ON ITS 34th year, Gawad Ustetika, the country’s longest-running campus literary derby, will grant lifetime achievement awards to researcher Ma. Cecilia Locsin-Nava, writer Fr. Albert Alejo, S.J. and, posthumously, to the late actor Bernardo Bernardo.
Locsin-Nava and Alejo, both recipients of National Book Awards, and Bernardo, acclaimed theater performer and Gawad Urian awardee, will be honored with the Ustetika’s Parangal Hagbong, given to outstanding Thomasian writers and artists.
Bernardo, who passed away in March 2018 due to pancreatic cancer, was best known for his comedic role in Dolphy’s hit TV sitcom “Home Along Da Riles.”
He was a recipient of the Gawad Urian Best Supporting Actor award in 1981 for his role as “Manay Sharon” in Ishmael Bernal’s “Manila By Night.”
Bernardo, a former Varsitarian editor in chief, obtained his bachelor’s degree in journalism in UST in 1966. He had theater training at the University of California. He graduated with a master’s degree at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts.
Nava is known for her research on regional literature and her studies on the life and works of National Artist for Literature Ramon Muzones.
In 2012, she won the Juan C. Laya Prize for Best Novel in a Foreign Language for her translation of the novel “Margosatubig: The Story of Salagunting” by Muzones.
Nava obtained her bachelor’s degree in English literature from UST. She earned her master’s degree in English literature from Ateneo de Manila and her doctorate in Philippine studies from the University of the Philippines.
Alejo is a Jesuit priest, anthropologist, artist and activist. He is the author of several anti-corruption literary works including “Sanayan lang ang Pagpatay” and “Ehemplo.”
He obtained his bachelor’s degree from the University. He was a Varsitarian Filipino writer.
Alejo earned his master’s degree in philosophy and theology from the Ateneo. He also studied in the School of Oriental and African Studies University of London, where he received his master’s and doctorate degrees in social anthropology.
Budding Thomasian student-writers in categories such as poetry, fiction, essay and one-act play will be recognized in an awarding ceremony on March 30, Saturday at the Buenaventura Garcia Paredes, O.P. Building.
