WINNERS OF 59TH DON CARLOS PALANCA MEMORIAL AWARDS IN LITERATURE!

by Philstar

The Carlos Palanca Foundation announced yesterday 55 winners in this year’s Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature as well as the newest members of the Hall of Fame of the prestigious prize.

The 2009 Palanca Hall of Fame awardees are essayist Reuel Molina Aguila and poet Eugene Evasco, both professors at the University of the Philippines.

Aguila won his fifth first prize for his piece “Ngunit Wala Akong Litrato Noong Nasa Kolehiyo Ako” under the Sanaysay (essay in Filipino) category.

Evasco also received his fifth first prize for “May Tiyanak Sa Loob Ng Aking Bag” under the newly introduced category, Tulang Isinulat Para Sa Mga Bata (poetry for children).

The Palanca Hall of Fame is the distinction given to winners in the literary competition who have won five first prizes in the annual awards, and who, at the same time, have consistently met the critical standards of the various boards of judges, and have maintained a reputation in literary circles worthy of peer recognition.

The foundation said 62 percent of this year’s awardees are first time winners.

National Artist for Literature Bienvenido Lumbera was also conferred the Palanca Awards Gawad Dangal ng Lahi during the gala ceremonies held at The Peninsula Hotel Manila in Makati City.

Established in 1950 to honor Don Carlos Palanca Sr., the country’s most prestigious and longest-running literary contest “aims to help develop Philippine literature for writers to craft their most outstanding literary work; to be a treasury of the Philippines’ literary gems from our gifted writers; and to assist in its dissemination to the public, especially the students.”

The complete list of winners in the 59th Palanca awards:

Filipino Division

Dulang May Isang Yugto

1st – Layeta P. Bucoy (Doc Resurreccion: Gagamutin ang Bayan)

2nd – Liza C. Magtoto (Paigan)

3rd – Jose Dennis C. Teodosio (Asunto)

Sanaysay

1st – Reuel Molina Aguila (Ngunit Wala Akong Litrato Noong Nasa Kolehiyo Ako)

2nd – Jing Panganiban-Mendoza (Kumander)

3rd – Domingo G. Landicho, PhD (Kamay)

Tulang Isinulat para sa mga Bata

1st – Eugene Y. Evasco (May Tiyanak sa Loob ng Aking Bag)

2nd – Jesus M. Santiago (Kuwentong Matanda, Bersong Bata)

3rd – Michael M. Coroza (Munting Daigdig ng Dalit at Awit)

Kabataan Essay

1st – Axcel L. Trinidad (Si Ate Elsa, Si Aling Carmen, at Ako Laban sa mga Nangungunang Bansa sa Mundo)

2nd – Johanna Rose E. Calisin (Nagkakaisang Isip, Damdamin at Lakas)

3rd – Maya Victoria S. Rojas (Humabol Ka, Pilipino!)

Dulang Ganap ang Haba

1st – Rodolfo C. Vera (Ismail at Isabel)

2nd – Reuel Molina Aguila (Sa Kanto ng Wakas at Katotohanan Ext.)

3rd – Sir Anril P. Tiatco (Miss Dulce Extranjera)

Maikling Kuwento (Short Story)

1st – No Winner

2nd – Rogelio Braga (“MGA”)

3rd – Jimmuel C. Naval (Ang Kamatayan ng Isang Linggo)

Tula

1st – Reagan R. Maiquez (Ilang Sandali Makalipas ang Huling Araw ng Mundo)

2nd – Alwynn C. Javier (Yaong Pakpak na Binunot sa Akin)

3rd – Charles B. Tuvilla (Sambutil na Daigdig sa Ilalim ng Pilik)

Maikling Kuwentong Pambata

1st – Genaro R. Gojo Cruz (Mahabang-mahabang-mahaba)

2nd – Michael M. Coroza (Ang mga Kahon ni Kalon)

3rd – Milagros B. Gonzales (Ang Nanay Kong Lola)

Dulang Pampelikula

1st – Seymour Barros Sanchez & Christian M. Lacuesta (Hiwaga)

2nd – Jerry B. Gracio (Muli)

3rd – Enrique Ramos (Moonlight Over Baler)

Regional Division

Short Story – Cebuano

1st – Corazon M. Almerino (Sugmat)

2nd – Richel G. Dorotan (Biyahe)

