organizations
Manila Critics Circle
Founded in 1981, this organization
of professional literary critics and newspaper
columnists gives the National Book Awards every
year to the best books written and published in
the Philippines and Special Awards to outstanding
publishers. Among its current members are Virgilio
S. Almario, Miguel A. Bernad SJ, Isagani R. Cruz,
Ophelia Alcantara-Dimalanta, Doreen G. Fernandez,
Resil B. Mojares, Danton Remoto, and Alfred Yuson.
Honorary member is Roger Bresnahan. Former members
include Leonidas Benesa (d. 1984), Alfrredo Navarro
Salanga (d. 1988), Arlene Babst-Vokey, and Alice
Guillermo. Trophies for winners are created and
donated by artists like Ed Castrillo, Agnes Arellano,
and Edgar Doctor.
Awards were first given in 1981
to the following: Being Filipino, edited
by Gilda Cordero-Fernando and Walong Dekada
ng Makabagong Tulang Pilipino (Eight Decades
of the Modern Philippine Poems), edited by Virgilio
S. Almario, for anthology; Spy in My Own Country
by Sylvia L. Mayuga, for essay; Utos ng Hari
at Iba Pang Kuwento (The King’s Command
and Other Stories) and Tutubi-tutubi, ‘Wag
Kang Magpahuli sa Mamang Salbahe (Dragonfly,
Dragonfly, Don’t Let the Bad Man Catch You),
by Jun Cruz Reyes, for fiction; Telex Moon
by Cirilo F. Bautista, for poetry; Salome/Brutal
by Ricardo Lee, for screenplay; and New Day Publishers
as publisher of the year.
The Circle has also held
an ASEAN-wide literary contest in cooperation
with the Filipinas Foundation, participated in
National Book Week exhibits, and helped draft
position papers on literary publishing. Its members
have written reviews for national and international
publications such as ASEAN Theater Journal,
Asiaweek, Diyaryo Filipino, Filipina, Filipino
Magazine, Independent, Journal of Asian Studies,
Kinaadman, Manila Chronicle, Manila Times, Mr.
& Ms. National Book Review, Philippine Daily
Globe, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine Journal
of Education, Panorama, Philippine Star, Philippine
Studies, and World Literature Today.
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