Finalists of the 42nd National Book Awards named

The National Book Development Board (NBDB) and the Manila Critics Circle (MCC) announce the finalists of the 42nd National Book Awards.

An annual prize that honors the most outstanding book titles written, designed, and published in the Philippines, the National Book Awards celebrates the enterprising creative labor involved in book publishing.

A total of 326 titles were submitted across 31 categories consisting of four languages: English, Filipino, Bikol, and Ilokano. Following the awarding of winners during the 41st cycle last February, the 42nd iteration of the awards is set to be held in November.

Below is the full list of finalists for the 42nd National Book Awards.

LITERARY DIVISION

NOVEL (ENGLISH)

1. “1762: A Novel,” by Vin dela Serna Lopez, Ateneo de Manila University Press

2. “The Awakening Volume One of Alamat, A History of the Awakened” by Kadi Serafica, Press HS Grafik Print

3. “But for the Lovers”, by Wilfrido D. Nolledo, Exploding Galaxies

4. “Specimen Zero: A Science Fiction Novel” by Joel Pablo Salud, San Anselmo Publications, Inc.

5. “Wild Song”, by Candy Gourlay, Anvil Publishing, Inc.

NOVEL (FILIPINO)

1. “Hoy, Pong!”, by Macky Cruz, 19th Avenida Publishing House

2. “Materyales sa Komplisidad,” by Amado Anthony G. Mendoza III, The University of the Philippines Press and UP Institute of Creative Writing

3. “Teorya ng Unang Panahon,” by Edgar Calabia Samar, Ateneo de Manila University Press

SHORT FICTION (ENGLISH)

1. “Barcelona,” by Criselda Yabes, 19th Avenida Publishing House

2. “The Collected Stories of Gregorio C. Brillantes,” by Jonathan Chua (editor), Ateneo de Manila University Press

SHORT FICTION (FILIPINO)

1. “26: Dagli Diagrams,” by Jayson Visperas Fajardo, Isang Balangay Media Productions

2. “Mga Kalansay sa Hardin ng Panginoon: Isang Koleksiyon ng Maikling Kuwento,” by Ronaldo Soledad Vivo Jr., self-published

3. “Mula Ilog at Iba Pang Kuwento,” by Romulo P. Baquiran Jr., The University of the Philippines Press and UP Institute of Creative Writing

4. “Pamalakaya,” by Arnold Matencio Valledor, Isang Balangay Media Productions

5. “Pamarapara,” by Arnold Matencio Valledor, Isang Balangay Media Productions

NONFICTION PROSE (ENGLISH)

1. “Balik-Tanaw: The Road Taken,” by Soledad S. Reyes, De La Salle University Publishing House

2. “Daraga: Mirrors & Memory Essays,” by Marne Kilates, Savage Mind Publishing House

3. “Everything Is Fiction: Essays,” by Vicente Garcia Groyon, Ateneo de Manila University Press, Ateneo de Manila University Press

4. “The Singing Detainee and the Librarian with One Book: Essays on Exile.,” by Michael Beltran, Ateneo de Manila UniversityPress

5. “Will You Happen, Past the Silence, through the Dark? Remembering Leonard Ralph Casper,” by Linda Ty-Casper, Ateneo de Manila UniversityPress

NONFICTION PROSE (FILIPINO)

1. “Oas: Mga Sanaysay,” by Abdon M. Balde Jr., Savage Mind Publishing House

2. “Patining at Iba Pang Sanaysay,” by Soliman A. Santos, The University of the Philippines Press

3. “Virac: Tatlong Sanaysay,” by Emmanuel Barrameda, Savage Mind Publishing House

ANTHOLOGY (ENGLISH)

1. “Bordered Lives No More: The Humanities and the Post-COVID-19 Recovery,” by Dinah Roma (editor), De La Salle University Publishing House

2. “Route 55: 55-Word Workforce Narratives during the COVID-19 Pandemic”, by Joey A. Tabula (editor), Alubat Publishing

