Manila Critics Circle

From WikiPilipinas: The Hip 'n Free Philippine Encyclopedia

Manila Critics Circle is an organization composed of professional literary critics and newspaper columnists. It is responsible for the National Book Awards, an annual event recognizing the best books written and published in the Philippines, as well as outstanding publishers.

The Circle was founded in 1981. In that first batch, the award for outstanding anthology went to Being Filipino, edited by Gilda Cordero-Fernando, and Walong Dekada ng Makabagong Tulang Pilipino, edited by Virgilio S. Almario. Sylvia L. Mayuga took the award in essay for her anthology Spy in My Own Country. In fiction, Jun Cruz Reyes was recognized for his books Utos ng Hari at Iba Pang Kuwento and Tutubi-tutubi, 'Wag Kang Magpahuli sa Mamang Salbahe. Cirilio F. Bautista's collection Telex Moon was awarded for poetry; and Ricardo Lee took the award for his screenplay "Salome/Brutal". New Day Publishers was hailed as publisher of the year.

The Circle's other activities in the past have included conducting an ASEAN literary contest with the help of Filipinas Foundation, joining in the National Book Week exhibits, and drafting position papers on literary publishing.

Current members of the Circle include: Virgilio S. Almario; Miguel A. Bernad, S.J.; Isagani R. Cruz; Ophelia Alcantara-Dimalanta; Resil Mojares; Danton Remoto; Alfred Yuson; and honorary member Roger Bresnahan. Past members include Doreen Fernandez, Leonidas Benesa, Alfredo Navarro Salanga, Arlene Babst-Vokey, and Alice Guillermo.