PRESS RELEASE
“Trese” wins National Book Award, Best Graphic
Literature for 2011
Trese Book 4: Last Seen
After Midnight, written by Budjette Tan, illustrated by Kajo Baldisimo was
awarded Best Graphic Literature for 2011 at the National Book Awards.
The award was received by
Tan, Baldisimo and their publisher Nida Ramirez of Visprint, Inc.
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| Kajo Baldisimo, Budjette Tan, Ruel de Vera, Nida Ramirez, Manix Abera |
This is the second time that
National Book Development Board and the Manila Critics Circle have recognized
and awarded the works of Tan and Baldisimo. Last 2010, Trese Book 3 won the
same award.
Trese follows the adventures
of paranormal investigator Alexandra Trese. She is the main consultant of the
police whenever they encounter crime involving supernatural creatures. In Trese
Book 4, she is called to solve the murder of a manananggal, stop a plant elemental from committing a massacre,
investigate a case involving a bangungnot,
and reveal the secret of the country’s champion prize-fighter.
Ruel de Vera of the Manila
Critic Circles, wrote in his introduction for Trese 4: “With each case,
Budjette and Kajo raise their levels of artistry to new heights without ever
resorting to gimmickry, relying instead on an expertise in the unexpected twist
and self-awareness, a feat that transcends the tropical islands Trese originates from. From a cult hit, Trese has now become a true mainstream
success—which it deserves—and the next step should be widespread international
recognition—which it deserves as well.”
In the past two years, Trese
has received much praise from here and abroad.
"Trese continues to impress and surprise, daring to go
where no Filipino comic book dare to go," said Gerry Alanguilan, creator
of the award-winning graphic novel Elmer.
Leinil Yu, artist of
Marvel’s Indestructible Hulk said, "Trese excites the little child in me
which used to believe in the wonders of Filipino folklores, and my adult self
who enjoys intelligently written and drawn tales. Budjette and Kajo's
Trese is a gem"
Aaron Rahsaan Thomas, Executive
Producer of Southland and writer/producer of CSI:New York, had this to say
about the graphic novel: “The late Steve Sabol of NFL films once said, ‘Tell me
a fact and I’ll remember. Tell me the truth and I’ll believe. But, tell me a
story and it’ll live in my heart forever.’ It is a unique and admirable skill
to craft a well told story set in an intriguing world, inhabited by compelling
characters. Yet, every time I open a chapter of the Trese saga, I’m blown away
by Budjette’s imagination and by Kajo’s imagery. They’ve created a series full
of swagger, featuring one of the most dynamic heroines you’ll ever see. Trese
is thrilling, engaging and epic.”
"From the first moment
I got a glimpse into the world of Alexandra Trese, I was hooked,” said Shanty
Harmayn, CEO at Salto Film Company, Producer of the award-wining Indonesia film
“Sang Penari” (The Dancer) “It was wonderfully new and exciting, yet somehow
familiar as many of the supernatural creatures and their stories were
similar to the tales I grew up hearing in Indonesia. With Budjette's
masterful ability to weave a great mystery and Kajo's beautiful graphic
imagery, I look forward to visiting Trese's world many times over."
In 2011, after Trese 4 ended
up on National Book Store’s Best Seller List, Tan received this email from Neil
Gaiman, “So
ridiculously proud of you! When I came out all those years ago for the first
time, that was what I wanted to see happen... I feel like you and all the
smart Filipino writers and artists out there are doing something really brave
and powerful, making a whole new wave of Filipino art and story. Well done!”
National Book Awards was
held last November 17, 2011 and was presented by The National Book Development
Board and the Manila Critics Circle in cooperation with the National Commission
for Culture and the Arts. The event was held at the Old Senate Session Hall of
the National Museum of the Philippines.
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| National Book Award Trophy designed by Michael Allen R. Cacnio |
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