3. “Rx Narratives: Anthology of Creative Nonfiction of Filipino Internists”, by Joey A. Tabula, Noel P. Pingoy, and Sandra A. Tankeh-Torres (editors), Alubat Publishing

ANTHOLOGY (FILIPINO)

1. “Anti-Katha: Agos sa Experimental na Kuwento sa Pilipinas”, by Rolando B. Tolentino and Rommel B. Rodriguez (editors), The University of the Philippines Press and UP Institute of Creative Writing

2. “Bata, Hiwaga, Bansa: Pamana ni Rene O. Villanueva sa Panitikang Pambata”, by Eugene Y. Evasco and Cheeno Marlo M. Sayuno (editors), The University of the Philippines Press

3. “Bio(Lente): Mga Bagong Katha sa Danas ng Dahas at Banwa”, by Rolando B. Tolentino, German Villanueva Gervacio, and Januar Yap, The University of the Philippines Press and UP Institute of Creative Writing

4. “Ningning at Liwanag: Antolohiya ng 10 Nagwagi sa Gawad Maningning Miclat Sa Tula(2003-2021)”, by Alma Cruz Miclat (editor), Maningning Miclat Art Foundation Inc. and Erehwon Artworld Corp.

5. “Pintanaga: Linya-Linya ng Pagsinta”, by Joey A. Tabula (editor), Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika at Anyo Inc.

LITERARY CRITICISM/CULTURAL STUDIES

1. “ Ang Bisa ng Pag-uulit sa Katutubong Panitikan”, by Alvin B. Yapan, Ateneo de Manila University Press

2. “Everything is Realism: Essays on Narrative Craft”, by Vicente Garcia Groyon, University of Santo Tomas Publishing House

3. “Lualhati Bautista, Nobelista: Ang Mapagpalayang Sining ng Kababaihan sa Pilipinas”, by E. San Juan, Jr., University of Santo Tomas Publishing House

4. “Pagmangno: Woman, Nation, Ecology, Bikol”, by Paz Verdades M. Santos, De La Salle University Publishing House

MEDIA STUDIES

1. “Ang Mahaba’t Kagyat na Buhay ng Indie Sinema”, by Rolando B. Tolentino and Aristotle J. Atienza (editors), The University of the Philippines Press and QCinema International Film Festival

2. “Martial Law Melodrama: Lino Brocka’s Cinema Politics”, by José B. Capino, Ateneo de Manila University Press

3. “Sine Tala Volume 1: Philippine Cinema and History, Sine Tala Volume 2: Philippine Cinema and Culture, and Sine Tala Volume 3: Philippine Cinema and Literacy”, by Nick Deocampo, Ateneo de Manila University Press

POETRY (ENGLISH)

1. “It Is Time to Come Home: New & Collected Poems”, by Marjorie Evasco, Milflores Publishing Inc.

2. “Kafka in the Tropics: Poems”, by Krip Yuson, Ateneo de Manila University Press

3. “Moving with Moonrise: Haibuns”, by Ma. Milagros T. Dumdum, Ateneo de Manila University Press

4. “A Row of Lamps: Poems”, by Jaime Dasca Doble, The University of the Philippines Press and UP Institute of Creative Writing

5. “Planet Nine: Poems,” by Joel M. Toledo, University of Santo Tomas Publishing House

POETRY (FILIPINO)

1. “Ang Aming Lungkot ay Amin”, by Mesándel Virtusio Arguelles, Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika at Anyo Inc.

2. “Sa Antipolo pa rin ang Antipolo”, by Abner E. Dormiendo, Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika at Anyo Inc.

3. “Arasahas: Mga Tula”, by Jaya Jacobo, Savage Mind Publishing House

4. “Arawán”, by Christian Rey Pilares, Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika at Anyo Inc.

