41st National Book Awards reveals finalists, resilient publishing industry

The publishing of physical books remains very much alive as can be seen in the harvest of books of 2022 that made it as finalists in the 41st National Book Awards.

The finalists were announced on 6 November by award organizers, Manila Critics Circle and the National Book Development Board, as they prepare for the historic participation of the country as guest of honor in 2025 at the world's biggest book fair, Frankfurter Buchmesse in Germany.

According to NBDB, they received nominations for 235 titles, written, designed and published in the Philippines. It is notable that the finalists, a mix of works written by first-time and eminent authors and published by both established and independent publishers, were written in seven languages — English, Filipino, Cebuano (called Binisaya in some parts of the country), Bikol, Hiligaynon, Tausug and Waray.

The annual prize that recognizes the best books written, designed and published in the Philippines will have 34 categories in three divisions for its 41st iteration. The awarding ceremony is slated for February 2024.

Here are the finalists:

Literary division

Novel in English: The Collaborators: A Novel by Katrina Tuvera (Ateneo de Manila University or ADMU Press); and Yñiga: A Novel by Glenn Diaz (ADMU Press).

Novel in Filipino: Andrea: Oyayi sa Daluyong by Rom Factolerin (BlackPen Publishing); El Arbol de la Alegria: Southern Quartet I by RM Topacio-Aplaon (Isang Balangay Media Productions); Ang Bangin sa Ilalim ng Ating mga Paa by Ronald Vivo Jr. (19th Avenida Publishing House); and Ubusán ng Bida by Klaro de Asis (19th Avenida Publishing House).

Short Fiction in English: Armor: Stories by John Bengan (ADMU Press); Laut: Stories by Sigrid Marianne Gayangos (University of the Philippines or UP Press); A Playlist for the End of the World by Gabriela Lee (UP Press); Seek Ye Whore and Other Stories by Yvette Tan (Anvil Publishing); and Song of the Mango and Other New Myths by Vida Cruz-Borja (ADMU Press).

Short Fiction in Filipino: (Ano) by Zero A.D. (UP Press); Ang Buang ng Bayan: Mga Maikling Kuwento by Rowena P. Festin (UP Press); Ang Kompedio ng mga Imposibleng Bagay by Carlo Paulo Pacolor (Everything's Fine); Pangontra by Allan N. Derain (UP Press); and Tatlong Larawan at Iba Pang Maikling Kwento by U Z. Eliserio (UP Press).

Nonfiction Prose in English: Brief Histories: Essays by Don Jaucian (Everything's Fine); Even Ducks Get Liver Cancer and Other Medical Misadventures by Wilfredo Liangco (Milflores Publishing); The Holy Wife: Stories of Extraordinary Love by Ting Pantoja-Mañalac (University of Santo Tomas or UST Publishing House); Lost Graves, Found Lives: A History and Memoir by Agapito Labalan del Rosario and Rosario Cruz-Lucero (ADMU Press); and Rodolfo Biazon: Soldier, Solon, Statesman by Eric Ramos (Milflores Publishing).

Nonfiction Prose in Filipino: Mga Anting-Anting sa Sabong by Bobby V. Villagracia (UP Press); Distrungka by Emmanuel T. Barrameda (self-published); Kumusta, 2020? Alaala ng Isang Alay by Vim Nadera (UP Press); Pasasaan by Jesus Aman Calvario (Isang Balangay Media Productions); and Saglit: Alaala't Muni by Rofel G. Brion (ADMU Press).

Anthology in English: Deck the Halls Volume One: A Christmas-Themed Crime Fiction Anthology by Mark Manalang, Yeyet Soriano, John Lawrence Viloria Calano, Allene Allanigue, Tina Alfonso, Shayne A. Martinez and Dan C. De Guzman (HS Grafik Print); Growing Up Filipino 3: New Stories for Young Adults, edited by Cecilia Manguerra Brainard (UST Publishing House); Kalandrakas Part 1, 1890-1945: Stories and Storytellers of/on Regions in Mindanao, 1890-1990 and Kalandrakas Part 2, 1946-1990: Stories and Storytellers of/on Regions in Mindanao, 1890-1990, edited by Ricardo M. De Ungria (ADMU Press); and The Lives of A Filipino Student: Anthology of Personal Essays on High School in the Philippines, edited by Rolando B. Tolentino, Joselito D. Delos Reyes and Ferdinand Pisigan Jarin (UST Publishing House).

