ANGELES CITY, Pampanga — The Kapampangan Center successfully held the Awarding Ceremony for the 2nd Conrado Manankil Essay Writing Contest on September 16, 2026, in commemoration of the 87th birth anniversary of the late Conrado Manankil, book author, philanthropist. This year’s contest holds deeper meaning as it is offered as a tribute by his wife, Mrs. Norma Manankil, to her late husband who passed away in December last year.
The on-the-spot Kapampangan essay writing contest gathered students from across the Kapampangan region in three categories: Elementary, High School, and Collegiate level.
The winners are:
Elementary Category Champion: Jorem Gonzales from Divisoria Elementary School, Mexico, Pampanga winning P10,000.
High School Category Champion: Roj Luis Diamsay From Panipuan High School, San Fernado Pampanga winning P15,000.
College Category: Mark John Paras from Pampanga State University, Bacolor winning P20,000
Rooted in a 40-year dream, the contest began when Mr. Manankil shared with the Center his devotion of 40 years of his life to the study of the Kapampangan language, culminating in the publication of his book on Kapampangan. His lifelong wish was to hold an on-the-spot Kapampangan essay writing contest for Elementary, High School, and College students in the Kapampangan region.
To fulfill that dream, the Center launched the 1st Conrado Manankil Essay Writing Contest last year as part of its Buwan ng Wika celebration.
“Tatang Conrado did not just dream for himself, he dreamt for the next generation of Kapampangan writers. Though he passed away last December, his dream lives on through these young writers,” Myra Lopez, Associate Director, said. “This second edition is no longer just a contest. It is Mrs. Norma Manankil’s loving tribute to her husband and our continued commitment to keep his legacy alive,” Lopez added.
The contest drew young Kapampangan writers who wrote entirely in Kapampangan, using both contemporary and classic orthography. One of the judges, renowned poetess, book author and artist Dr. Tec Tolosa, praised the depth of the entries. “It is a welcome activity to read into the astute observations and insights of young individuals of high school and college age on issues such as mental health or the impact of artificial intelligence in promoting Kapampangan culture.
The essays written by our elementary participants, prompted from an illustration that came with one question, demonstrate a depth of understanding and personal reflection. And for them to have done all this in Kapampangan, in both contemporary and classic orthography, is in itself the true surprise”
She said. Members of the panel of judges include Dr. Tec Tolosa, A Macau-based Kapampangan poet and artist Oscar Balajadia a.k.a. Papa Osmubal and Commissioner Reggie O. Cruz of the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino.
The Kapampangan Center continues to pursue its mission of promoting Kapampangan culture through open collaborations with local poets, writers, language and cultural advocates, fellow Studies Center, government and non-government institutions.
“This is our way to widen our connections, network and reach in promoting Kapampangan culture. We do not work alone,” the Center said.
Press Release.
