The Bikol novel as a genre gets a boost as Ateneo de Naga University Press releases An Mga Hawak sa Panganuron by Anthony B. Diaz and Madrugada by Niles Jordan Breis. Both Premyo Valledor winning works, the novels further reinforce Bikol as a literary language able to carry narratives on human nature, Bicol society, politics, crime, pop-culture and government corruption in a prolonged multi-chapter paragraphic performance.

Anthony Diaz hails from San Marcos, Camaligan, Camarines Sur. Working as liaison officer for ESEAP Region (Let’s Connect program under Wikimedia Foundation), he has authored poetry, essay, fiction and non-fiction zines. In 2020, his Bikol novel “Sa Ika-tolong Aldaw” won the Kabulig-Bikol First Book Award.

Niles Jordan Breis is from Tabaco, Albay. Working as HR consultant in Makati, he is widely known as a prolific writer and is a regular fixture in awards and contests. A former Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino Makata ng Taon, he also received the Kampeon ng Wika citation from the same institution. `An Outstanding Albayano Awardee, he was also conferred the Gawad Pambansang Alagad ni Balagtas by the Unyon ng mga Manunulat sa Pilipinas, and just recently, the Jose Maria Panganiban Award by the Holy Rosary Seminary Alumni Foundation, Inc.