2000 Gawad Alab ng Haraya Awardee

(Alab ng Haraya Awards)

Notwithstanding divergent descriptions of history, dedicated scholars continue to research and write about prominent as well as little known episodes that have shaped the path of nations and peoples.

In the Filipino framework, Isagani R. Medina stands tall with his numerous contributions in historical and cultural research coupled with his many years in the academe. Quite admirably, he has brought together his expertise in library science, particularly pertaining to Filipiniana, and his passion for the study and writing of history. Meticulous and painstaking with details, he has given extensively to the writing of local history, as demonstrated by his works, "Cavite Before the Revolution" and "Streets of Manila."

His work distinguishes itself from the usual staid accounts of history textbooks. He adds a different dimension in his chronicles of individuals who figured in Philippine history, whether as minor personalities or as lead players. Without resorting to too much editorializing, he allows readers to view these characters through more human, perhaps more forgiving, spectacles.

For instance, in his essay on Andres Bonifacio, Medina speaks of the pains Bonifacio took to dress neatly and well, in spite of his meager resources, and of his penchant for carrying an umbrella regardless of the weather. In his account of the life of Josephine Bracken after Rizal’s execution, he shows a young woman bravely trekking through the thick forests and difficult mountain passes of Maragondon in Cavite, often in her bare feet, to reach the safety of Laguna.

In recognition of his life’s work and his contributions, Medina has received numerous grants, awards, and citations. For his "Cavite Before the Revolution (1571-1896)", he received the Manila Critics Circle National Book Award in 1994, with the work being cited as the best in the field of history.

Gawad Alab ng Haraya at Dangal ng Haraya Guidelines