3rd – Ferdinand L. Balino (Mga Mananap sa Kagabhion)

Short Story – Hiligaynon

1st – Ferdinand L. Balino (Kanamit Gid Sang Arroz Valenciana)

2nd – Alice Tan Gonzales (Baha)

3rd – Joselito Vladimir D. Perez (Ang Santo Intiero)

Short Story – Iluko

1st – Danilo B. Antalan (Vigan)

2nd – Ariel S. Tabag (Dagiti Ayup Iti Bantay Quimmallugong)

3rd – Reynaldo A. Duque (Ti Kararua Ni Roman Catolico, Mannaniw, Nga Immulog Iti Impierno)

English Division

Full-length Play

1st – No Winner

2nd – No Winner

3rd – Floy C. Quintos (Fake)

One–act Play

1st – No Winner

2nd – No Winner

3rd – Violet B. Lucasi (Balangao)

Kabataan Essay

1st – Cristina Gratia T. Tantengco (The Benefits of Selflessness)

2nd – Vincen Gregory Y. Yu (Dreams and Pastures)

3rd – Angelita A. Bombarda (On Being Filipino: A Citizen to the World)

Poetry

1st – Vincenz Serrano (The Collapse of What Separates Us)

2nd – Eliza A. Victoria (Reportage)

3rd – Mark Anthony R. Cayanan (Placelessness: Poems from a Series)

Poetry Written for Children

1st – Edgardo B. Maranan (The Google Song & Other Rhymes for Children)

2nd – Heidi Emily Eusebio Abad (Child of Earth Poems)

3rd – H. Francisco V. Penones Jr. (Turtle and Other Poems for Children)

Short Story

1st – Sigfredo R. Iñigo (Home of the Sierra Madre)

2nd – Anne Lagamayo (Mr. & Mrs. Reyes and the Polka-dotted Sofa)

3rd – Luis Katigbak (Dear Distance)

Short Story for Children

1st – Kathleen Aton-Osias (Apolinario and the Name Trader)

2nd – Edgardo B. Maranan (The Artist of the Cave)

3rd – Paolo Gabriel V. Chikiamco (Dear Mr. Supremo)

Essay

1st – Edgardo B. Maranan (A Passage Through the Storm)

2nd – Erlinda Enriquez Panlilio (Saying Goodbye to the House)

3rd – Maria Teresa P. Garcia (Sweet of the Earth)

Hall of Fame Awards for 2009

Reuel Molina Aguila

1992- “How I Spent My Summer Vacation o Kung Papaano Ko Ipinaliwanag Sa Aking Mga Anak Ang Pagkatalo Ng Aking Kandidato Sa Nakaraang Eleksyon,” Sanaysay

1993- “May Katulong Sa Aking Sopas,” Sanaysay

2001- “Ampalaya,” Futuristic Fiction-Filipino

2005- “Baligho (Ikatlo sa Trilohiya),” Dulang Ganap Ang Haba

2009- “Ngunit Wala Akong Litrato Noong Nasa Kolehiyo Ako,” Sanaysay

Eugene Y. Evasco

2000- “Ang Maisisilid Sa Pandama,” Tula

2000- “Hilong Talilong,” Maikling Kuwentong Pambata

2001- “Mga Pilat Sa Pilak,” Sanaysay

2005- “Tag-Araw Ng Mga Ibong Hilaga,” Maikling Kuwentong  Pambata

2009- “May Tiyanak Sa Loob Ng Aking Bag,” Tulang Isinulat Para Sa Mga Bata

THERE IS SOMETHING STRANGE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

Details:

Editors Nikki Alfar and Vin Simbulan are now accepting submissions of short fiction pieces for consideration for the anthology “PHILIPPINE SPECULATIVE FICTION V“.

Speculative fiction is the literature of wonder that spans the genres of fantasy, science fiction, horror and magic realism or falls into the cracks in-between.

1. Only works of speculative fiction will be considered for publication. As works of the imagination, the theme is open and free.

2. Stories must cater to an adult sensibility. However, if you have a Young Adult story that is particularly well-written, send it in.

3. Stories must be written in English.

4. Stories must be authored by Filipinos or those of Philippine ancestry.

5. Preference will be given to original unpublished stories, but previously published stories will also be considered. In the case of previously published material, kindly include the title of the publishing entity and the publication date. Kindly state also in your cover letter that you have the permission, if necessary, from the original publishing entity to republish your work.

