NBDB Announces Finalists of the 42nd National Book Awards

Every year, the National Book Development Board (NBDB) and Manila Critics' Circle (MCC) honor the outstanding book titles that were written, designed, and published in the Philippines through the National Book Awards (NBA). The 42nd edition saw up to 326 book title submissions in 31 categories and four languages (Filipino, English, Bikol, and Ilokano). After a rigorous selection, the NBDB and MCC released the full list of finalists for the National Book Awards. Awarding is scheduled for November 2024.

ALSO READ

14th Gawad Buhay Recognizes All-Original Filipino Musical

Cannes Film Festival 2024: Which Movies Will We Be Arguing About This Year?

42nd National Book Awards - Literary Division Finalists

Novel (English)

• 1762: A Novel by Vin dela Serna Lopez (Ateneo de Manila University Press)
• The Awakening Volume One of Alamat, A History of the Awakened by Kadi Serafica (HS Grafik Print)
• But for the Lovers by Wilfrido D. Nolledo (Exploding Galaxies)
• Specimen Zero: A Science Fiction Novel by Joel Pablo Salud (San Anselmo Publications, Inc.)
• Wild Song by Candy Gourlay (Anvil Publishing Inc.)

Novel (Filipino)

• Hoy, Pong! by Macky Cruz (19th Avenida Publishing House)
• Materyales sa Komplisidad by Amado Anthony G. Mendoza III (The University of the Philippines Press and UP Institute of Creative Writing)
• Teorya ng Unang Panahon by Edgar Calabia Samar (Ateneo de Manila University Press)

Short Fiction (English)

• Barcelona by Criselda Yabes (19th Avenida Publishing House)
• The Collected Stories of Gregorio C. Brillantes by Jonathan Chua - Editor (Ateneo de Manila University Press)

Short Fiction (Filipino)

• 26: Dagli Diagrams by Jayson Visperas Fajardo (Isang Balangay Media Productions)
• Mga Kalansay sa Hardin ng Panginoon: Isang Koleksiyon ng Maikling Kuwento by Ronaldo Soledad Vivo, Jr. (Self-published)
• Mula Ilog at Iba Pang Kuwento by Romulo P. Baquiran Jr. (The University of the Philippines Press and UP Institute of Creative Writing)
• Pamalakaya by Arnold Matencio Valledor (Isang Balangay Media Productions)
• Pamarapara by Arnold Matencio Valledor (Isang Balangay Media Productions)

Non-Fiction Prose (English)

• Balik-Tanaw: The Road Taken by Soledad S. Reyes (De La Salle University Publishing House)
• Daraga: Mirrors & Memory Essays by Marne Kilates (Savage Mind Publishing House)
• Everything Is Fiction: Essays by Vicente Garcia Groyon (Ateneo de Manila University Press)
• The Singing Detainee and the Librarian with One Book: Essays on Exile by Michael Beltran (Ateneo de Manila University Press)
• Will You Happen, Past the Silence, through the Dark? Remembering Leonard Ralph Casper by Linda Ty-Casper (Ateneo de Manila University Press)

Non-Fiction Prose (Filipino)

• Oas: Mga Sanaysay by Abdon M. Balde Jr. (Savage Mind Publishing House)
• Patinig at Iba Pang Sanaysay by Soliman A. Santos (The University of the Philippines Press)
• Virac: Tatlong Sanaysay by Emmanuel Barrameda (Savage Mind Publishing House)

Anthology (English)

• Bordered Lives No More: The Humanities and the Post-COVID-19 Recovery by Dinah Roma - Editor (De La Salle University Publishing House)
• Route 55: 55-Word Workforce Narratives during the COVID-19 Pandemic by Joey A. Tabula - Editor (Alubat Publishing)
• 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)

• 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)
• 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)
• 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)
• 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 Corporation)
• Pintanaga: Linya-Linya ng Pagsinta by Joey A. Tabula - Editor (Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika at Anyo (LIRA), Inc.)

Literary Criticism/Cultural Studies

• Ang Bisa ng Pag-uulit sa Katutubong Panitikan by Alvin B. Yapan (Ateneo de Manila University Press)
• Everything is Realism: Essays on Narrative Craft by Vicente Garcia Groyon (University of Santo Tomas Publishing House)
• Lualhati Bautista, Nobelista: Ang Mapagpalayang Sining ng Kababaihan sa Pilipinas by E. San Juan, Jr. (University of Santo Tomas Publishing House)
• Pagmangno: Woman, Nation, Ecology, Bikol by Paz Verdades M. Santos (De La Salle University Publishing House)

Media Studies

• 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)
• Martial Law Melodrama: Lino Brocka's Cinema Politics by Jose B. Capino (Ateneo de Manila University Press)
• 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)

• It Is Time to Come Home: New & Collected Poems by Marjorie Evasco (Milflores Publishing, Inc.)
• Kafka in the Tropics: Poems by Krip Yuson (San Anselmo Publications, Inc.)
• Moving with Moonrise: Haibuns by Ma. Milagros T. Dumdum (Ateneo de Manila University Press)
• A Row of Lamps: Poems by Jaime Dasca Doble (The University of the Philippines Press and UP Institute of Creative Writing)
• Planet Nine: Poems by Joel M. Toledo (University of Santo Tomas Publishing House)

