‘Gawad Balagtas’ and other literary awards

The 31st National Congress of Unyon ng mga Manunulat sa Pilipinas or Writers Union of the Philippines (UMPIL) will be held on Aug. 27, Saturday, from 1 to 5 p.m., at Frontpage (fronting the National Library) on T. M. Kalaw St. in Manila.

This year’s Congress theme is "Revolution and the Intellectuals," with UMPIL chairman emeritus Adrian E. Cristobal delivering the keynote address titled "More Than 100 Years of Supplication."

National Artist for Literature Virgilio S. Almario, also an UMPIL chairman emeritus, will introduce the keynote speaker. The event is being conducted in coordination with the newly established Plaridel organization of esteemed journalists, among whom Sir Adrian is a stalwart.

The prestigious 18th Gawad Balagtas for lifetime achievement in literature will also be conferred to seven prominent writers practicing in several languages. Each of this year’s winners will receive a splendid trophy carved out of hardwood by the master artist Manny Baldemor.

The winners and their respective citations are as follows:

José Y. Dalisay Jr. for fiction, essay, screenplay, drama – "For his fiction whose painterly strokes are those of a master, and whose insights are born out of an almost clinical discipline and dexterity worthy of a surgeon examining the interstices of human experience; and his dramas for stage and screen that closely gaze at the psychology of his characters as they journey into love, belief and passion. A trustworthy guide, mentor and critic, his beneficial presence in literary workshops, his newspaper columns, are testimony to his intense desire to share his expertise with young writers. He has also made use of his wide network in literature and the academe here and abroad, towards better opportunities for Filipino writers."

Gregorio C. Laconsay for fiction and essay in Ilokano – "For his novels that created an intricate map of Ilocandia literature; and essays that plumb the depths of sexual love, and scale the heights of human desire and imagination. His novels exposed the long-suppressed history of the Cagayan rebellion against the Tobacco Monopoly, up to the ideological struggle in the courts of justice and the dark conflicts in time of war. He also cleared the path for the liberal discussion of sex and love in his daily columns, even as he created an unsurpassed linguistic legacy in his Ilocano, Tagalog and English dictionary."

Benigno R. Juan for fiction and essay in Tagalog – "For his stories that effortlessly merge imagination and reality, and reveal rich and contrasting perspectives on culture, philosophy and psychology; and essays that shed light on the diverse questions and issues on the eddying forces of society. As editor, he has guided the craft and career of countless writers in Liwayway magazine. His numerous awards only prove that an occupation in so-called commercial literature is no obstacle to the production of remarkable work and wisdom that can only issue from immortal minds."

Gumer M. Rafanan for fiction in Cebuano – "For his novels and stories that explore the borders of myth and imagination, while depicting realistic adventures in love and man’s understanding of the world. His prolific output over five decades demonstrates a capacity and ease in the genres of essay, drama and poetry, without forgetting to exploit the color and passion of his Visayan milieu. He has lent his leadership to organizations like the Ludabi and Bathalad-Mindanao, which has served to elevate the Visayan language to its proper literary place, while continuing to provide a shining example to young writers. He was also a critic of his time, of which his works are living, indubitable proof."

Frank G. Rivera for drama and screenplay – "For his incisive stage plays, such as Oyayi and Ambon, Ulan, Baha, that venture into problematical and sensitive issues of society, culture and history; and screenplays, such as Bagong Hari, that unblinkingly stare at the dire milieu of poverty. Under his driven leadership, the famous theater group Sining Kambayoka staged remarkable and relevant productions, and at the same time, through various innovative methods, developed and refined numerous writing and theater talents. His admirable writer’s persistence has produced some 20 books, most of which attempt at, and succeed in, elevating the standards of dramatic art in this country, and continue to be a source of learning for both teachers and students of Philippine theater."

Ramón C. Sunico for poetry and children’s fiction – "For his poetry possessed of an acute metaphysical eye that probes quietly, as well as a refined playfulness, and whose sense of rhythm and musicality are unmistakable in the two Philippine languages he uses; and his children’s stories that instructively entertain and propound the value of respect for fellow human beings and the nature that surrounds them. As editor and translator, prime and patent in his works are a tight artistry and imaginative exuberance. Proof is the numerous awards recognizing his insistence on creative output appreciated not only locally but also internationally. He has also lent a constant hand to the promotion of literary books, especially in his role as an able manager of publications.

Azucena Grajo Uranza for fiction in English – "For her novels that exhibit a cinematographic scrutiny and sweep of culture and history, and human sensitivity; and stories that sparkle with music and lucidity. Her fictive world is populated by characters limned realistically, who in turn create and move in a light-and-dark, dark-and-light twilight universe all their own. Not a few young people have come under her mentorship and guidance as a teacher of literature in the university, even as her radio dramas aired nationwide and her plays were staged in many provinces and regions. She has shared her talent and knowledge through her lectures in and out of academe. She is a source of pride not only of her native Sorsogon but of the whole country."

Writers and literature lovers are enjoined to attend the UMPIL Congress, which is expected to draw the participation of over 200 writer-members, and will be capped by an afternoon repast.

On Aug. 31, the 26th Manila International Book Fair will open at the World Trade Center on Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. corner Roxas Blvd. It celebrates the theme "It’s hip to read!" – and will last for five days, until Sept. 4.

The MIBF showcases the largest and most varied collection of printed works: Literature, textbooks, educational supplements, general references, religious and inspirational titles, self-help books, management books, Filipiniana, coffee-table books, popular novels, children’s books, art books, graphic novels, rare and hard-to-find titles, magazines, audio and e-books, teaching supplies and services, publishers’ technology, and travel materials.

New titles will be launched and book signings held, featuring some of our most esteemed authors. Fun activities such as quiz shows, storytelling sessions and seminars will also be conducted by the MIBF, in an effort to initiate and maintain good reading habits. The organization has been dynamic in promoting books and literacy by giving publishers a venue to discuss and develop new publications.

Also to be featured during the book fair are two of the most prestigious book awards in the literary scene: the Gintong Aklat Awards and the National Book Awards. The latter, now on its 24th edition, is run by the Manila Critics Circle, whose 11 members are Dr. Isagani Cruz, Virgilio Almario, Juaniyo Arcellana, Cirilo Bautista, Fr. Miguel Bernad, SJ, Ophelia Dimalanta, Resil Mojares, Danton Remoto, Sol Reyes, Ruel de Vera and Krip Yuson.

About 30 National Book Awards will be given for books published last year, encompassing over 25 categories or genres. The list of nominees for the prizes was made public by Dr. Cruz in his column in this paper a couple of weeks ago. A few more titles we had overlooked have since been added, and we have had our final deliberations, but of course mum’s the word till the awarding on Sept. 4, Sunday, 4 p.m., on the last day of the book fair.

Oh, let’s not forget Palanca Night on Sept. 1, when the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature will be handed out at the Rigodon Ballroom of the Manila Peninsula hotel in Makati.

By now the winners in several literary genres and language divisions would have received their much-awaited notices of good tidings. Many young writers will receive the coveted prize for the first time, so that the night will prove immensely memorable. I understand that a couple of writers will be elevated to the Palanca Hall of Fame.

Bravo to all the winners of all the prizes in this largesse season! Hail our literature advocacy months of August and September!