FILIPINO writers and literary works enthusiasts based in California, USA are one in celebrating the Philippines’ National Literature Month this April.
Just in time for the celebration of the special occasion is the announcement of winners of DE Francia Awards for Literature (DEAL), a writing contest that inspired writers worldwide and encouraged the creation of “Pinoy-based” short stories in English which was launched last year by the team headed by two time Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards awardee in literary and former Baguio professor now based in Santa Maria, California, USA, Dr Clarito Garcia De Francia.
Philippine Information Agency-Abra Provincial Manager Maria Teresa Benas’ short story entitled “The Chase” won third place. The story talks about a young couple who, against all odds, ran after time to work together to disproved the world that they can make their married life a success. The wife suffered the loss of her lovelife, but worked hard and selflessly to continue giving a good future for her children.
Crispin Dannug Jr.’s “Soon”, a story about a lonely widowed grandmother wanting her grandson not to leave for the US because all her children are going away won 4th prize while Linda Bulong’s “Cycle” which talks about a married woman dreaming of going to America just like her grandmother and aunt won the 5th place.
Dr. Aurelio Solver Agcaoili, the Chairman of the Board of Judges said, "The board of judges followed a rubric that sets a grid for all ranks. No entry fulfilled the requirements of grid in both first and second places.”
De Francia on the other hand said effective writing is one measure deployed in the final evaluation. When a work needs minimal editing, that would be either in first or second rank. Furthermore, he said that there are respective grammatical lapses and situational weaknesses that brought down the quality of the top 3 finalist, hence the decision not to declare first and second places.
The winners will receive a certificate of recognition and cash money of P4,000 for 3rd place, P3,000 for 4th, and P2,000 for 5th. The awarding ceremonies will be held during the TMIF Annual Convention this month.
The Short Story Writing Contest is presented in partnership with De Francia’s wife Rosemarie Calisen-De Francia of The De Francia Realty Group, and Mt. Carmel Day Care Center owned by Rockwell and Jesusa Ocab of Los Angeles, California; NP Elvira Dela Pena of Marian Hospital, Santa Maria, California; and the TMIF (Timpuyog Dagiti Mannurat Nga Ilocano Iti Filipinas) led by its president Franklin P. Macugay.
The aim of the activity is to challenge writers in capturing, documenting and writing about Filipino life in the local, national or global settings, preferably portraying Filipino values, culture and heritage and produce, inspire and hone students, amateurs and professionals in the short story writing field.
A form of entertainment and source of information, literature play a very important role in revitalizing the culture of the nation. It’s good to know that Filipino writers abroad are helping promote the importance of it.
In the information provided by the Philippine Information Agency Cordillera, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) said this is the third year the entire nation is celebrating National Literature Month this April. This year’s celebration is dubbed “Banyuhay”, the Filipino word for metamorphosis which emphasizes that the creative endeavor literature is also a political and social institution as well as a force that shapes life and everyday living.
Furthermore, it is a vital instrument that helps people evaluate and implement right and necessary changes according to NCCA.
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