night (all the finalists will be formally invited) to claim their prize money and their respective trophies, lest the monetary prize be forfeited (winners can claim the trophy anytime they want to at the Philippines Free Press office). This is as per the magazine’s policy.

2010 philippines free press literary awards winners

It was not surprising at all. This year’s Philippines Free Press Literary Awards name Noelle Leslie Dela Cruz and Mo Francisco as first prize winner for poetry (“Discourse”) and second prize winner for short fiction (“Jimmie”), respectively.

(Les)

As for the other winners, Ma’am Marjorie Evasco won second prize for the poem “It Is Time to Come Home,” while nobody got the third slot. For fiction, the winners were Eliza Victoria for “Reunion” for first prize and Daryll Delgado for “In Remission” for third prize. To know more of the happenings of the awarding ceremony, click here.

(Me and Mo)

Now they are thousands of bucks richer. I know, I can’t ask “Magpainom naman kayo diyan” because they already had, and unfortunately I was not there. Anyway, I was just happy for the two of them. I’ve read their pieces in the Dumaguete workshop a few years ago and I can only say they deserve this.

Write on.

2009 philippines free press literary awards

And here it is again, the list. Familiar names are in it and it is not surprising. Up to now I still have no guts to submit anything for the magazine, maybe out of cowardice or lack of anything sensible to show off. Well, I’d just like to congratulate Sasha, Arkaye, Marie, Dean, Mia and Jean Claire for their respective achievements (the last four people have humbly shared their works for publication in Dark Blue Southern Seas 2009, an anthology I have edited for Silliman University’s literary folio).

Fiction
1st Place: Epic Life by Rhea Politado
2nd Place: Marita Pangan by Mechu Aquino Sarmiento,
3rd Place: Catherine Theory by Sasha Martinez & Bad Heart by John Bengan (tie)

Poetry
1st Place: Textbook Statistics by Arkaye Kierulf
2nd Place: Poet Looks at Satellite Picture of Home by Sid Gomez Hildawa
3rd Place: Mebuyen by Mikael Co

Finalists (Short Story) Sunboy by Dean Francis Alfar, Bad Heart by John Bengan, Outlaws, by Mary Jessel B. Duque, Big Yellow by Jean Claire Dy, The Death of Roy by Sharmaine Galve, Photo Sessions by Joy Anne Icayan, Catherine Theory by Sasha Martinez, Epic Life by Rhea Politado, Marita Pangan by Mechu Aquino Sarmiento, Wishes Do Come True by Mia Tijam, An Abduction by Mermaids by Eliza Victoria

Finalists (Poetry) Infinite Mondays by Mads Bajarias, Mebuyen by Mikael de Lara Co, Textbook Statistics by Arkaye Kierulf, Slowness by Marie La Vina, Instructions by Marie La Vina, Meals Without You by Arvin Mangohig, It Is 1980 by Natasha Gamalinda, Poet Looks at Satellite Picture of Home by Sid Gomez Hildawa, Poet Talks to an Old Movie by Sid Gomez Hildawa, The Little Things by Rafael Antonio C. San Diego

2009 golden globe winners

I’ve seen this movie just last month and it's more than "good." Stripped off the usual Hollywood fare, it makes me question why can’t Filipinos create a film as good as this? And to underline that it’s really great, it wins all four major nominations in the 2009 Golden Globe Awards. The movie is “Slumdog Millionaire.”

Amazingly, Kate Winslet wins both Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress for “Revolutionary Road” and “The Reader” respectively. Mickey Rourke, Colin Farrell, Sally Hawkins and Heath Ledger receive the other film acting honors and "The Dark Knight" director Christopher Nolan delivers a speech on the late Ledger’s behalf.

The positive early buzz for the movie “Curious Case of Benjamin Button” is a dud though. It didn’t receive any awards.

Best Motion Picture - Drama

Slumdog Millionaire *WINNER

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Frost/Nixon

The Reader

Revolutionary Road

Best Motion Picture - Comedy

Vicky Cristina Barcelona *WINNER

Burn After Reading

Happy-Go-LuckyIn Bruges

Mamma Mia!

