MCC, NBDB hold 40th National Book Awards at the Met

extends beyond the literary community. The excitement and curiosity sparked by these awards can inspire people from all walks of life to engage with literature, encouraging them to explore different genres, authors, and themes.

By connecting readers with exceptional works, book awards become a catalyst for fostering a love of reading and nurturing a nation of literary enthusiasts.

ANYWHERE in the literary world, book awards hold a sacred space.

They are not mere shiny trophies to gather dust on a shelf. Rather, they can serve as catalysts for the promotion and development of national literature.

This was the hope of the Manila Critics Circle (MCC) and the National Book Development Board (NBDB) with their staging of the 40th National Book Awards (NBA) last May 13 at the Metropolitan Theater. This cycle honored books published in 2021. The list of winners has appeared previously in this column and elsewhere, but I’d like to congratulate the ‘chosen ones’ again. I also wish the nominees and all authors, in general, the very best and hope they continue to keep writing and contributing to the nation’s trove of stories and information.

The NBA has been called “the Oscars” of the Philippine literary world. Perhaps because of the shape of the trophy, but I hope the NBA is also appreciated for the prestige, constancy, and reputation it has built over four decades.

A very special guest at the event was MCC founder Dr. Isagani R. Cruz. A professor emeritus of De La Salle University, the multiawarded poet, playwright, and educator established the MCC along with writers Dr. Ophelia Alcantara Dimalanta (who attended and taught at the University of Santo Tomas), Alfredo Navarra Salanga, and Alfred A. Yuson in 1981.

They staged the first NBA the following year. Also during the evening, a welldeserved Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Maria Karina A. Bolasco, director of the Ateneo de Manila University Press, for her exemplary work throughout the decades in the publishing industry.

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Fourth: beyond individual recognition, book awards also contribute to the collective growth of national literature.

They create a sense of pride and identity, reinforcing the importance of literary heritage and cultural diversity.

By honoring works that reflect the unique nuances and experiences of a nation, book awards help build a literary canon that mirrors the richness and complexity of a society.

These accolades encourage authors to delve deeper into their cultural roots, bringing forth narratives that might otherwise remain untold.

This process not only preserves cultural heritage but also fosters a sense of belonging and national identity.

Fifth: book awards provide a much-needed boost to the publishing industry.

Recognition through awards enhances a book’s marketability, leading to increased sales and wider distribution.

This financial support allows publishers to take risks on emerging authors and experimental works that may not have gained attention otherwise.

By nurturing a diverse range of voices, book awards contribute to a vibrant literary ecosystem, ensuring the sustained growth and development of national literature.

Sixth: book awards play a vital role in shaping literary trends and discourse. Recognizing and celebrating exceptional works paves the way for literary conversations, debates, and critical analysis.

These discussions foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of literature, nurturing a culture of intellectual inquiry and literary exploration.

Book awards act as a catalyst for pushing boundaries, encouraging authors to experiment with form, style, and content