UST Honors Fr. Gilbert for Literary Brilliance and Lasting Influence
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NEW YORK CITY--The University of Santo Tomás (UST) has chosen to bestow the prestigious 2023 Parangal Hagbong Award upon the late Fr. Gilbert Luis R. Centina III, in recognition of his exceptional literary skills and enduring impact. This distinguished honor serves as a testament to Father Gilbert's remarkable eloquence in writing and holds the potential to inspire future generations of poets within the Thomasian community.
The announcement of the Parangal Hagbong Award came from the Parangal Hagbong Committee, led by Adrian Parungao, who underscored Father Gilbert's significant contributions to the field of literature. As a pivotal part of UST's annual Ustetika event, the Parangal Hagbong Award seeks to celebrate outstanding literary works from the Thomasian community and acknowledge the remarkable achievements of alumni across diverse disciplines. Mr. Parungao extended his congratulations to the family of Father Gilbert, acknowledging his profound impact on the literary world. The university, founded in 1611, is the oldest university in Asia.
The Parangal Hagbong Award has emerged as a highly coveted accolade within UST's Ustetika event—a renowned literary contest that traces its roots back to 1946 when The Varsitarian, the university's official student publication and arguably the country's most distinguished student organ, organized a literary competition as a gift to the Thomasian community. The literary prizes were revitalized in 1985 through the establishment of Gawad Ustetika, an endeavor that has nurtured numerous talented Thomasian writers, fostering their growth and propelling their recognition in the vibrant Philippine literary scene.
While pursuing his studies in philosophy at the university, Father Gilbert served as the literary editor of The Varsitarian—a groundbreaking achievement as the first seminarian to hold such a position. Another prestigious honor within the Ustetika event is the Rector's Literary Award, personally bestowed by the Rector Magnificus. This distinction recognizes Gawad Ustetika-winning writers whose works exemplify Christian values. In 1969, Father Gilbert's extraordinary talent led him to sweep the writing competition, securing top prizes in English poetry and short fiction.
Since its inception in 1997 during the 13th Ustetika, the Parangal Hagbong Award has become an integral part of the annual event. This celebrated recognition honors exceptional Thomasian writers and former Varsitarian staff members who have made significant contributions to the literary world. Renowned past recipients include Roland Tinio, Cirilo Bautista, Nick Joaquin, F. Sionil Jose, and Bienvenido Lumbera—esteemed figures who have also been honored with the National Artist of the Philippines award.
Derived from the Tagalog language, the term "hagbong (laurel)" symbolizes a crown of leaves, traditionally bestowed upon those who excel in the arts and letters and serves as a fitting tribute to the extraordinary talent of Father Gilbert.
This year's Parangal Hagbong recipient is Fr. Gilbert Luis Centina III, the first seminarian who became a literary editor of the Varsitarian. pic.twitter.com/4XzocSlHp9
— The Varsitarian (@varsitarianust) May 20, 2023
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