Best Performance By An Actress
In a Motion Picture – Drama

Kate Winslet ("Revolutionary Road") *WINNER

Anne Hathaway ("Rachel Getting Married")

Angelina Jolie ("Changeling")

Meryl Streep ("Doubt")

Kristin Scott Thomas ("I've Loved You So Long")

Best Performance By An Actor
In a Motion Picture – Drama

Mickey Rourke ("The Wrestler") *WINNER

Leonardo DiCaprio ("Revolutionary Road")

Frank Langella ("Frost/Nixon")

Sean Penn ("Milk")

Brad Pitt ("The Curious Case of Benjamin Button")

Best Performance By An Actress
In a Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical

Sally Hawkins ("Happy-Go-Lucky") *WINNER

Rebecca Hall ("Vicky Cristina Barcelona")

Frances McDormand ("Burn After Reading")

Meryl Streep ("Mamma Mia!")

Emma Thompson ("Last Chance Harvey")

Best Performance By An Actor
In a Motion Picture – Comedy/Musical

Colin Farrell ("In Bruges") *WINNER

Javier Bardem ("Vicky Cristina Barcelona")

James Franco ("Pineapple Express")

Brendan Gleeson ("In Bruges")

Dustin Hoffman ("Last Chance Harvey")

Best Performance By An Actress
In a Supporting Role In a Motion Picture

Kate Winslet ("The Reader") *WINNER

Amy Adams ("Doubt")

Penelope Cruz ("Vicky Cristina Barcelona")

Viola Davis ("Doubt")

Marisa Tomei ("The Wrestler")

Best Performance By An Actor
In a Supporting Role In a Motion Picture

Heath Ledger ("The Dark Knight") *WINNER

Tom Cruise ("Tropic Thunder")

Robert Downey Jr. ("Tropic Thunder")

Ralph Fiennes ("The Duchess")

Philip Seymour Hoffman ("Doubt")

Best Director - Motion Picture

Danny Boyle ("Slumdog Millionaire") *WINNER

Stephen Daldry ("The Reader")

David Fincher ("The Curious Case of Benjamin Button")

Ron Howard ("Frost/Nixon")

Sam Mendes ("Revolutionary Road")

Best Screenplay - Motion Picture

Simon Beaufoy ("Slumdog Millionaire") *WINNER

David Hare ("The Reader")

Peter Morgan ("Frost/Nixon")

Eric Roth ("The Curious Case of Benjamin Button")

John Patrick Shanley ("Doubt")

Best Animated Feature Film

Wall-E *WINNER

Bolt

Kung Fu Panda

Best Foreign Language Film

Waltz with Bashir (Israel) *WINNER

The Baader Meinhof Complex (Germany

)Everlasting Moments (Sweden)

Gomorra (Italy)

I've Loved You So Long (France)

Best Original Score - Motion Picture

R. Rahman ("Slumdog Millionaire") *WINNER

Alexandre Desplat ("The Curious Case of Benjamin Button")

Clint Eastwood ("Changeling")

James Newton Howard ("Defiance")

Hans Zimmer ("Frost/Nixon")

Best Original Song - Motion Picture

"The Wrestler" from "The Wrestler" *WINNER

"Down to Earth" from "Wall-E"

"Gran Torino" from "Gran Torino"

"I Thought I Lost You" from "Bolt"

"Once in a Lifetime" from "Cadillac Records"

Best Television Series - Drama

Mad Men *WINNER

Dexter

House

In Treatment

True Blood

Best Performance By An Actress
in a Television Series – Drama

Anna Paquin ("True Blood") *WINNER

Sally Field ("Brothers and Sisters")

Mariska Hargitay ("Law and Order: SVU")

January Jones ("Mad Men")

Kyra Sedgwick ("The Closer")

Best Performance By An Actor
in a Television Series – Drama

Gabriel Byrne ("In Treatment") *WINNER

Michael Hall ("Dexter")

Jon Hamm ("Mad Men")

Hugh Laurie ("House")

Jonathan Rhys Meyers ("The Tudors")

Best Television Series – Comedy/Musical

30 Rock *WINNER

Californication

Entourage

The Office

Weeds

Best Performance By An Actress
in a Television Series –Comedy/Musical

Tina Fey ("30 Rock") *WINNER

Christina Applegate ("Samantha Who?")