Poetry (Filipino)

• Ang Aming Lungkot ay Amin by Mesándel Virtusio Arguelles (Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika at Anyo (LIRA), Inc)
• Sa Antipolo pa rin ang Antipolo by Abner E. Dormiendo (Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika at Anyo (LIRA), Inc)
• Arasahas: Mga Tula by Jaya Jacobo (Savage Mind Publishing House)
• Arawán by Christian Rey Pilares (Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika at Anyo (LIRA), Inc)
• 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)

• Parched Earth Chronicles: The Complete Edition by Jefe Bagabundo, Mark Anthony Mijares, Erik Guzman Pingol, Franco Sarmiento, Alfred John Lauzon, and Mauro Vargas (Central Book Supply Inc.)
• Trese 8: Shadow Agents by Budjette Tan and illustrated by KaJo Baldisimo
• Sa Wala by Ren Galeno (Komiket Inc.)
• Whatcha Saying? by CJ Reynaldo (Komiket Inc.)

Graphic Novels and Comics (Filipino)

• Ella Arcangel Tomo Pangatlo: Basbas ng Apoy by Julius Villanueva (Self-published)
• Meläg II: Balikbayan by B. Redila (Adarna House, Inc.)
• Sining Killing by Randy Valiente (Komiket Inc.)
• Sskait Comics 3: Multoserye by AJ Bacar (Self-published)
• Tabi Po: Harana ng Aswang by Mervin Malonzo (Self-published)

Translated Book (English)

• Ikigai Ug Ubang Piniling Mga Sugilanon (And Other Selected Stories) by Manu Avenido, Translator: Marjorie Evasco (Advaux)
• Húbad: Ester Tapia by Ester Tapia, Translator: Merlie M. Aluna (The University of the Philippines Press and UP Institute of Creative Writing)
• The Ravaged World by Rosario de Guzman-Lingat, Translator: Soledad S. Reyes (Ateneo de Manila University Press)
• The Vanished by Chuckberry Pascual, Translator: Ned Parfan (19th Avenida Publishing House)

Translated Book (Filipino)

• Benjamin by Angel Magahum, Translators: John E. Barrios and Fennie Mae T. Tanangonan (The University of the Philippines Press and UP Institute of Creative Writing)
• It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover, Translator: Sheila Mendoza (Precious Pages Corporation)
• Mga Kuwentong Bayan para sa Gabing Maulan (Tales for a Rainy Night) by Cristina Pantoja Hidalgo, Translator: Chuckberry J. Pascual (University of Santo Tomas Publishing House)
• Palâisgën: Epikong-bayan ng mga Tagbanua ng Aborlan, Palawan by Paul D. Jagmis Sr., Gem-Gem Bagued, Fernando Lingsa, and Delia Jardinero, Translators: Paul D. Jagmis, Sr. and Mary Grace A. Jagmis (National Commission for Culture and the Arts)

Translated Book (Ilokano)

• Ti Bassit a Prinsipe (The Little Prince) by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Translators: Cles B. Rambaud and Faye Q. Flores-Melegrito (Southern Voices Printing Press)

Drama and Film

• Collected Plays 1: Revitalizing Tradition in Three Full-Length Films by Nicanor G. Tiongson (Ateneo de Manila University Press)
• Collected Plays 2: Resurrecting History in Three Full-Length Musicals by Nicanor G. Tiongson (Ateneo de Manila University Press)
• Lutong Bahay by Glecy Cruz Atienza (Sentro ng Wikang Filipino - Unibersidad ng Pilipinas Diliman)
• 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

• Dyurnal Intris by Jerome M. Hipolito (Ateneo de Naga University Press)
• Kalatraban sa Alkawaraan by Niles Jordan Breis (Ateneo de Naga University Press)

Poetry in Bikol

• An Santero Kan Santo Entierro by D.B. Gonzaga (Bikol Historical Research Center and Partido State University)
• Dios Mabalos: Mga Rawitdawit by Jaime Jesus Uy Borlagdan (Ateneo de Naga University Press)
• Kalagnon: Mga Rawitdawit by Jaime Jesus Uy Borlagdan (Self-published)
• Kinalburong Lanub by Kristian Sendon Cordero (Ateneo de Naga University Press)
• Mayong Katapusan na Pabalon asin iba pang Huyon-Huyon: Mga Rawitdawit by Raul Giga Bradecina (Ateneo de Naga University Press)

42nd National Book Awards - Non-Literary Division Finalists

Art

• Julio Nakpil (1867-1960) Collected Works Volume Two: Band and Orchestral Music by Maria Alexandra Iñigo Chua - Editor (University of Santo Tomas Publishing House)
• Nineteenth-Century Masters of Angono Art by James Owen Saguinsin (Vibal Foundation, Inc.)
• Philippine Colonial Photography of the Cordilleras (1860-1930) by Jonathan Best (Vibal Foundation, Inc.)

