Pinatubo: The Volcano in Our Backyard by Robert Tantingco was cited for its "fiery story," one that "draws on mythology, cutting-edge science, and modern remembrance" to weave a factual account of the 1991 eruption, and impress upon its readers "the unique experience of Kapampangans and the monster mountain in their midst."
"The eruption was the single biggest historical event experienced by Kapampangans. It changed every aspect of their lives, including culture and society," noted in a separate interview by Tantingco, who also happens to be the director of Holy Angel University's (HAU) Center for Kapampangan Studies, which published the book.
He added that in writing it, he preferred a "single, straight narrative" as opposed to eitheir image-heavy coffeetable books with very minimal text or conversely, scientific reports that are hard to understand for the average reader.
The result, according to members of the Manila Critics Circle and the National Book Development Board, who farm out the yearly awards, is a work that "inspire[s] awe as well as enlightenment," one that "goes under the earth and into the skies to show us what it really means to live in the shadow of a mountain god."
The award is a virtual recognition of the quality and scholarly rigor of regional publications in an event that was otherwise dominated by titles from Manila-based publishers.
Pinatubo: The Volcano in Our Backyard was published in 2011 to commemorate the 20th year since the onslaught of what is generally regarded as the second largest volcanic eruption of the 20th century. It was also one of 10 books released by HAU to celebrate the 10th anniversary of its Center for Kapampangan Studies.
(Note: This article is being republished in time for the commemoration and remembrance of the June 1991 Mount Pinatubo eruption, which severely devastated Central Luzon, particularly the provinces of Pampanga and Zambales.)