Jose Dalisay, Jr., Filipino poet, author, and screenwriter

Jose Y. Dalisay Jr. (born on January 15, 1954), widely recognized as "Butch Dalisay," stands as one of the Philippines' most distinguished and versatile contemporary writers. An acclaimed academician, he is also a Professor Emeritus at the University of the Philippines Diliman, where he has profoundly influenced generations of aspiring writers and scholars through his teaching and insightful commentary on Philippine society and culture.

A Prolific Multigenre Author and Academic

Dalisay's extensive literary career showcases his exceptional mastery across a remarkable range of genres. His impactful body of work includes critically acclaimed pieces in fiction, poetry, drama, non-fiction, and screenwriting, demonstrating a rare breadth and depth in the Philippine literary landscape. His narratives often delve into themes of history, memory, and the Filipino experience, resonating deeply with readers and critics alike.

Unparalleled Literary Recognition: The Palanca Awards Record

His significant contributions to Philippine literature are underscored by an unprecedented collection of accolades, most notably from the prestigious Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature. Often dubbed the "Pulitzer Prize of the Philippines," the Palanca Awards are the highest literary honors in the country, recognizing excellence in various literary forms in both English and Filipino languages.

Jose Y. Dalisay Jr. holds the remarkable distinction of being the only writer to have won a record-breaking sixteen (16) Palanca Awards across five distinct categories: short story, poetry, one-act play, full-length play, essay, and screenplay. This extraordinary achievement highlights his consistent excellence and unparalleled versatility, cementing his status as a titan of Filipino letters and a benchmark for literary achievement.

Some of his most celebrated works that have garnered critical acclaim and awards include:

• Fiction: The novel "Killing Time in a Warm Place," which was a Palanca Award winner and a finalist for the National Book Award; and short story collections like "Sarcophagus and Other Stories" and "The Kite of Stars and Other Stories." These works often explore complex characters navigating the intricacies of Philippine history and contemporary life.
• Essays/Non-fiction: Collections such as "Man Overboard" and "Penmanship and Other Stories (Essays)," known for their keen social commentary, wit, and insightful observations on politics, culture, and everyday life in the Philippines.
• Screenwriting: Contributing his narrative prowess to award-winning Filipino films, showcasing his ability to craft compelling stories across different media.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Jose Y. Dalisay Jr.

Who is Jose Y. Dalisay Jr.?

Jose Y. Dalisay Jr., also known as Butch Dalisay, is a highly distinguished and prolific Filipino writer and academic. Born on January 15, 1954, he is celebrated for his extensive body of works across fiction, poetry, drama, non-fiction, and screenwriting, and is a Professor Emeritus at the University of the Philippines Diliman.

How many Palanca Awards has Jose Dalisay won?

Jose Y. Dalisay Jr. holds the record for the most Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature, with an extraordinary sixteen (16) awards across various categories, making him one of the most decorated and versatile Filipino writers in history.

What genres does Jose Dalisay write in?

Dalisay is known for his exceptional versatility, writing across a wide array of genres including fiction (novels and short stories), poetry, drama (one-act plays and full-length plays), non-fiction (essays), and screenwriting, consistently earning top accolades in each field.

What are the Palanca Awards?

The Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature are the most prestigious and longest-running literary awards in the Philippines. They recognize and celebrate excellence in various literary forms, offering a significant platform for Filipino writers in both English and Filipino languages.