Social Sciences

• 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)
• Plural Entanglements: Philippine Studies by Dada Docot, Stephen B. Acabado, and Clement C. Camposano - Editors (Ateneo de Manila University Press)
• 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)
• Saints of Resistance: Devotions in the Philippines under Early Spanish Rule by Christina H. Lee (Ateneo de Manila University Press)
• 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

• Critical Theory at the Margins: Applying Herbert Marcuse’s Model of Critical Social Theory to the Philippines by Jeffrey Ocay (Aletheia Printing and Publishing House)
• The Metaphysics of the Holy Eucharist by Raymun J. Festin, SVD (Logos Publications, Inc.)

History

• Abaca Frontier: The Socioeconomic and Cultural Transformation of Davao, 1898-1941 by Patricia Irene Dacudao (Ateneo de Manila University Press)
• Dauntless by Marie Silva Vallejo (Self-published)
• Dogs in Philippine History by Ian Christopher B. Alfonso (Philippine Historical Association, Project Saysay Inc., and Alaya Publishing)
• Tales of the Post-Plantation: Unlikely Protagonists of Modern Philippine Banana History by Robin Thiers (Ateneo de Manila University Press)
• 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

• Expanding Strategic Perspective: Revisiting Lessons from History and the Classics by René B. Azurin (The University of the Philippines Press)
• Paseos de Intramuros: A Guidebook to Manila's Walled City by Jose Victor Z. Torres (Vibal Foundation, Inc.)
• Salumpuwit: Chairs, Lifestyle, Furniture by Gerard Lico (Arc Lico International Services and University of the Philippines College of Architecture)
• 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.)
• The Way Out Is In: Living and Loving, Pandemics and Beyond by Ma. Lourdes Arellano Carandang (De La Salle University Publishing House)

Food

• Heritage Dishes of the Philippines by Lady Camille L. de Guia (Vibal Group, Inc.)

Science

• Abaca Virus Diseases: Epidemics and Control by Avelino D. Raymundo (The University of the Philippines Press)
• 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)
• 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

• Babaylan Sing Back: Philippine Shamans and Voice, Gender, and Place by Grace Nono (Ateneo de Manila University Press)
• The Eucharist: Continuing Global Project by Aurelio C. Joaquin (Claretian Communications Foundation, Inc.)
• Pinoy Devotional: Ang kapartner na devo ng Ang Bible: Pinoy Version by Kerlyn Bobadilla, Ru dela Torre, Rigel Fortaleza et al. (OMF Literature Inc.)
• Providence is Enough: Trusting God's Control in Crisis by Mel Caparros (OMF Literature Inc.)
• What do you Seek? Pastoral Accompaniment of Couples Living Together in A New Union by Bobby V. Cena (Claretian Communications Foundation, Inc.)

Professions

• A Cardiologist's Guide To Lowering High Blood Pressure by Alan S. Tenerife
• Hospital Bullies in the Philippine Clerkship and Residency Training: A Book of Discernment for Physicians, Nurses, and Psychologists Volume 3 by Erwin L. Manzano (Self-published)
• PR Matters: A Communicator’s Guide to the Dynamic World of Public Relations by Members of the International Public Relations Association (IPRA) Philippine Chapter (Central Book Supply, Inc.)
• Workplace Well-being in the Philippines: A Guidebook by Ma. Tonirose D. Mactal, Emerald Jay D. Ilác, and Jaimee Felice Caringal-Go - Editors (Buensalido Public Relations Agency)
• The Written Property: A Freelance Writer's Guide to Copyright by Imelda Morales and Mark Robert Dy - Editors (LitArt Publishing)

Journalism

• COVID-19 in the News of Seekers, Scoundrels, and Saints by Ma. Ceres P. Doyo (Ateneo de Manila University Press)
• Serve by Jo-Ann Q. Maglipon - Editor (Ateneo de Manila University Press)
• View from the Foxhole: Shaping the Political into the Personal by Joel Pablo Salud (The University of the Philippines Press)

Design

• A Death Foretold: The Ninoy Aquino Assassination Remembered - Editors: Sarge Lacuesta, An Mercado-Alcantara, and Mookie Katigbak-Lacuesta; Designer: Tom Estrera III (Good Intentions Books, Inc. and Aurora Oreta)
• Dogs in Philippine History - Author and Designer: Ian Christopher B. Alfonso (Philippine Historical Association, Project Saysay Inc., and Alaya Publishing)
• Everything Is Fiction: Essays - Author: Vicente Gracia Groyon; Designers: Troy Binco and Ace Vincent Molo (Ateneo de Manila University Press)
• It Is Time to Come Home: New & Collected Poems - Author: Marjorie Evasco; Designer: Felix Mago Miguel Jr. (Milflores Publishing, Inc.)
• Piña Futures: Weaving Memories and Innovations - Author: Randy M. Madrid; Designer: Felix Mago Miguel Jr. (Far Eastern University and HABI: The Philippine Textile Company)