The National Book Development Board (NBDB) and the Manila Critics Circle (MCC) are pleased to announce the shortlisted titles of the 38th National Book Awards.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About the National Book Awards catalogue design:

The pattern used by NBDB and MCC for this year’s awards is taken from traditional weaving patterns of the Maguindanaons and Iranun, particularly Inaul.

Inaul is a Maguindanaoan and Iranun word, which literally means “woven.” This handwoven fabric is commonly used as malong.

Inaul is more than just pieces of fabric meticulously woven by the weavers. For them, it is considered “Bara-Bangsa”—a term synonymous to regal, pride, royalty, and dignity. In the past, wearing Inaul is a status symbol and pride. Weavers spend three to four weeks in order to finish four-meter long Inaul, depending on the intricacies of the design.

Balisi, Anthony John R (2017) social media account, uploaded 17 January 2017