The Normal Awards 2023 Awarding Ceremony took place on December 11, 2024, celebrating the creativity and advocacy of outstanding literary talents. The event brought together a diverse group of participants, winners, and esteemed judges, with the Philippine Normal University (PNU) management represented by Dr. Denmark L. Yonson, Vice President for Student Success and Stakeholder Services.

The Normal Awards, now recognized as one of the country’s premier literary competitions, is designed to promote gender-inclusive literature, a term that encompasses both women’s literature and LGBTQIA+ literature. Women’s literature emphasizes narratives about women, advocating for gender equality and inclusivity, while LGBTQIA+ literature amplifies stories that promote awareness of SOGIE (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression) and inclusivity. Central to the contest is the theme of empowering women and LGBTQIA+ communities, highlighting the transformative power of storytelling in fostering understanding, empathy, and equity.

For 2023, the competition attracted an impressive number of entries across four categories: Short Story for Children (29 entries), Maikling Kwentong Pambata (66 entries), Poetry for Children (23 entries), and Tulang Pambata (27 entries). These works showcase the rich creativity and commitment of writers dedicated to creating a more inclusive literary landscape.

This installment of the Normal Awards has recognized the following works in various categories:

 Short Story for Children

1st place: Once in a Purple Moon by Aurelio A. Sarmiento, Jr.

2nd place:  The Sparkling Makeover of Maya and Ricardo by Glorious Zahara Exylin C. Alesna

3rd place:  School for Housewives by Ronald C. Oriarte

 

 Maikling Kwentong Pambata

1st place:  Ang Mga Lilang Bestida ni Ate by Neil Omar B. Gamos

2nd place:  Sa Loob ng Madyik Kahon ni Popoy by Dave T. Pregoner

3rd place: Si Potpot at Ang Mahiwagang Kumot by Chris Joseph G. Junio

 

Poetry for Children

1st place: Unearthed by John Michael G. Londres

2nd place:  Pink is For All and Other Poems by Manuel Jr. M. Avenido

3rd place: Rainbow Dreams by Christine Marie L. Magpile

 

 Tulang Pambata

1st place:  Ako ay May Tandong at iba pang tula by Hannah A. Lecena

2nd place:  Mga Babaeng Iginuhit sa Langit by John Michael G. Londres

3rd place: Hindi Lang Iisa Ang Kulay Ko by Mark Andy Pedere

 

The awarding ceremony celebrated not just the diversity of literary talent but also the ideals of diversity and equality. As attendees gather to honor these exceptional contributions to literature, the event reaffirms the power of words in shaping a more inclusive and compassionate world.