THE world of Philippine letters lost some of its brightest luminaries recently when three eminent writers passed away in quick succession—National Artist Cirilo F. Bautista, architect Augusto Villalon, and 35-time Palanca Awardee Ed Maranan.
I did not have the honor of knowing the first two, but I did know Ed. I first met him in September 2015, on the occasion of the Nick Joaquin Literary Awards night of Philippines Graphic magazine. Ed had won first place in the short fiction contest, veteran US and Philippine journalist Beting Laygo Dolor second, and myself third.
Ed was the winningest Palanca Awardee and he garnered many other recognitions as well. I didn’t know the first time I met him, being a comparative newbie to the creative writers’ community. But he was warm, humble, and friendly, and he and Beting made it a point to reach out to me, something I’d not experienced from other NJLA co-winners in the other years I’d placed.
Ed made sure to add me on Facebook, and from then on shared interesting news about books and travel. He sent books he’d written. He was there at the launch of my book of short stories, “Fictionary,” in April 2016, and his presence was a great surprise and a huge honor.
In the short time that I knew him, he blessed me and many other folks with his wisdom and friendship. He is very much missed.
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The National Committee on Historical Research Executive Council of the National Commission for Culture and Arts is seeking nominations for the 2017 Young Historian’s Prize.
The award recognizes young scholars on the basis of a single work in the field of history. Winners will receive a certificate of recognition and P50,000 cash.
Nominees must be aged between 21 and 40 and submit an original work, written in proper academic style and using primary sources “that can contribute to the enrichment of Philippine history and historiography.”
Here are some works that have previously won: in 2014, “The Pulahan Movement in Leyte, 1902-1907” by George Emmanuel R. Borrinaga, University of San Carlos Cebu; “Sakdal: Kasaysayang Pangkalinangan ng Isang Kilusang Panlipunan, 1930-1938” by Marlon Delupio, De La Salle University-Manila; and “History of the Filipino History Book” by Vernon Totanes, Ateneo de Manila University;
In 2015, “Observatorio de Manila: Institusyong Pang-agham at ang Ambag nito sa Pagsusulong ng Meteorolohiya sa Pilipinas, 1866-1933” by Kerby C. Alvarez, University of the Philippines Diliman;
And in 2016, “Epizootics, Veterinary Science and the Filipinos, 1899-1939” by Arleigh Ross D. Dela Cruz, DLSU-Manila.
For details and requirements, visit ncca.gov.ph.
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The National Book Development Board is giving travel grants to would-be participants of the 70th Frankfurt Book Fair to be held from Oct. 10 to 14 this year in Frankfurt, Germany.
The NBDB is a government agency under the Department of Education tasked with developing, supporting, and promoting the Philippine book publishing industry.
The Frankfurt Book Fair is the world’s largest trade fair of books. NBDB and many Philippine authors, publishers, and book industry experts have been participating in the yearly fair for quite some time.
NBDB has invited NBDB-registered publishers to participate in the Philippine stand at the fair, where they can display their books and meet with industry professionals from foreign markets.
Being invited to apply for travel grants are NBDB-registered authors, illustrators, independent publishers, and other industry experts to talk at Philippine-hosted events. The deadline for sending in travel grant applications is May 30, 2018.
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Meanwhile, to make existing works written in Filipino or other Philippine languages accessible to the global market, NBDB is offering a Translation Subsidy Program. Registered publishers may apply for translation of their books into English or other foreign languages. The deadline for application to the program is June 29, 2018.
For requirements and details, visit nbdb.gov.ph, e-mail [email protected], or call Ryan or Camille at (02) 929-3887 loc. 801/812.
Dr. Ortuoste is a writer and communication consultant. FB and Twitter: @DrJennyO