MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The National Book Development Board (NBDB) and the Filipino Critics Circle (FCC) proudly announce the 30 winning titles in the 43rd Annual National Book Awards (NBA), recognizing this cycle’s most outstanding locally published books across diverse genres and languages.
Of 385 titles submitted across 30 categories, written in Filipino, English, Hiligaynon, and Kinaray-a, 139 were selected as finalists. The final 30 winners represent the best-written and best-designed titles in their respective genres, spanning fiction and non-fiction categories including poetry, graphic novels and comics, translation, science, philosophy, history, humor, sports and lifestyle, spirituality and theology, art, food, design, journalism, and business.
The 43rd NBA winners are the following:
Literary Division
- Best Novel in English: Isabela — Kaisa Aquino (Ateneo de Manila University Press)
- Best Novel in Filipino: Antimarcos — Khavn (Ateneo de Manila University Press)
- National Artist Cirilo F. Bautista Prize for Best Book of Short Fiction in English: Sojourner, Settler, Seer — Charlson Ong (Milflores Publishing, Inc.)
- Gerardo P. Cabochan Prize for Best Book of Short Fiction in Filipino: Tatlong Proposisyon ng Puting Hangin — Luna Sicat Cleto (Isang Balangay Media Productions)
- Pablo A. Tan Prize for Best Book of Nonfiction Prose in English: Weaving Basey: A Poet’s History of Home — Dinah Roma (Katig Writers Network Inc.)
- Best Book of Nonfiction Prose in Filipino: Tokhang at Iba Pang Nanlabang Sanaysay — Vim Nadera (The University of the Philippines Press)
- Best Anthology in English: Mapping New Stars: A Sourcebook on Philippine Speculative Fiction — Gabriela Lee, Anna Felicia Sanchez, and Sydney Paige Guerrero (Editors) (The University of the Philippines Press)
- Best Anthology in Filipino: Ragasa: Apat na Dekada ng Pagsulong ng mga Kuwentistang Katha — Rolando B. Tolentino, Romulo P. Baquiran Jr., Honorio Bartolome de Dios, and Francine Y. Medina (Editors) (The University of the Philippines Press)
- Best Book of Literary Criticism or Cultural Studies: Ang Bayang Panitikan: Ang Pagtatanghal ng Kabanalan sa Pakil, Laguna — Jerry C. Respeto (Ateneo de Manila University Press)
- Best Book of Literary History: Collected Essays I: Philippine Theater History and Genres — Nicanor G. Tiongson (Ateneo de Manila University Press)
- Best Book on Media Studies: Disconnected Media and Other Essays — Clodualdo del Mundo, Jr. (De La Salle University Publishing House)
- Philippine Literary Arts Council Prize for Best Book of Poetry in English: With Decade — Austere Rex Gamao (Grana-PH Book Publishing)
- Victorio C. Valledor Prize for Best Book of Poetry in Filipino: Landas sa Ilang — Ronald Araña Atilano (Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika, at Anyo (LIRA), Inc.)
- Best Graphic Novel and Comics in English: Lucia Dreaming — Lucia Asul (Adarna House)
- Best Graphic Novel and Comics in Filipino: Elipsis — Author: Ran Manansala; Illustrator: Jose T. Gamboa (Istorya Studios, Inc.)
- Best Translated Book: Doña Perfecta — Author: Benito Pérez Galdós; Translator: Wystan dela Peña (Ateneo de Manila University Press)
- Best Book on Drama and Film: Natal/National: Three Plays by Guelan Varela-Luarca — Guelan Varela-Luarca (Milflores Publishing, Inc.)
- Best Book of Poetry in Hiligaynon and Kinaray-a: Humadapnon (Ginlawan) Sugidanon (Epics) of Panay Book 8, Volume 4 — Researchers: Alicia P. Magos, Anna Razel Limoso Ramirez; Translation: Alicia Magos and team; Chanter: Federico “Tuohan” Caballero (The University of the Philippines Press)
Non-Literary Division
- Alfonso T. Ongpin Prize for Best Book on Art: Haegue Yang: The Cone of Concern — Magdalen Chua, Joselina Cruz, Esther Lu, Leilani Lynch, Daisy Nam, Padmapani Perez, Haegue Yang, and June Yap (De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Inc.)
- Elfren S. Cruz Prize for Best Book in the Social Sciences: More Mindanawon Than We Admit: History, Culture, and Identity in the Philippine South — Jhoanna Lynn B. Cruz (Vibal Foundation)
- Best Book in Philosophy: Towards a Mindanawon/Lumad Philosophy: The Filipino Philosophy of Brother Karl Gaspar, CSsR. — Jerry D. Imbong (Aletheia Printing and Publishing House)
- John C. Kaw Prize for Best Book on History: Typhoons: Climate, Society, and History in the Philippines — James Francis Warren (Ateneo de Manila University Press)
- Best Book on Humor, Sports, and Lifestyle: The Call to Lead: Ignatian Wisdom and The Journey of Leading — Jake de Guzman (Ateneo de Manila University Press)
- Best Book on Business: Covering Nanay: The Philippine Microinsurance Journey — Dr. Jaime Aristotle Alip, Lorenzo O. Chan Jr., and Pia Benitez Yupangco (The Bookmark, Inc.)
- Best Book on Food: Secret Kitchens of Samar (Volumes 1 to 5) — Clang Garcia (Province of Samar)
- Best Book in Science: Birds of Subic Bay — Vinz Pascua (Birds in Focus, Inc.)
- Best Book in Spirituality and Theology: Discipleship For Today’s Filipino: Ang Calling Ng Christian Para Sa Bayan — Rico Villanueva and Jayeel Cornelio (OMF Literature Incorporated)
- Best Book on Professions: The Road To Peace: Crafting the Bangsamoro Organic Law — Juan Miguel F. Zubiri (Juan Miguel F. Zubiri)
- Hilarion and Esther Vibal Prize for Best Book in Journalism: Carabeef Lengua — Jose F. Lacaba (The University of the Philippines Press)
Design
- Best Book Design: Matayog na Puno: The Life And Art Of Hugo C. Yonzon, Jr. — Designer: Paula Yonzon (Yonzon Associates, Inc.)
Co-administered by the NBDB and the FCC, the National Book Awards recognizes outstanding print titles for their literary merit, design excellence, and contributions to Philippine literature and scholarship. The awards celebrate works that enrich literacy across the country, particularly among young Filipinos.
The awarding ceremony will be held on March 14, 2026, at the Philippine Book Festival, Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.