Anthology in Filipino: Himaya: Panitikan ng Pagbabanyuhay, edited by Joyce L. Arriola (National Commission for Culture and the Arts or NCCA); Kung Bakit Walang Demonyo sa Malabog by Abdon M. Balde Jr. (Ateneo de Naga University Press); Mga Nagwaging Akda: Gawad Bienvenido Lumbera NCLA National Literary Contest 2022, edited by Niles Jordan D. Breis and Merdeka de la Cruz Morales (NCCA); Plus/+ at Iba Plus, Maramihan: New Philippine Nonfiction on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identities, edited by Rolando B. Tolentino and Chuckberry J. Pascual (ADMU Press); and Rurok: Comics and Art Anthology, edited by Paolo Herras (Komiket Inc.).

Literary Criticism/Cultural Studies: Himaymay: Approaches to Philippine Literature, edited by Priscilla S. Macansantos (NCCA); Hulagway: Bahay ng Salita, Balai ng Gunita, edited by Floraime Oliveros Pantaleta (NCCA); Isang Dalumat ng Panahon by Christian Jil R. Benitez (ADMU Press); and Sining at Kamalayang Pilipino na Maka-Tao, edited by Nicanor G. Tiongson (Polytechnic University of the Philippines Sentro sa Araling Panlipunan).

Media Studies: Abangan: Mga Pambungad na Resepsiyon sa Kultura ng Teleserye by Louie Jon A. Sanchez (UST Publishing House); Alternative Cinema: The Unchronicled History of Alternative Cinema in the Philippines by Nick Deocampo (UP Press); and Keeping Memories: Cinema and Archiving in the Asia-Pacific, edited by Nick Deocampo (ADMU Press).

Poetry in English: All My Distances Point to Home by King Llanza (UST House); The Broken Places: Poems by Teddy Griarte Espela (Ateneo de Naga University Press); Coming Home to the Island: Poems by Arlene J. Yandug (Xavier University Press); Mass at the Edge of Morning by Simeon Dumdum Jr. (ADMU Press); and What Comes After: Poems by Eliza Victoria (UP Press).

Poetry in Filipino: Ang Kartograpiya ng Pagguho: Mga Tula by Ralph Fonte (ADMU Press); Mga Luwa at Iba Pang Tula by Jose A. Badillo (UP Press); Pasalubong by Maria Rilkë Arguelles (Philippine High School for the Arts and Grana-PH Book Publishing); Sa Ika-ilang Sirkulo ng Impyerno by Miguel Paolo Celestial (Isang Balangay Media Productions); and Sa Pagitan ng mga Emerhensiya by Rosmon Tuazon (UP Press).

Graphic Novel and Comics in English: Death be Damned by Mike Alcazaren, Noel Pascual and AJ Bernardo (authors); AJ Bernardo and Josel Nicolas (illustrators) (Komiket Inc.); and Godhark: The Sanguine Storm by Sean Kyle Manaloto (Komiket Inc.).

Graphic Novel and Comics in Filipino: Duty Ka Ba? Mga Kuwentong Hugot Mula sa Cardiovascular System by Tepai Pascual (19th Avenida Publishing House); Josefina by Russell L. Molina (author) and Ace C. Enriquez (illustrator) (Adarna House); The Terror Prof by Manix Abrera (self-published); Unang Engkantada by Al Santos (author) and Jap Mikel (illustrator) (Komiket Inc.); and Zsazsa Zaturnnah sa Kalakhang Maynila by Carlo Vergara (19th Avenida Publishing House).