America Ferrera ("Ugly Betty")

Debra Messing ("The Starter Wife")

Mary-Louise Parker ("Weeds")

Best Performance By An Actor
in a Television Series – Comedy/Musical

Alec Baldwin ("30 Rock") *WINNER

Steve Carell ("The Office")

Kevin Connolly ("Entourage")

David Duchovny ("Californication")

Tony Shalhoub ("Monk")

Best Mini-Series or TV Movie

John Adams (HBO) *WINNER

A Raisin in the Sun (ABC)

Bernard and Doris (HBO)

Cranford (PBS)

Recount (HBO)

Best Performance By An Actress In a Mini-Series/TV Movie

Laura Linney ("John Adams") *WINNER

Judi Dench ("Cranford")

Catherine Keener ("An American Crime")

Shirley Maclaine ("Coco Chanel")

Susan Sarandon ("Bernard and Doris")

Best Performance By An Actor In a Mini-Series/TV Movie

Paul Giamatti ("John Adams") *WINNER

Ralph Fiennes ("Bernard and Doris")

Kevin Spacey ("Recount")

Kiefer Sutherland ("24: Redemption")

Tom Wilkinson ("Recount")

Best Performance By An Actress In a Supporting Role
In a Series/Mini-Series/TV Movie

Laura Dern ("Recount") *WINNER

Eileen Atkins ("Cranford")

Melissa George ("In Treatment")

Rachel Griffiths ("Brothers and Sisters")

Dianne Wiest ("In Treatment")

Best Performance By An Actor In a Supporting Role
In a Series/Mini-Series/TV Movie

Tom Wilkinson ("John Adams") *WINNER

Neil Patrick Harris ("How I Met Your Mother")

Denis Leary ("Recount")

Jeremy Piven ("Entourage")

Blair Underwood ("In Treatment")

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58th don carlos palanca memorial awards for literature

I know, I know, this is super-late but let me just post this. Congratulations to the winners, especially to Sir Ian and Sir Leoncio!

ENGLISH DIVISION

Novel
Grand Prize: Miguel Syjuco, “Ilustrado”

Short Story
First Prize: Ian Rosales Casocot, “Things You Don’t Know”
Second Prize: Tara FT Sering, “Good People”
Third Prize: Nadine L. Sarreal, “Night Sounds”

Short Story for Children
First Prize: Celestine Marie G. Trinidad, “The Storyteller and the Giant”
Second Prize: No Winner
Third Prize: Kathleen Aton-Osias, “The Mapangarap and the Dream Trees”

Essay
First Prize: Jose Claudio B.Guerrero, “Talking to a Fu Dog on a Wedding Afternoon”
Second Prize: Katrina Stuart Santiago, “Mirrors”
Third Prize: Jhoanna Lynn B. Cruz, “Sapay Koma”

Poetry
First Prize: Francis C. Macansantos, “Morphic Variations”
Second Prize: Ana Maria Katigbak, “Sl(e)ights”
Third Prize: Marie La Viña, “The Gospel According to the Blind Man”

One-Act Play
First Prize: Maria Clarissa N. Estuar, “Anybody’s Revolution”
Second Prize: Percival Intalan, “Secret Identities”
Third Prize: Joachim Emilio B. Antonio, “Newspaper Dance”

Full-Length Play
First Prize: Peter Solis Nery, “The Passion of Jovita Fuentes”
Second Prize: No Winner
Third Prize: No Winner

FILIPINO DIVISION

Nobela
Grand Prize: Norman Wilwayco, “Gerilya”

Maikling Kuwento
Unang Gantimpala: Maria Lucille G. Roxas, “Game Show”
Ikalawang Gantimpala: Lemuel E. Garcellano, “Anghel Kalahig”
Ikatlong Gantimpala: Rommel B. Rodriguez, “Kabagyan”

Maikling Kuwentong Pambata
Unang Gantimpala: Walang Nanalo
Ikalawang Gantimpala: April Jade B. Imson, “Si Karding at ang Buwaya”
Ikatlong Gantimpala: Allan Alberto N. Derain, “May Tatlong Kurimaw”