5. “Turno Kong Nokturno: Mga Bago at Piling Tula”, by Lamberto E. Antonio, The University of the Philippines Press and UP Institute of Creative Writing

GRAPHIC NOVELS AND COMICS (ENGLISH)

1. “Parched Earth Chronicles: The Complete Edition”, Written and illustrated by Jefe Bagabundo, Mark Anthony Mijares, Erik Guzman Pingol, Franco Sarmiento, Alfred John Lauzon, and Mauro Vargas, Central Book Supply Inc

2. “Trese 8: Shadow Agents”, by Written by Budjette Tan and illustrated by KaJo Baldisimo, 19th Avenida Publishing House

3. “Sa Wala”, Written and illustrated by Ren Galeno, Komiket Inc.

4. “Whatcha Saying?”, Written and illustrated by Ren Galeno, Komiket Inc.

TRANSLATED BOOK (ENGLISH)

1. “Ikigai Ug Ubang Piniling Mga Sugilanon (And Other Selected Stories)”, translator: Marjorie Evasco; author: Manu Avenido, Advaux

2. “Advaux”, translator: Merlie M. Alunan; author: Ester Tapia, The University of the Philippines Press and UP Institute of Creative Writing

3. “The Ravaged World”, Translator: Soledad S. Reyes; Author: Rosario de Guzman-Lingat, Ateneo de Manila University Press

4. “The Vanished”, Translator: Ned Parfan; Author: Chuckberry Pascua, 19th Avenida Publishing House

TRANSLATED BOOK (FILIPINO)

1. “Benjamin”, Translators: John E. Barrios and Fennie Mae T. Tanangonan; Author: Angel Magahum, The University of the Philippines Press and UP Institute of Creative Writing

2. “It Ends with Us”, Translator: Sheila Mendoza; Author: Colleen Hoove, Precious Pages Corporation

3. “Mga Kuwentong Bayan para sa Gabing Maulan (Tales for a Rainy Night)”, Translator: Chuckberry J. Pascual; Author: Cristina Pantoja Hidalgo, University of Santo Tomas Publishing House

4. “Palâisgën: Epikong-bayan ng mga Tagbanua ng Aborlan, Palawan”, Translators: Paul D. Jagmis, Sr. and Mary Grace A. Jagmis; Contributors: Paul D. Jagmis Sr., Gem-Gem Bagued, Fernando Lingsa, and Delia Jardinero, National Commission for Culture and the Arts

TRANSLATED BOOK (ILOKANO)

1. “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

DRAMA AND FILM

1. “Collected Plays 1: Revitalizing Tradition in Three Full-Length Films”, by Nicanor G. Tiongson, Ateneo de Manila University Press

2. “Collected Plays 2: Resurrecting History in Three Full-Length Musicals”, by Nicanor G. Tiongson, Ateneo de Manila University Press

3.” Lutong Bahay”, by Glecy Cruz Atienza, Sentro ng Wikang Filipino – Unibersidad ng Pilipinas Diliman

4. “Ang Paglalakbay ni Prinsipe Bahaghari”, by Aina Ysabel B. Ramolete and Vladimeir B. Gonzales, The University of the Philippines Press and UP Institute of Creative Writing

SHORT FICTION IN BIKOL

1. “Dyurnal Intris”, by Jerome M. Hipolito, Ateneo de Naga University Press

2. “Kalatraban sa Alkawaraan”, by Niles Jordan Breis, Ateneo de Naga University Press

POETRY IN BIKOL

1. “An Santero Kan Santo Entierro”, by D. B. Gonzaga, Bikol Historical Research Center and Partido State University

2. “Dios Mabalos: Mga Rawitdawit”, by Jaime Jesus Uy Borlagdan, Ateneo de Naga University Press Self-published

3. “Kalagnon: Mga Rawitdawit”, by Jaime Jesus Uy Borlagdan, Ateneo de Naga University Press

4. “Kinalburong Lanub”, by Kristian Sendon Cordero, Ateneo de Naga University Press

5. “Mayong Katapusan na Pabalon asin iba pang Huyon-Huyon: Mga Rawitdawit”, by Raul Giga Bradecina, Ateneo de Naga University Press

NON-LITERARY DIVISION

ART

1. “Julio Nakpil (1867-1960) Collected Works Volume Two: Band and Orchestral Music”, by Maria Alexandra Iñigo Chua (Editor), University of Santo Tomas Publishing House

2. “Nineteenth-Century Masters of Angono Art”, by James Owen Saguinsin, Vibal Foundation, Inc.

