TWO books published by the University of San Carlos Publishing House bagged awards in the 41st National Book Awards.

The awards were announced by the National Book Development Board and the Manila Critics Circle on December 9.

These are:
• The Chinese Mestizos of Cebu City 1750-1900 by Michael Cullinane: John C. Kaw Prize for Best Book on History
• Sinug-Ang: A Cebuano Trio by Erlinda Alburo, Ester Tapia, and Corazon Almerino: Best Anthology in Binisaya.

“[The Chinese Mestizos of Cebu City 1750-1900] brings to light the untold story of an important part of Spanish colonial Cebu’s social and economic life—the Chinese Mestizo. NBDB recognizes the book as an important addition to Philippine studies where local history contributes to the knowledge of our country’s past that gave rise to our national identity,” USC said.

“[Meanwhile, Sinug-Ang] displays different experiences showcasing the great breadth of the authors’ lives as they trace the intersections of language, power, and class. Reflecting the complexity and diversity of contemporary Cebuano poetry by women, the poems presented are explosive and sensuous, meditative and inventive, sometimes ironic and tender,” it added.

The National Book Awards, managed by the National Book Development Board and the Manila Critics’ Circle, is an annual prize that recognizes “the most prestigious book titles written, designed, and published in the Philippines.”

For this year, 235 books received nominations across seven languages (Filipino, English, Bikol, Binisaya, Hiligaynon, Tausug, and Waray) and 34 diverse categories. Out of 13 nominations, seven AUP titles were selected for the awards.