Ricky Lee’s second novel launched

Ricky Lee wanted to see Filipinos crowd into a dome where writers and their works take the lead stage. He wanted to hear the uproars of Juan, applauding literary geniuses. In short, he wanted a concert for the literary world. On Sunday, Nov. 27, Ricky Lee had his dream, and he was the rock star. And yes, I was there to witness it all.

 

An hour and a half before the show, a line of avid fanatics began slowly occupying the gallery outside the Sky Dome at SM City North EDSA. I honestly had to recheck my bookmark and ask whether this was the venue of a book launching. 

 

When they told me I was at the right place, I felt a tingling sensation: Filipinos are beginning to reinvigorate their love-hate relationship with books. Finally, a writer was able to infiltrate the Filipino market. For the first time, I am surrounded by almost two thousand people.

 

From Para kay B  to Amapola

 

Don’t get me wrong. I never doubted Ricky’s ability to make a dent in the literary industry. After reading Para kay B in one day, Si Amapola sa 65 na Kabanata was something I was looking forward to. Let’s just say, it’s not too often a crowd comes cheering for a Filipino writer. This was something I’ve been looking forward to for almost three years.

 

But what made me really happy was the fact that almost everyone who participated did it out of love. Artists came without charging talent fees, and the staff was made up of volunteers. Celebrities like Ai-Ai delas Alas, Eugene Domingo, Jon Santos, Ryan Agoncillo, Judy Ann Santos, Cherry Pie Picache, Paulo Avelino, Martin Escudero, Alessandra de Rossi, Aaron Villaflor, Gina Alajar, Joem Bascon, Joel Lamangan, Dulce, Pupil, and their lead singer Ely Buendia also came to show their support. 

 

Should this be a basis of affection, Ricky Lee is one lucky man. 

 

And so, after the whole picture began to sink in, I decided to approach the author of over a hundred fifty scripts, and of course, Amapola, a political comedy set in Tomas Morato about a gay manananggal  who was prophesized to protect his country. 

 

Invisible writers

 

As I extended my hand to introduce myself, the award-winning writer received it with a grin on his face and a tap on my shoulder. He would laugh generously at some questions, and put on a serious face at times. After a few minutes, it became clear that here was a man who remained modest despite all his achievements.

 

Ricky is a recipient of more than fifty awards, including the Natatanging Gawad Urian. He is also the writer behind the movies “Himala”, “Karnal”, and “Moral”.

 

But what must be his reason for publishing a book like Amapola?

 

According to Ricky, while directors, actors, and actresses are visible, writers remained unnoticed, even invisible at times. “Sana magtulong-tulong tayo para dumating ang panahon na ang writer maging visible sa mga Pilipino,” he said.

 

Filipinos are readers

 

Ricky asserts Filipinos are readers. “Hindi totoong ang Pilipino, hindi mahilig magbasa. Hindi totoong ayaw magbasa ng Pilipino,” he added.

The award-winning author asserts that novels and works would have to be brought directly to the people since circumstances have prevented Filipinos from easily accessing important literature. “Gutom sila sa pagbabasa,” he added.

Moreover, Ricky asserts he’d never write in English or for foreigners. “Kung ma-translate man sa English, kung may magbasa mang foreigner, incidental lang talaga. Ang buhay ng Pilipino ang sinusulat ko, para sa Pilipino,” he added.

More political

According to Ricky Lee, Amapola is going to be more political as it presents the fragmented Filipino culture. He asserts, however, that such should not always be interpreted negatively as it can also mean multiplicity, diversity and variety of personalities. 

 

“Ang magiging journey niya [ay] kung paano niya matututunang mahalin ang kanyang bansa at kung paano siya magiging isang buo na tao,” Ricky Lee said. 

 

Ricky Lee’s newest novel is now available at National Bookstore and Powerbooks. –KG, GMA News