Translated Book in English: It's A Men's World by Ken Ishikawa (translator) and Bebang Siy (author) (Isang Balangay Media Productions); Selected Poems and Interviews by Marne L. Kilates, Frank V. Peñones, Jr. and Mikael De Lara Co (translators), and Kristian Sendon Cordero (author) (Savage Mind Publishing House).

Translated Book in Filipino: Ilustrado by Chuckberry J. Pascual (translator) and Miguel Syjuco (author) (UST Publishing House); Nasa Puso ang Amerika (America Is in the Heart) by Jovianne G. Figueroa (translator) and Carlos Bulosan (author) (Anvil Publishing); and Pag-Ibig sa Panahon ng Kolera (Love in the Time of Cholera) by John Jack Wigley (translator) and Gabriel García Márquez (author) (Lampara Books).

Translated Book in Hiligaynon: Nada by Alice M. Sun-Cua (translator) and Carmen Laforet (author) (Sto. Niño de Cebu Publishing House).

Translated Book in Tausug: Sarena's Story: The Loss of a Kingdom (Suy-Suy ni Sarena: In Paglawa' sin Hambuuk Sultaniyya) by Benj Bangahan (translator) and Criselda Yabes (author) (Pawikan Press).

Translated Book in Waray: Gimata: Mga Siday ha Waray Nga May Mga Hubad Ha Inglis by Victor N. Sugbo (NCCA).

Drama and Film: Huni at Pakpak: Mga Dula, Mga Sanaysay by Luna Sicat Cleto, (UP Press); Nothing Deep by Richard Bolisay (Everything's Fine); and Pilipinas kong Mahal with All the Overcoat at Iba Pang Mga Dula by Eljay Castro Deldoc (Isang Balangay Media Productions).

Novel in Binisaya: Arkipelago: Nobela by Januar Yap (Advaux Publishing) and Ang Dagayday sa Panahong Nanglabay by Melchor M. Morante (Aletheia Printing and Publishing House).

Short Fiction in Binisaya: Dili Pwede Mogawas ug Ubang Mga Sugilanon (Can't Go Out and Other Stories) by Elizabeth Joy Serrano-Quijano (Ateneo de Davao University Publication Office); and Matag Adlaw: Mga Sugilanon by Januar Yap (Advaux Publishing).

Anthology in Binisaya: Kinhas: Mga Sinwat sa Sinultihan sang Santa Fe, Isla sang Bantayan, edited by Jessrel Escaran Gilbuena (Kasingkasing Press), and Sinug-Ang: A Cebuano Trio by Erlinda Alburo, Ester Tapia, and Corazon Almerino (University of San Carlos Press).

Poetry in Binisaya: Ang Nakayatak kay Nayatakan (Who Steps Upon Is Stepped Upon) by Adonis Durado (UP Press).

Non-Literary Division

Art: Felix Mago Miguel: The Art of Book Design by Amelia F. Zubiri-Miguel (Foreign Service Institute); Heritage Churches of the Cagayan River Basin by Javier Galván Guijo (Vibal Foundation); Julio Nakpil (1867-1960) Collected Works Volume 1: Piano, Vocal, and Chamber Music, edited by Maria Alexandra Iñigo Chua (UST Publishing House); Maceda, Spahlinger and the Dialectics of a "New Music" Praxis in Southeast Asian Modernity by Jonas Baes (UP Press); and Tales From A Drawing Table by Mark Lewis Lim Higgins (self-published).

The annual prize that recognizes the best books written,
designed and published in the Philippines will have 34 categories in three divisions for its 41st iteration. The awarding ceremony is slated for February 2024.