6. First time authors are welcome to submit. In the first four volumes, we had a  good mix of established and new authors. Good stories trump literary credentials anytime.

7. No multiple submissions. Each author may submit only one story for consideration.

8. Each story’s word count must be no fewer than 1,500 words and no more than 7,500 words.

9. All submissions must be in Rich Text Format (.rtf – save the document as .rft on your word processor) and attached to an email to this address: nikkialfar@gmail.com. Submissions received in any other format will be deleted, unread.

10. The subject of your email must read: PSF5 Submission: (title) (word count); where (title) is replaced by the title of your short story, without the parentheses, and (word count) is the word count of your story, without the parentheses. For example – PSF5 Submission: Meeting Makiling 4500.

11. All submissions must be accompanied by a cover letter that includes your name, brief bio, contact information, previous publications (if any). Introduce yourself.

12. Deadline for submissions is October 15, 2009. After that date, final choices will be made and letters of acceptance or regret sent out via email. Target publishing date is February 2010.

14. Compensation for selected stories will be 2 contributor’s copies of the published anthology as well as a share in aggregrate royalties.

Kindly help spread the word. Feel free to cut and paste or link to this on your blogs or e-groups.

Thanks,

Nikki Alfar

Vin Simbulan

Dean Francis Alfar

For all Religious Thriller fans, there is a new thriller novel by Dan Brown to be released on September 15, 2009. It is entitled “The Lost Symbol“, formerly known as “The Solomon Key”. This is a sequel of “The Da Vinci Code” and as expected, Robert Langdon will be the hero.

There are hints that will be discussed in the novel. Either of them will be Robert Langdon’s newest adventure and discovery:

1. It is all about Freemasons concerning the New World Order. It maybe Freemason links to the U.S. Government.

2. Newest discoveries from the ruins of ancient temple of Solomon that will devastate the foundations of the Church.

3. It is all about Demonology, as the first known title “The Solomon Key”, tackles about the LEMEGETON CLAVICULA SALOMONIS (The Lesser Key of Solomon) which is a known book of Demons.

The setting of the novel is in Washington D.C. US publisher Knopf Doubleday Publishing announced the release of the controversial novel on September 15, 2009. I’m sure Filipino Dan Brown fans can’t wait for this exciting thriller!

Are you ready to find THE LOST SYMBOL?

by Phyllis (a.k.a. PatayNaDaga of Missosology Forums)

THREE MONTHS AND STILL COUNTING
DAYS AND WEEKS JUST KEPT ON PASSING BY ME
WELCOME ME AGAIN, EMBRACE ME IN YOUR ARMS
90 DAYS OF HIDING AND DENYING ONE TRUE FACT
–YOU ARE DEEP INSIDE, HERE IN MY HEART

I HAVE KEPT A SECRET TO MYSELF
AND THIS TIME, I GOT TO BE HONEST
I GUESS ITS BEEN LONG SINCE I LAST FOOLED ME
AND ACT LIKE AS IF NOTHING IS THOUGHT PERSONALLY
YES, ACT LIKE THAT BUT CRAZY

MAYBE I WAS JUST SCARED OR WHATEVER
AM I JUST WANTING TO BE A FRIEND OR A LOVER
REMINDING ME OF ONE HORRID VERSE IN MY LIFE
KIND BUT VERY HURTING INSIDE
OR MAYBE, WE WERE JUST NOT MEANT TO BE

IF IT WASN’T ONLY THAT I SOMEHOW LET YOU GO
LATER ON, THEN WE MIGHT END UP HAPPY
ON THIS PRETTY LITTLE WORLD
VERY CHEESY AND MAYBE OVER RATED
EVERY WORDS THAT WAS USED IN THIS SONNET

(MADE)

UNDER THE LIGHTS, ON THE FIRST NIGHT OF SUMMER…

Posted by gwen at the UPFI yahoogroup:

59th Palanca Awards Now Accepting Entries

Introduces `Poetry for Children’ As New Category

On its 59th year, the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature (Palanca Awards), the country’s most prestigious and longest-running literary contest, officially opens on March 1, 2009.

This year, the Palanca Awards announces the introduction of two new categories – Poetry Written for Children in the English Division and Tulang Isinulat Para sa mga Bata in the Filipino division.

