And the Award goes to...

AND THE WINNERS (AND SOME OF THE JUDGES) ARE: (from left to right) Neal H. Cruz, Cecile Guidote Alvarez, Janet Villa, Exie Abola, NVM Gonzalez (Ü), Narita Gonzalez, Greg Brillantes, Frankie Jose, and Jimmy Abad.

Broadcaster Caroline Howard hosted. Jimmy Abad led the guests in prayer. PDI columnist Neal H. Cruz gave a backgrounder on the Awards. Menchu Aquino Sarmiento, the first NVM Award winner, spoke about the value of the Awards. Narita Gonzalez (who's remarkably holding up very well) introduced the guest speaker. Guest speaker Frankie Jose reminisced about NVM. Greg Brillantes announced the winners—Alexis A.L. Abola for At the Ends of the Hyphen (published last April in the Philippines Free Press), first prize; Janet Villa for Closopen (published last August in the Philippine Graphic), runner-up prize—and explained the jury’s choices. Cecile Guidote Alvarez reiterated the NCCA’s support for NVM, Inc. Michael Gonzalez gave the closing remarks. Reception followed.

To Exie and (most especially) Janet, as well as the other finalists, CONGRATULATIONS!