School of Humanities faculty members win National Book Awards

The School of Humanities congratulates the following members of the School for their victories at the 39th National Book Awards:

• Allan N. Derain, Department of Filipino, for winning the award for Best Book of Short Fiction in Filipino, for The Next Great Tagalog Novel at Iba Pang Kuwento
• Gary C. Devilles, Department of Filipino, for winning the award for Best Book of Literary Criticism in English, for Sensing Manila

In addition, Benilda S. Santos, formerly with the Filipino Department, received the award for Best Book of Poetry in Filipino for Ruta:Mga Bago at Piling Tula.

The World Is Still Beautiful, Mona Highley's translation of Lazaro Francisco's novel Maganda Pa ang Daigdig, received the award for Best Translated Book. It comes with a critical introduction by Soledad S. Reyes, professor emeritus, Department of Interdisciplinary Studies.

The Ateneo de Manila University Press was named Publisher of the Year.

Other faculty members of the School of Humanities were finalists in their respective categories:

• Martin Villanueva, Department of Fine Arts, Best Book of Essays in English, for A Pig Was Once Killed in Our Garage
• Charlie Veric, Department of English, Best Book of Literary Criticism in English, for Children of the Postcolony
• Edgar Samar, Department of Filipino, Best Graphic Literature, for Si Janus Silang at ang Labanang Manananggal-Mambabarang
• Joseph Sedfrey Santiago, Department of Fine Arts, Best Book in Art, for The Art of Collecting: A Guide to the Philippine Market
• Noel R. del Prado, Department of Filipino, Best Book on Professions, Time Out Muna: Gabay sa Utang, Upa, at Iba Pa sa Panahon ng Pandemya
• Remmon Barbaza, Department of Philosophy, Best Book in the Social Sciences, Making Sense of the City: Public Spaces in the Philippines

In addition, Felice Prudente Sta. Maria, Gawad Tanglaw ng Lahi recipient and guest lecturer at the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies, was a finalist in the category Best Book in Food, for Kain Na! An Illustrated Guide to Philippine Food.

The National Book Awards are handed out by the National Book Development Board and the Manila Critics Circle. 

The awarding ceremony was held last July 30 and may be viewed here.