Ricky Lee looks back on triumph of 'Himala' with coffee table book

Iconic screenwriter Ricky Lee has recently been working towards establishing his identity as a novelist, marking a milestone almost exactly one year ago, when he successfully launched his second novel to an adoring crowd.
 

At a writer's forum earlier this year, Lee said, with a hopeful tone, “Ang tagal ko nang kilala as scriptwriter, sana tawagin [naman] akong nobelista.” 

 

His latest book, “Sa Puso ng Himala,” isn't a new novel, though. In fact it pays homage to one of his biggest triumphs as a scriptwriter. The coffee table book, which was launched on Tuesday (Dec. 4), chronicles the making of the 1982 film “Himala.”
 

Directed by late National Artist Ishmael Bernal, “Himala” explored themes of religious hysteria, and has gained a sizeable cult following over the years. Its popularity has even spawned parodies, a stage musical, and a documentary film. 
 

Now comes this book; truly every “Himala” fan's wet dream.
 

Included between the covers are a full screenplay with an English translation, plus lead actor Nora Aunor and the production staff, and hundreds of unpublished, behind-the-scenes photographs.
 

As if to prove that the film does indeed have a huge fandom, all of the 1,000 limited-edition, hard-bound copies that were released are now almost sold out. Paperback copies are still available, however.
 

“Sa generation kasi ngayon--this is sad and sana hindi totoo,” Lee said at the forum. “Na nava-validate lang sa kanila ang isang bagay ‘pag nasa screen…Para bang ang kaganapan ng isang magandang nobela ay maging pelikula.” 
 

In this case, it may just be the other way around. In a way, the book validates the film's status as a cult classic.--Amanda Lago, GMA News