In these new categories, envisioned to encourage the development of a body of poetry for young children, an entry must consist of a collection of at least 10 but not more than 15 poems. It may deal with any subject and must be comprehensible within the grade-school reading level of children ages 6-12, but accessible in its oral form by younger children.

The complete regular categories under which participants can submit their entries are: English Division – Short Story, Short Story for Children, Essay, Poetry, Poetry Written for Children, One-act Play, Full-length Play; Filipino Division – Maikling Kuwento, Maikling Kuwentong Pambata, Sanaysay, Tula, Tulang Isinulat Para sa mga Bata, Dulang May Isang Yugto, Dulang Ganap ang Haba, and Dulang Pampelikula; Regional Languages Division – Short Story-Cebuano, Short Story-Hiligaynon and Short Story-Iluko. Each contestant may submit only one entry per category.

Meanwhile, in the Kabataan Division, Palanca Awards’ special division for young writers below 18 years old, the Kabataan Essay theme in the English category is “How can the Filipino youth help build a globally competitive nation?” and in the Filipino category “Paano makatutulong ang kabataang Filipino sa pagtataguyod ng isang maunlad na bansa na maihahanay sa mga nangungunang bayan sa buong mundo?”

The literary contest is open to all Filipino (or former Filipino) citizens, except current officers and employees of its organizing body, the Carlos Palanca Foundation, Inc.  Contest rules and official entry forms are available at Palanca Awards’ official website, www.palancaawards.com.ph.

Entries with complete requirements may be submitted to the Foundation’s office at the 6th Floor, One World Square Bldg., 10 Upper McKinley Road, McKinley Hill Town Center, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City or may also be entered online through the Palanca Awards website or sent through email at palancaawards@yahoo.com.

Deadline of submission of entries for this year’s awards is midnight of April 30, 2009. Winners will be announced on September 1, 2009.

For further information, you may call telephone number 856-0808.

DOWNLOAD FORMS HERE (RIGHT CLICK AND SAVE AS):

CPMA RULES

OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM

CPMA AUTHORIZATION

I just recently had a conversation with one of the insiders of VisPrint Enterprise and I ask what is the title of Bob Ong’s book. She said that Bob Ong’s new book is entitled “KAPITAN SINO“. Look also to Visprint website at http://visprint.net and it is posted there… from the right side of the page.

Can’t wait for KAPITAN SINO?

After hundreds of thousands of BobOng books being published and sold in the Philippines, Bob Ong, a reknown anonymous writer comes out with his new book to be released on May 1, 2009, cpurtesy of his publisher, Visual Print Enterprise.

According to the teaser made by Visprint Enterprise, Bob Ong’s new book might be a short fiction about a new Filipino Superhero. Yet, the publisher released no other information about Bob Ong’s new book.

Visitors of Visprint Enterprise official website watched the embedded YouTube video about the teaser of Bob Ong’s new book. They noticed that it emphasizes a new Filipino Superhero of the new century together with the word “Sino”.

Meanwhile, Visprint Enterprise guaranteed to the Bob Ong fans that the new book will be entertaining, bound with moral lessons. Bob Ong’s trademark will remain, said one of the Visprint staff.

Or watch the teaser by clicking here.

Can’t wait?

by DEMOGARGON SAATBARMALD

by Demogargon Saatbarmald

Almost I lost my hope and dreams

And attempted to commit suicide.

All I wanted is to end my tragic life

Because of these trenching memories.

The world now hates me;

They all blamed me!

I am very sorry, but they didn’t listen to me!

Instead they threw me in a dark, void

Place where no one living person beside me—

Only this lifeless, smiling statue of Saint Liem.

I envied Saint Liem because he’s smiling

Despite of terrible miseries I felt.

He’s still standing up high

Even if the stars already faded in the skies.

He can’t see anything except this void darkness

Yet this statue, the most venerated statue

Remains so strong

While I am in grieve infliction.

I know he’s only a statue, a lifeless piece

Yet I envied this statue because he can’t

Feel my sorrows…

The sentiments of my broken heart.

Now I’m all alone, sitting behind

These decaying lockers while gazing the

Brackish water at the Colegio’s pond.

I cried sorrowfully, loosing my star of hope

Yet this numb Saint Liem’s statue

Continuously insulting me—

Now laughing while staring at the

Dark, polluted skies.