Philippines Graphic will hold the 2017 Nick Joaquin Literary Awards (NJLA): The Nick Joaquin Centennial of the Philippines Graphic on Sept. 13, 7 p.m., at the BHotel on 14 Scout Rallos, Brgy. Laging Handa, Quezon City.

Plaques and cash prizes: 1st Prize (P50,000), 2nd Prize (P30,000), and 3rd Prize  (P20,000)  will be given to the top three short stories contributed to the magazine’s Literary section.

From poetry contributors will be chosen Poet of the Year.

Graphic editor in chief Joel Pablo Salud said winners were selected by jurors Alfred “Krip” Yuson, Susan S. Lara and Angelo “Sarge” Lacuesta.

Birth centennial

Salud said the awards ceremonies would commemorate the 100th birth anniversary of National Artist Nick Joaquin, Graphic’s first editor in chief when the magazine was revived by businessman Antonio L. Cabangon Chua and his family.

Favorite songs of the National Artist will be rendered by singer Madonna Decena and La Voce Chorale.

“Time with Nick,” will see  writers, former Graphic staff, and long-time friends of Joaquin sharing their memories of the late National Artist.

The Graphic will also present the Guardian of the National Memory Award to the four living National Artists for Literature: F. Sionil José, Virgilio Almario, Bienvenido  Lumbera and Cirilo Bautista.

The award will be presented by the Graphic and the Aliw Media Group—mother company of Philippines Graphic, Business Mirror, Pilipino Mirror, DWIZ and CNN Philippines

Patron of the Year award will be presented to Pru Life UK.

The 2017 NJLA was made possible by the support of Pru Life UK, BHotel, San Miguel Corp., SM, Land Bank of the Philippines, Eurotel, Richmonde Hotel, Diamond Hotel, Icon Hotel, Kitsho, Apag Marangle, Aggings, the Philippine Retirement Authority, Quaker Oats, Strategic Edge, Team Energy, Medical City and Hawk Bags.