From 'Raining in Manila' to 'Anti-Hero,' Ricky Lee shares why he finds inspiration in music

Ricky Lee has written stories about a house with a voice, and a small town whose villagers’ lives have changed because of a “Himala,” and explored the many views and versions of love.

With a career and body of work ranging from novels, essays, screenplays, TV shows, and short stories, among many other forms, to say that his words and imagination are impressive would be an understatement.

In a quick conversation with Sir Ricky in between his book signing event at the Manila International Book Fair (MIBF), GMA News Online asked the living legend how he gets his ideas and inspiration, most especially on hard days when stress or writer’s block hit.

“Basically, music ang number one kong passion sa buhay. Hindi libro, hindi pelikula,” he said. “Kung walang music, hindi siguro ako magkaka-passion, hindi siguro ako magkakapagsulat.”

“So kapag depressed, walang magawa, 'pag na-bo-bore, maski anong dahilan na negative emotion, nakikinig ako sa music,” he added.

The National Artist for Film and Broadcast said that back then, he used to write with music playing in the background.

“It helps me na pumunta sa ibang mundo,” he said. “'Pag naka noise-cancelling na ‘ko na Airpods, wala na lahat, then kaya ko na uling mag-passion afterwards.”

Similar to watching films and getting immersed in the story, Ricky said that through being in another world, any stress and tiredness from writing just gets washed away. Following this, he gets ready to write again with his newfound inspiration.

A true audiophile, among Sir Ricky’s favorite artists are Sufjan Stevens, Van Morrison, Kings of Leon, The Decemberists, Joni Mitchell, Simon & Garfunkel, The Who, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, and Imagine Dragons.

“Lately, I’m starting to get into Taylor Swift,” Ricky said. “’Anti-Hero’ 'yung paulit-ulit lately,” he added with a smile.

Another recent favorite is the top OPM hit “Raining in Manila” by Lola Amour.

Ricky Lee is the writer of the films “Cain at Abel,” and “Himala,” as well as the books “Para Kay B,” “Kulang na Silya at Iba Pang Kwentong Buhay,” the scriptwriting manual “Trip to Quiapo,” and many more. —JCB, GMA Integrated News