3. “Philippine Colonial Photography of the Cordilleras (1860-1930)”, by Jonathan Best, Vibal Foundation, Inc.

SOCIAL SCIENCES

1. “Conflict’s Long Game: A Decade of Violence in the Bangsamoro”, by Francisco J. Lara, Jr. and Nikki Philline C. de la Rosa (Editors), Ateneo de Manila University Press

2. “Plural Entanglements: Philippine Studies”, by Dada Docot, Stephen B. Acabado, and Clement C. Camposano (Editors), Ateneo de Manila University Press

3. “Re-Imagining Post-Pandemic Societies: Alternative Practices across Southeast Asia Volume 2”, by Eduardo C. Tadem, Benjamin B. Velasco, Jose Monfred C. Sy, Ananeza P. Aban, Rafael Vicente V. Dimalanta, Honey B. Tabiola, and Ryan Joseph C. Martinez (Editors), University of the Philippines Center for Integrative and Development Studies

4. “Saints of Resistance: Devotions in the Philippines under Early Spanish Rule”, by Christina H. Lee, Ateneo de Manila University Press

5. “Tinipong Tinig ng Kababaihan (Anthology of Women’s Voices): Priestesses to Presidents”, by Nenita Pambid Domingo (Editor) and Brandon J. Macapagal Reilly (Associate Editor), The University of the Philippines Press

PHILOSOPHY

1. “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

2. “The Metaphysics of the Holy Eucharist”, by Raymun J. Festin, SVD, Logos Publications, Inc

HISTORY

1. “Abaca Frontier: The Socioeconomic and Cultural Transformation of Davao, 1898-1941”, by Patricia Irene Dacudao, Ateneo de Manila University Press

2. “Dauntless”, by Marie Silva Vallejo, Self-published

3. “Dogs in Philippine History”, by Ian Christopher B. Alfonso , Philippine Historical Association, Project Saysay Inc., and Alaya Publishing

4. “Tales of the Post-Plantation: Unlikely Protagonists of Modern Philippine Banana History”, by Robin Thiers, Ateneo de Manila University Press

5. “Tigaon 1969: Untold Stories of the CPP-NPA, KM, and SDK”, by Soliman M. Santos Jr., Ateneo de Manila University Press

HUMOR, SPORTS, LIFESTYLE, AND BUSINESS

1. “Expanding Strategic Perspective: Revisiting Lessons from History and the Classics”, by René B. Azurin, The University of the Philippines Press

2. “Paseos de Intramuros: A Guidebook to Manila’s Walled City”, by Jose Victor Z. Torres, Vibal Foundation, Inc.

3. “Salumpuwit: Chairs, Lifestyle, Furniture”, by Gerard Lico, Arc Lico International Services and University of the Philippines College of Architecture

4. “Thrive! A Parent’s Journey to Resilience”, by Cherie Ann Lo, Joanna Herrera, Karyl Christine A. Abog, Maria Lyn Domingo, Rhoanne N. Ramas, and Melinda Tan, Anvil Publishing, Inc

5. “The Way Out Is In: Living and Loving, Pandemics and Beyond”, by Ma. Lourdes Arellano Carandang, De La Salle University Publishing House

FOOD

1. “Heritage Dishes of the Philippines”, by Lady Camille L. de Guia, Vibal Group Inc.

