THE deadline for submission of entries to the 5th Premio Tomas Arejola para sa Literaturang Bikolnon, co-sponsored this year by the Naga City Jaycees, is extended to Aug 30. This is in response to requests from writers from all over the region.

        Up for grabs are prizes in the regular categories of poetry (rawitdawit), fiction (osipon), essay (saysay), playwriting (dula), stories for children (osipon na pan-aki), novel (nobela) and the honor of being named Writer of the Year (Parasurat kan Taon).

        To honor the 2010 Tercentenary of the Bikol Devotion to the Lady of Penafrancia, the Patroness of Kabikolan, the Premio Arejola has opened a special poetry category for high school and elementary students starting this year. Known as Rawitdawit para ki Ina, this special category is also open to out-of-school youth not more than 16 years old. Finalists and their adviser/mentor will each be awarded the Premio Tomas Arejola Diploma of Merit. Three best entries will be chosen from among the finalists who shall each receive the Naga City Jaycees Rawitdawit para ki Ina Medallion and P2, 000 cash prize.

        In an attempt to win wider adherence for Bikol Literature, the Premio Arejola shall have a special readership prize, the Premio para sa Parabasa, again. This category is open to students and out-of-school youth aged 16 to 22. Entries in this category should be a review, between 150 to 250 words. Contest rules and other submission details are posted at www.balangibog.blogspot.com.