NINE Thomasian writers were named finalists in the 43rd National Book Awards, including Cristina Pantoja-Hidalgo, director of UST Center for Creative Writing and Literary Studies.
Hidalgo, a former Varsitarian editor in chief, was nominated for Best Anthology in English for her compendium, “Encantada: The Essential Cristina Pantoja-Hidalgo.”
The collection spans more than 50 years of Hidalgo’s writing, encompassing excerpts from her novels, short stories, sketches, memoirs, travel essays, and criticism.
In the same category, J. Neil Garcia, a journalism alumnus and former director of the UP Press, earned a nomination for editing “Kamustahan: Creative Writing in the Philippines.”
The essay anthology explores diverse writing traditions and communities that sustain creative works in Philippine native languages, featuring contributions from 12 Filipino writers, including Hidalgo.
Literature alumna Merlinda Bobis’ “The Solemn Lantern Maker” was nominated for Best Novel in English. It follows Noland, a mute 10-year-old lantern seller who helps an injured American tourist involved in a drive-by shooting in Manila.
Creative writing professor Chuckberry Pascual’s “Ang Nawawalang Barangay” was among the finalists for Best Novel in Filipino.
The story centers on Detective Bree’s investigation into disappearances in Malabon. It is a continuation of his acclaimed mystery novel, “Ang Nawawala,” which bagged the 2018 Best Book of Short Fiction in Filipino by the National Book Awards.
Vim Nadera, former literary editor and editor in chief of the Varsitarian, earned a nomination for Best Book of Nonfiction Prose in Filipino for his work, “Tokhang at Iba Pang Nanlalabang Sanaysay.”
The essay collection is part of Nadera’s “Terapiyang Trilohiya,” a trilogy he started during the height of the pandemic as a continuing narrative for personal healing.
Eric Gamalinda, another ex-Varsitarian literary editor, was nominated for Best Book of Poetry in English for his collection, “Amigo Warfare.”
Two UST Publishing House (USTPH) authors, Alyza Taguilaso and Mark Cayanan, were named finalists in the same category for their collections, “Juggernaut” and “Unanimal, Counterfeit, Scurrilous,” respectively.
Maynard Manansala was nominated for Best Book on Drama and Film for his debut work, published by the USTPH, “Tao Po…Samot-Saring Tao sa Dula,” which explores the complex stories of characters depicted in stage plays.
The National Book Awards was first organized in 1982 by the Filipino Critics Circle, formerly known as Manila Critics Circle. It was co-administered by the National Book Development Board beginning 2008.
Its 43rd edition awarding ceremony is set to take place in March 2026. John Kobe S. Balod