Sanaysay
Unang Gantimpala: Jing Panganiban-Mendoza, “Ang Pagbabalik ng Prinsesa ng Banyera”
Ikalawang Gantimpala: Michael M. Coroza, “Ang Mabuhay Singers at Ako sa Pag-awit at Pag-ibig”
Ikatlong Gantimpala: Eugene Y. Evasco, “Agaw-Buhay”

Tula
Unang Gantimpala: Mikael de Lara Co, “Ang Iba’t Ibang Ngalan ng Hangin”
Ikalawang Gantimpala: Renato L. Santos, “Sari-Saring Salaghati… (at Good-bye-my-kangkungan)”
Ikatlong Gantimpala: Niles Jordan Breis, “Rubrica: Mga Lakbay-nilay at Pagbubunyag”

Dulang May Isang Yugto
Unang Gantimpala: Floy C. Quintos, “Ang Kalungkutan ng mga Reyna”
Ikalawang Gantimpala: Debbie Ann Tan, “Teroristang Labandera”
Ikatlong Gantimpala: Allan B. Lopez, “Masaganang Ekonomiya”

Dulang Ganap ang Haba
Unang Gantimpala: Walang Nanalo
Ikalawang Gantimpala: Walang Nanalo
Ikatlong Gantimpala: Walang Nanalo

Dulang Pampelikula
Unang Gantimpala: Emmanuel A. Dela Cruz at Michiko Yamamoto, “1434456: The Singalong Singhs””
Ikalawang Gantimpala: Dennis M. Marasigan, “Joy”
Ikatlong Gantimpala: Alfred Aloysius L. Adlawan, “Padyak”

REGIONAL LANGUAGE DIVISION

Short Story (Cebuano)
First Prize: Macario D. Tiu, “Tsuru”
Second Prize: Edgar S. Godin, “Bingo”
Third Prize: Lilia T. Tio, “Sapatos”

Short Story (Hiligaynon)
First Prize: Leoncio P. Deriada, “Ang Pagbalik sang Babaylan”
Second Prize: Alice Tan Gonzales, “Dawata, Anak”
Third Prize: Marcel L. Milliam, “Bitay”

Short Story (Iluko)
First Prize: Danilo B. Antalan, “Dangilen”
Second Prize: Ariel S. Tabag, “Littugaw”
Third Prize: Aurelio S. Agcaoili, “Alegoria Uno”

KABATAAN DIVISION

Kabataan Essay
First Prize: Miro Frances D. Capili, “Rated X”
Second Prize: Cristina Gratia T. Tantengco, “Things That Lie Beyond The Postcards”
Third Prize: Elfermin M. Mallari Jr., “The Roads and Dreams That Meander”

Kabataan Sanaysay
Unang Gantimpala: Walang Nanalo
Ikalawang Gantimpala: Walang Nanalo
Ikatlong Gantimpala: Allen D. Yuarata, “Nang Dumating Si Joe”

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2008 dbss literary competition winners

Finally, the results are in. And good news: I won first place in the Poetry category! Yipee!
Sponsored by the Weekly Sillimanian and Kadugong Bol-anon, the winning works will be included in our literary folio, Dark Blue Southern Seas (DBSS), to be published by next school year. I am keeping my fingers crossed this time. Well, most of the staffers of this folio are graduating so it would be me alone who’s got to face the intrigues and other concerns that would be sprouting from somewhere next year.

Short Fiction
1st place - Alfred Casipong (MA in Creative Writing) “Inday”
2nd place - Carlos Garcia (BS Computer Science – I) “The Mr. Sunshine”
3rd place - Jan Paulo Bastareche (Mass Communication – III) “Camus Dreaming: An Existentialist Story”

Poetry
1st place - Fred Jordan Mikhail T. Carnice (AB Creative Writing – III) “The Other End”
2nd place - Sonia SyGaco (MA in Creative Writing) “The Spark”
3rd place - Jan Paulo Bastareche (Mass Communication – III) “Necrolatry”

Essay
1st place - Celeste June Rivera (Mass Communication – III) “Pulutan”
2nd place - Celeste June Rivera (Mass Communication – III) “Bulsa”
3rd place - none

JUDGES: Mr. Ian Rosales Casocot, Ms. Lakambini Sitoy, Mr. Cesar Ruiz Aquino, Atty. Ernesto Superal Yee, and Mr. Bobby Flores Villasis