Christmas 2023: Ricky Lee's simple but meaningful gift suggestions for your loved ones

It's that time of the year again—Christmas, which means gift-giving!

But instead of getting stressed out over what to get for your favorite people, National Artist for Film and Broadcast Ricky Lee gave GMA News Online these simple yet meaningful suggestions.

And you know what, you don't even have to spend any money on some of them.

1. Movie tickets

One of the Philippines's top authors is a massive film buff, and he hopes that more people will head back to the cinemas this holiday season. With this, his first gift suggestion would be movie passes.

"I think importante na ang mga tao, bumalik sa panonood ng pelikula sa loob ng sinehan," he told GMA News Online in between his book signing event at this year's Manila International Book Fair (MIBF).

Lee said that watching films in cinemas is a one-of-a-kind experience, and is even better shared with a community because everyone will have their own reactions to the film in real time.

"Mahalagang bumalik sa loob ng sinehan kasi iba 'yung... you surrender yourself to the big screen. You're not editing it, unlike sa bahay na i-po-pause mo, titigil mo, in-e-edit mo 'yung panonood. Dito, you're totally surrendering yourself to the world and the characters on the screen," Lee said.

2. Restored and vintage films

Spending time with friends and family through films may turn into special bonding moments. However, to learn more about culture, the National Artist suggests watching restored films.

"Karamihan ngayon, maski na 'yung mga filmmaker, walang alam sa history ng pelikulang Pilipino. Hindi nila alam 'yung mga pelikula noon," he said.

Lee recommends restored films by renowned Filipino directors like National Artist of the Philippines for Film Gerardo "Gerry" De Leon who is known for films that are now considered classics like "Ang Maestra," "Daigdig ng Mga Api," "Noli Me Tangere," "El Filibusterismo," "Sisa," and "Dyesebel."

Lee also mentioned Celso Castillo, the director of "Asedillo," which kickstarted Fernando Poe Jr.'s signature character as a gunslinger and defender of the poor.

Lee is also the screenwriter of the classic Filipino film "Himala," which was digitally restored in 2012.

Holding a holiday party by having a movie marathon is one way to spend the holidays and learn more about Filipino history and stories.

3. Books by Filipino writers

Lee has a strong belief in Filipino talent and storytelling. He specifically said that books by Filipino writers and written in Filipino would make for good gifts given that most people are exposed to English content these days.

"May apo ako, YouTube [tapos] puro English. Mga kaibigan ko, puro English," he said. "Pawala na nang pawala 'yung appreciation sa Filipino language."

"Mahalaga ding magbasa," the writer added.

Lee is the author of the books "Para Kay B," "Kulang na Silya at Iba Pang Kwentong Buhay," "Si Amapola," the scriptwriting manual "Trip to Quiapo," and many more.

4. Music

Lee's number one passion in life is music, as it helps him create stories and pulls him out of slumps.

"So kapag depressed, walang magawa, pag na-bo-bore, maski anong dahilan na negative emotion, nakikinig ako sa music," he said.

Giving music as a gift can be done by curating a playlist for your special someones, just make sure to give them the link or QR code. There are also several OPM gigs and concerts coming up, so purchasing tickets and supporting local artists may make for one unforgettable gift.

5. Time

Lee's final and most important gift suggestion is nothing material: it's giving and making time for the people you love, including yourself.

"We're all so busy, everything is so noisy because of social media, and everything else happening around 24/7. Punong puno lahat ang buhay natin araw-araw," Lee said.

"At ang nangyayari, wala na tayong totoong time sa sarili, or mag-pause, o mag-meditate, o mag-appreciate, o magbasa, o manood. Nawalan tayo ng time dahil sa dami ng nangyayari, dahil sa social media," he added. "So kung pwedeng iregalo ang time hindi lang sa sarili ko kundi sa lahat—give time."

So, be present when hanging out with your loved ones. Put your phones away, learn more about them, and listen to conversations.

Don't forget to make time for yourself and your needs as well. This holiday break, rest as much as you can and do the things you love.

Read more Christmas guides: 

• 10 gifts perfect for the beauty addicts
• A gift guide for your 'ikaw na bahala' friends and family 
• 5 exclusive places you can book for overnight gatherings
• 5 restaurants perfect for your office party
• 7 Christmas party game ideas that will make even your KJ guests join!
• Stress-free Christmas potlucks: 10 places where you can order party trays