Again, I was in the middle of something when I received another unexpected call. This time, it was from the courier. They said they’re going to deliver the letter from the Palanca Awards today.
Just as I said earlier, I promised myself not to tell it to my friends (except when they check out this blog) that I won 3rd Prize before I lay my hands on the paper. And now that it’s there (in my apartment which i share with my brother), it’s time I do so.
I first texted my friend Pauie, a contributor at to the READ Magazine who had previously taken the liberty of editing my short story for posting here at this very blog. She was even the one who introduced and encouraged me to join the Palanca Awards which I just read from newspapers and heard from my teachers when I was still in high school.
This is our second time (me and Pauie) actually. Though I don’t know if Pauie tried out this time. But still, I want to thank her for all those useful bits she taught me like how to write a dialogue on a story and how to read and re-read and re-read articles before even considering it final. Thanks Pauie!
So the letter was again a shock (I’m prone to shocks), I don’t get tired of reading it again and again.
“Congratulations! Your entry entitled “Nang Dumating Si Joe” in the Kabataan Sanaysay (Youth Essay) category of the 58th Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature contest was adjudged Third prize by this year’s board of judges.“
That’s the best part. I love it! The ceremonies will take place on September 1 at the Peninsula Manila’s Rigodon Ball. I’m not excited okay? I’m not used to socializing. So do I get to have that beautiful, purple-ribboned medal? I just hope they give one to all the winners.
Thanks also to Reniel, my friend from UP who told me once that it’d be nice to have a Palanca Awardee for a friend. Hmmm… Do you consider a third placer an awardee?^^,
P.S. Hey Pauie! I’m finally seeing your best buddy, Dean Alfar! Ha-ha!
Oh, I’m going to cry! ^_^ Thanks, Allenpot. And you’re welcome. Duh. What are friends for? I’m soooooooo happy for you!
Congrats! :)) Cheers.^^
What are you saying Allen?
winning 3rd price is Palanca Awards is SOMETHING. I didn’t have the courage to join that contest coz I know very well that my talent for writing is lower than beginner1. You are great. Very happy for you.
Wow, me kablog pala akong henyo–
You should be proud of that and you should continue to hone that talent. There is always a room for improvement diba?
And about the socializing thing, come on—don’t tell me you are just good ONLINE. Go out, celebrate. You deseve it. Congratulations again!!!!!
@Salingpusa, unfortunately, tama ka kuya. haha. im just good online. haha! Bakit naman kasi Peninsula pa. Nkakailang pumasok dun. haha.
Thanks a lot!
a classmate of my classmate’s dormmate told me about you. i mean, you winning the Palanca. and it was lile, hanging out with a palanca awardee is kick ass. right? seriously.
congratulations anyway. and im lookin forward to reading more of your works. ;)
wow. congratulations, sir.
humanda ka sakin. hahahaha *inggitera*
wow, nice….^_^
papano sumali dun??
Grabe. Hebigats ka tol :-)
Nice! Nainggit daw ako!
Hmm… I think Kailangan ko nang magsanay magpa-nose bleed ng mga tao na kagaya moh! Ehe…
And to think mas bata ka sakin ng 2 years! Ahehehe… Insecure?
So ayun! ConGRAtulations!