He also received top prizes during the Centennial Literary Contest for his epic poem Piping-Dilat in 1998 as well as Manila Critics' Circle National Book Awards in 1982, 1991 and 1992.
He also received a grant as Philippine Representative to the World Poetry Reading Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 1996.
Previously, Antonio was UMPIL director and President of the Unyon ng mga Tagasalin sa Pilipinas (UNTAP).
Together with poets Virgilio Almario and Mike Bigornia, he co-founded Galian sa Arte at Tula (GAT), a writers' group.
Antonio remains active in poetry jousts and readings across the Philippines as well as in selected international literary events.