Social Sciences: Ayta: Voices of Sustainability from the Margins by Emiliano Q. Ibera III (Saniata Publications); Indigenous Archaeology in the Philippines: Decolonizing Ifugao History by Stephen B. Acabado and Marlon M. Martin (Ateneo de Naga University Press); International Studies in the Philippines: Mapping New Frontiers in Theory and Practice, edited by Frances Antoinette Cruz and Nassef Manabilang Adiong (ADMU Press); Patronage Democracy in the Philippines: Clans, Clients, and Competition in Local Elections, edited by Julio C. Teehankee and Cleo Anne A. Calimbahin (ADMU Press); and Transfiguring Mindanao: A Mindanao Reader, edited by Jose Jowel Canuday and Joselito Sescon (ADMU Press).

Philosophy: Doing Philosophy in the Philippines: The Thomasian Collection (1951-1959), Volume III, edited by Alfredo P. Co (UST Publishing House); and Life-times of Becoming Human by Neferti X.M. Tadiar (Everything's Fine).

History: Bullfighting in the Philippines 1602-2022 by Gaspar A. Vibal (Vibal Foundation); The Chinese Mestizos of Cebu City 1750-1900 by Michael Cullinane (University of San Carlos Publishing House); Colonialism and Modernity: Re-Mapping Philippine Histories, edited by Oscar V. Campomanes, Nobutaka Suzuki and Yoshiko Nagano (Ateneo de Naga University Press); The Marcos Era: A Reader, edited by Leia Castañeda Anastacio and Patricio N. Abinales (ADMU Press); Moro Warrior: A Philippine Chieftain, an American Schoolmaster, and the Untold Story of the Most Remarkable Resistance Fighters of the Pacific War by Thomas McKenna (ADMU Press).

Humor, Sports, Lifestyle and Business: Fighters for Life: Turning Challenges Into Opportunities: Series 1 by Virginia Dulay-Akiate (EduHeart Book Publishing); The Quality Management System and Total Quality Management: Principles, Methods and Applications by Jay Sario (EduHeart Book Publishing); Strategy in the New Age of Capitalism: Collaborative and Inclusive Approaches to Value Creation by Niceto S. Poblador (UP Press); and The You-Have-To-Go-Through-A-Lot-Of Crap To-Get-To-Good-Ideas Book by David Guerrero (Milflores Publishing).

Food: Filipino Vegan: Recipes and Stories to Stir Up Filipino Flavors and Perspectives by RG Enriquez-Diez (Anvil Publishing); Flavors of Iloilo by Rafael J. Jardeleza Jr. (Iloilo City Government); and My Ranaw Kitchen Lab: Food for Peace in Muslim Mindanao by Assad Baunto (Pawikan Press).

Science: Between the Coral Tides: A Natural History of Philippine Shores by Benjamin M. Vallejo Jr. (UP Press); and The Role of Rainforestation in Forest Landscape Restoration and Conservation in the Island Municipality of Pilar, Camotes, Cebu by Guiraldo C. Fernandez, Jr. and Marlito M. Bande (Aletheia Printing and Publishing House).

Spirituality and Theology: The Islands of Faith: Crossroads of Mission by Andrew Gimenez Recepcion (Ateneo de Naga University Press).

Professions: Raising Quality Education in the Philippines: Selected Speeches and Writings by Father Joel E. Tabora, S.J. (Ateneo de Davao University Publication Office).

Journalism: Duterte Watch: Descent into Authoritarianism Collected Commentaries by Vergel O. Santos (UST Publishing House).

Design

The Demo Versions: Music, Criticism, Autobiography by Aldus Santos (author) and Mara Rivera (book designer) (Everything's Fine); Ilustrado by Miguel Syjuco (author), Chuckberry J. Pascual (translatior) and Sam Immanuel R. Macaisa and Jhozelle M. Crooc (book designers) (UST Publishing House); Love Team: Love Letters from a Broken World by Alan Navarra (author) and Shopping Libertad (book designer) (19th Avenida Publishing House); Tales From A Drawing Table by Mark Lewis Higgins (author) and Efren Prieto (book designer) (self-published); and Transfiguring Mindanao: A Mindanao Reader by Jose Canuday and Joselito Sescon (editors) and Karl Castro (book designer) (ADMU Press).