QUEZON CITY, (PIA) — The National Book Development Board (NBDB) and the Manila Critics Circle (MCC) are proud to announce the winners of the 42nd National Book Awards (NBA).
The annual prize honors the most outstanding book titles written, designed, and published in the Philippines.
According to NBDB, the 42nd iteration of the National Book Awards has a total of 326 titles submitted across 31 categories consisting of four languages: English, Filipino, Bikol, and Ilokano.
Following the awarding of winners during the 41st cycle in February this year, the 42nd cycle of the awards is set to be held this November at the historic Intramuros in Manila.
The official list of winners for the 42nd National Book Awards are as follows:
Literary Division
Best Novel in English
1762: A Novel by Vin dela Serna Lopez, Ateneo de Manila University Press
Best Novel in Filipino
Teorya ng Unang Panahon by Edgar Calabia Samar, Ateneo de Manila University Press
National Artist Cirilo F. Bautista Prize for Best Book of Short Fiction in English
The Collected Stories of Gregorio C. Brillantes by Gregorio C. Brillantes, Ateneo de Manila University Press
Gerardo P. Cabochan Prize for Best Book of Short Fiction in Filipino
Mga Kalansay sa Hardin ng Panginoon: Isang Koleksyon ng Maikling Kuwento by Ronaldo Soledad Vivo, Jr., Self-Published
Pablo A. Tan Prize for Best Book of Nonfiction Prose in English
Balik-Tanaw: The Road Taken by Soledad S. Reyes, De La Salle University Publishing House
Best Book of Nonfiction Prose in Filipino
Patinig at Iba Pang Sanaysay by Soliman A. Santos, The University of the Philippines Press
Best Anthology in English
Bordered Lives No More: The Humanities and the Post-COVID-19 Recovery, Dinah Roma (Editor), De La Salle University Publishing House
Best Anthology in Filipino
Bata, Hiwaga, Bansa: Pamana ni Rene O. Villanueva sa Panitikang Pambansa, Eugene Y. Evasco and Cheeno Marlo M. Sayuno (Editors), The University of the Philippines Press
Best Book of Literary Criticism/Cultural Studies
Ang Bisa ng Pag-uulit sa Katutubong Panitikan by Alvin B. Yapan, Ateneo de Manila University Press
Best Book on Media Studies
Ang Mahaba’t Kagyat na Buhay ng Indie Sinema, Rolando B. Tolentino and Aristotle J. Atienza (Editors), The University of the Philippines Press in collaboration with QCinema International Film Festival
Philippine Literary Arts Council Prize for Best Book in Poetry in English
It is Time to Come Home: New & Collected Poems by Marjorie Evasco, Milflores Publishing, Inc. and De La Salle University Publishing House
Victorio C. Valledor Prize for Best Book of Poetry in Filipino
Turno Kong Nokturno: Mga Bago at Piling Tula by Lamberto E. Antonio, The University of the Philippines Press and UP Institute of Creative Writing
Best Graphic Novels and Comics in English
Sa Wala, written and illustrated by Renren Galeno, Komiket Inc.
Best Graphic Novels and Comics in Filipino
Sining Killing, written and illustrated by Randy Valiente, Komiket Inc.
Best Translated Book English
Húbad: Ester Tapia, Translator: Merlie M. Alunan; Author: Ester Tapia, The University of the Philippines Press and UP Institute of Creative Writing
Best Translated Book in Filipino
Palâisgën: Epikong-bayan ng mga Tagbanua ng Aborlan, Palawan, Translators in Filipino: Paul D. Jagmis, Sr. and Mary Grace A. Jagmis; Research by Paul D. Jagmis Sr., Chanted by Gem-Gem Bagued and Fernando Lingsan, narrated by Delia Jardinero, and translated in English by Jonalyn B. Villarosa, National Commission for Culture and the Arts
Best Translated Book in Ilocano
Ti Bassit a Prinsipe (The Little Prince), Translators: Cles B. Rambaud and Faye Q. Flores-Melegrito; Author: Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Southern Voices Printing Press
Best Book on Drama and Film
Lutong Bahay by Glecy Cruz Atienza, Sentro ng Wikang Filipino – Unibersidad ng Pilipinas Diliman
Best Book of Short Fiction in Bikol
Kalatraban sa Alkawaraan by Niles Jordan Breis, Ateneo de Naga University Press
Best Book of Poetry in Bicol
Mayong Katapusan na Pabalon asin iba pang Huyon-Huyon: Mga Rawitdawit by Raul Giga Bradecina, Ateneo de Naga University Press
Non-Literary Division
Alfonso T. Ongpin Prize for Best Book on Art
Julio Nakpil (1867-1960) Collected Works, Volume Two: Band and Orchestral Music, Maria Alexandra Iñigo Chua (Editor), University of Santo Tomas Publishing House
Elfren S. Cruz Prize for Best Book in the Social Sciences
Plural Entanglements: Philippine Studies, Dada Docot, Stephen B. Acabado, and Clement C. Camposano (Editors), Ateneo de Manila University Press
Best Book in Philosophy
Critical Theory at the Margins: Applying Herbert Marcuse’s Model of Critical Social Theory to the Philippines by Jeffry Ocay, Aletheia Printing and Publishing House
John C. Kaw prize for Best Book on History
Tales of the Post-Plantation: Unlikely Protagonists of Modern Philippine Banana History, Robin Thiers, Ateneo de Manila University Press
Best Book on Humor, Sports, Lifestyle, and Business
Salumpuwit, Bangko, Silya, Atbp: Chairs in Filipino Life, Gerard Lico, Arc Lico International Services and University of the Philippines College of Architecture
Best Book on Food
Heritage Dishes of the Philippines by Lady Camille L. de Guia, Vibal Group, Inc.
Best Book in Science
Wild City: A Photographic Guide to Amphibians, Mammals, and Reptiles of Metro Manila, Jelaine Gan, Trinket Constantino, and Abby Favis, The University of the Philippines Press
Best Book in Spirituality and Theology
Babaylan Sing Back: Philippine Shamans and Voice, Gender, and Place by Grace Nono, Ateneo de Manila University Press
Best Book on Professions
A Cardiologist’s Guide To Lowering High Blood Pressure by Alan S. Tenerife, Self-Published
Hilarion and Esther Vibal Prize for Best Book in Journalism
View from the Foxhole: Shaping the Political into the Personal by Joel Pablo Salud, The University of the Philippines Press
Design
Best Book Design
Dogs in Philippine History, Author and Designer: Ian Christopher B. Alfonso, Philippine Historical Association, Project Saysay Inc., and Alaya Publishing
The 42nd NBA coincides with the preparation of the Philippines as it makes history as the second Southeast Asian country to be chosen as Guest of Honor in 2025 at the world’s biggest book fair, the Frankfurter Buchmesse.
The Frankfurter Buchmesse book fair is a platform in sharing passion for good stories and creativity. (JEG/PIA-NCR)
