35th National Book Awards

In 2008, the Manila Critics Circle and the National Book Development the National Book Development Board and the Manila Critics Circle: entered into an agreement to institutionalize the annual National Books Awards which honors the most outstanding authors and their books of the previous year.

The National Book Development Board is a government agency whose vision is to be a leading catalyst for building a culture of reading and authorship as well as an environment for the growth of the publishing industry towards making it globally competitive. Its mission is to promote the continuing development of the book publishing industry to ensure an adequate and accessible supply of quality books for the local and the global market. The current chair of the NBDB is Flor Marie Sta. Romana Cruz.

Founded in 1981, the Manila Critics’ Circle is a nonprofit, nonstock organization of professional literary critics and newspaper columnists who believe that  Philippine books deserve much more attention than they usually get from business, media and the general public. Its current members are Dean Francis Alfar, National Artist for Literature Cirilo F. Bautista, Juaniyo Arcellana, Roger J. Bresnahan, Alma Anonas Carpio, Isagani R. Cruz, Ruel S. De Vera, Shirley O. Lua, Danton Remoto and Joel Pablo Salud.

The ceremonies for the  35th National Book Awards, which recognize the most outstanding authors and books, of 2016,will be held on November 26 at the National Museum Auditorium in Manila. The winners are:

Best Novel in English: Locust Girl: A Lovesong, by Merlinda Bobis, Anvil Publishing, Inc.

Best Novel in Filipino: Si Janus Silang at ang Labanáng Manananggal-Mambabarang, ni Edgar Calabia Samar, Adarna House, Inc.

Cirilo F. Bautista Prize for Best Book of Short Fiction in English: Recuerdos de Patay and Other Stories, by Caroline S. Hau, The University of the Philippines Press

Best Book of Short Fiction in Filipino: Sa Mil Flores, May Isang Hostes at iba pang Kuwento ni Rosario de Guzman-Lingat, ni Soledad S. Reyes (editor), Ateneo de Manila University Press

Pablo A. Tan Prize for Best Book of Nonfiction Prose in English?Arsenio H. Lacson of Manila, by Amador F. Brioso, Jr., Anvil Publishing, Inc.

Best Book of Nonfiction Prose in Filipino: Ang Autobiografia ng Ibang Lady Gaga, ni Jack Alvarez, Visprint, Inc.

Best Book of Essays in English: Re: Recollections, Reviews, Reflections, by Luis H. Francia, The University of the Philippines Press

Best Book of Essays in Filipino: Titser Pangkalawakan at iba pang angas sa social network underworld, ni Joselito D. Delos Reyes, Visprint, Inc.

Best Anthology in English?Habagatanon: Conversations with Six Davao Writers, by Ricardo M. de Ungria, The University of the Philippines Press

Best Anthology in a Philippine Language: 35 Kuwentong Klasiko, Adarna House, Inc.

Philippine Literary Arts Council Prize for Best Book of Poetry in English: Maybe Something, by Isabela Banzon, The University of the Philippines Press

Best Book of Poetry in Filipino: Mula Tarima Hanggang at iba pang mga Tula at Awit, ni Ericson Acosta, The University of the Philippines Press

Best Literary Criticism/Literary History in English: Past Mountain Dreaming: New Essays, by Gémino H. Abad, The University of the Philippines Press

Best Book of Graphic Literature in English: Kare-kare Komiks, by Andrew Drilon, Anino Comics, an imprint of Adarna House, Inc.

Best Book of Graphic Literature in Filipino: News Hardcore! Hukbong Sandatahan ng Kahaggardan!, ni Manix Abrera, Visprint, Inc.

Best Book of Wordless Graphic Literature: Light, by Rob Cham, Anino Comics, an imprint of Adarna House, Inc.

Best Translated Book: Sa Atong Dila: Introduction To Visayan Literature, by Merlie M. Alunan, The University of the Philippines Press

Best Book on Food: Panaderia: Philippine Bread, Biscuit and Bakery Traditions, by Amy A. Uy and Jenny B. Orillos, Anvil Publishing, Inc.

Victorio C. Valledor for Best Book in The Professions: Laws for Life, by Gianna Reyes Montinola and Ma. Victoria Rotor-Hilado, Anvil Publishing, Inc.

Elfren S. Cruz Prize for Best Book in Social Sciences: Tradition and Transformation: Studies on Indigenous Culture, by June Prill-Brett, Cordillera Studies Center

Alfonso T. Ongpin Prize for Best Book on Art :Inabel: Philippine Textile from the Ilocos Region, by Al M. Valenciano, Regalado Trota Jose, Dr. Norma A. Respicio, Michael F. Manalo, Hannah P. Cunanan, Rene E. Guatlo, ArtPostAsia Inc.

John C. Kaw Prize for Best Book in History: Luzon at War: Contradictions in Philippine Society 1898-1902, by Milagros Camayon Guerrero, Anvil Publishing, Inc.

Best Book in Journalism: Macli-ing Dulag: Kalinga chief, Defender of the Cordillera, by Ma. Ceres P. Doyo, The University of the Philippines Press

Best Book in Science: The Cosmic Wild: Biology of Science Fiction, by Ronald Cruz, Ateneo de Manila University Press

Best DesignRoberto Chabet, by Ringo Bunoan (editor), book design by B+C Design, King Kong Art Projects Unlimited, Inc.

Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino Prize for Best Book in Language Studies: Ambagan 2013: Mga Salita Mula sa Iba’t Ibang Wika sa Filipinas, ni Michael M. Coroza (editor), The University of the Philippines Press

Publisher Of The Year: The University of the Philippines Press

What are Great Books?

The term “Great Books” are those books regarded as constituting or best expressing the foundations of a civilization or culture. According to Mortimer Adler, the three criteria for including book on any Great Book list are”...the book has contemporary significance; the book is inexhaustible – can be read and again with benefit; and, is relevant to a large number of great ideas and great issues that have occupied the minds of thinking individuals.” I look forward to the day we will see the list of Philippine Great Books.

Creative writing classes for kids and teens

Christmas Writing Classes for Kids & Teens on December 3 and December 10 (1:30pm-3pm).  Classes at Fully Booked Bonifacio High Street.  For registration and fee details text 0917-6240196 or email [email protected].

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