CEBU, Philippines - The Carlos Palanca Foundation, Inc. is now accepting entries to the 65th season of the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature (CPMA). The contest is open to both aspiring and seasoned writers. This year's tilt has the Novel and Nobela categories, both of which are offered only every two years. Only unpublished or unproduced works (not been communicated to the public, subject of a public performance, or published) may be entered.
The full list of categories for the 65th Palanca Awards includes: Novel and Nobela categories;
English Division - Short Story, Short Story for Children, Essay, Poetry, Poetry Written for Children, One-act Play, and Full-length Play; Filipino Division - Maikling Kuwento, Maikling Kuwentong Pambata, Sanaysay, Tula, Tula para sa mga Bata, Dulang May Isang Yugto, Dulang Ganap ang Haba, at Dulang Pampelikula; Regional Languages Division - Short Story-Cebuano, Short Story-Hiligaynon, and Short Story-Ilokano.
Students less than 18 years old are also encouraged to participate in the Kabataan Essay and Kabataan Sanaysay categories. This year's Kabataan Division theme is, "How can Philippine literature cultivate national unity?" for the English category, and "Paano mapag-iisa ng ating literatura ang ating bansa?" for the Filipino category.
Participants may submit only one entry per category. Contest rules and forms are available at the Palanca Foundation offices, either at Unit 603, 6th Floor Park Trade Centre Bldg., 1716 Investment Drive, Madrigal Business Park, Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa City, or at Unit 3G, OPL Bldg., 100 C. Palanca St., Legaspi Village, Makati City, or may be downloaded from the official CPMA website at www.palancaawards.com.ph.
Entries may be submitted through the official CPMA website, or by mail, or directly to the CPMA offices. Winners will be awarded at a special ceremony to be held on September 1. Interested parties may contact the CPMA Administrator Mrs. Leslie Layoso through the website or at (632) 511-0003; +639108878552, or +639255560457 for assistance.
Established in 1950, the Palanca Awards honors the legacy of businessman and philanthropist Don Carlos Palanca Sr., a staunch supporter of education and literature. The Awards aims to develop Philippine Literature by providing incentives for writers to craft outstanding literary works and by being a treasury of these literary gems. (FREEMAN)