SCIENCE

1. “Abaca Virus Diseases: Epidemics and Control”, by Avelino D. Raymundo, The University of the Philippines Press

2. “Rediscovering Laguna de Bay: A Vital Natural Resource in Crisis”, by Josefino C. Comiso, Maria Victoria O. Espaldon, and Decibel V. Faustino-Eslava (Editors), The University of the Philippines Press

3. “Wild City: A Photographic Guide to Amphibians, Mammals, and Reptiles of Metro Manila”, by Jelaine Gan, Trinket Constantino, and Abby Favis, The University of the Philippines Press

SPIRITUALITY AND THEOLOGY

1. “Babaylan Sing Back: Philippine Shamans and Voice, Gender, and Place”, by Grace Nono, Ateneo de Manila University Press

2. “The Eucharist: Continuing Global Project”, by Aurelio C. Joaquin, Claretian Communications Foundation, Inc.

3. “Pinoy Devotional: Ang kapartner na devo ng Ang Bible: Pinoy Version”, by Kerlyn Bobadilla, Ru dela Torre, Rigel Fortaleza et al. , OMF Literature Inc.

4. “Providence is Enough: Trusting God’s Control in Crisis”, by Mel Caparros, OMF Literature Inc.

5. “What do you Seek? Pastoral Accompaniment of Couples Living Together in A New Union”, by Bobby V. Cena, Claretian Communications Foundation, Inc.

PROFESSIONS

1. “A Cardiologist’s Guide To Lowering High Blood Pressure”, by Alan S. Tenerife, Self-published

2. “Hospital Bullies in the Philippine Clerkship and Residency Training: A Book of Discernment for Physicians, Nurses, and Psychologists Volume 3”, by Erwin L. Manzano, Central Book Supply, Inc., Members of the International Public Relations Association (IPRA) Philippine Chapter, Buensalido Public Relations Agency

3. “PR Matters: A Communicator’s Guide to the Dynamic World of Public Relations”, by Ma. Tonirose D. Mactal, Emerald Jay D. Ilác, and Jaimee Felice Caringal-Go (Editors, Ateneo de Manila University Press

4. “Workplace Well-being in the Philippines: A Guidebook”, by Ma. Tonirose D. Mactal, Emerald Jay D. Ilác, and Jaimee Felice, Ateneo de Manila University Press

5. “The Written Property: A Freelance Writer’s Guide to Copyright”, by Imelda Morales and Mark Robert Dy (Editors), LitArt Publishing

JOURNALISM

1. “COVID-19 in the News of Seekers, Scoundrels, and Saints”, by Ma. Ceres P. Doyo, Ateneo de Manila University Press

2. “Serve”, by Jo-Ann Q. Maglipon (Editor), Ateneo de Manila University Press

3. “View from the Foxhole: Shaping the Political into the Personal”, by Jo-Ann Q. Maglipon (Editor) Joel Pablo Salud, The University of the Philippines Press

DESIGN

1. “A Death Foretold: The Ninoy Aquino Assassination Remembered”, by Editors: Sarge Lacuesta, An Mercado-Alcantara, and Mookie Katigbak-Lacuesta; Designer: Tom Estrera III, Good Intentions Books, Inc. and Aurora Oreta

2. “Dogs in Philippine History”, Author and Designer: Ian Christopher B. Alfonso, Philippine Historical Association, Project Saysay Inc., and Alaya Publishing

3. “Everything Is Fiction: Essays”, Author: Vicente Garcia Groyon Designers: Troy Binco and Ace Vincent Molo, Ateneo de Manila University Press

4. “It Is Time to Come Home: New & Collected Poems”, Author: Marjorie Evasco Designer: Felix Mago Miguel, Milflores Publishing, Inc.

5. “Piña Futures: Weaving Memories and Innovations”, Author: Randy M. Madrid Designer: Felix Mago Miguel Jr. , Far Eastern University and HABI: The Philippine Textile Company