PNS — ASIDE from Nora Aunor, award-winning scriptwriter Ricky Lee is all smiles these days with “Himala’s” latest achievement.
This writer got to talk to the scriptwriter of Himala over a cup of coffee at the UCC Morato. And he remembers the film’s late director Ishmael Bernal for not being able to witness what the film has accomplished.
“Masarap… na hanggang ngayon binibigyan pa rin nila ng pansin,”Ricky said. “Masarap isipin na relevant pa rin up to now at may sinasabi pa rin siya sa generation ngayon.”
Ricky considers Himala’s recognition timely as it would help him promote his latest project. Yes, finally, he finished his first novel, entitled “Para Kay B (o kung paano dinevastate ng pag-ibig ang 4 out of 5 sa atin).”
This novel is the realization of his long-cherished dream. While he has been sidelined to scriptwriting, he has not totally forgotten his novel writing. In fact, he has already written three novels. But he released first the novel that speaks the universal theme that is love.
“Hindi natin pweding tanggalin ang pag-ibig,” explains Ricky. “Part talaga ‘yan ng buhay, walang taong hindi nagdaan sa ganyang karanasan.”
He wants his novel to be read by strangers – be it in a fast food, MRT or anywhere. And not only by teachers or students who read it because it is part of the academic requirements. That’s why the novel is written in Taglish .
“Sabi nga ni Boy Abunda,” shares Ricky, “sobrang nakakatawa at sobrang nakakaiyak din.”
Meanwhile, aside from Himala, Ricky considers Karnal, Imoral and Andrea as his top favorite movies among the screenplays he wrote. But there are still movies he wants to forget.
“Pero ito yong mga pelikula na nagbigay ng challenge sa akin na i-improve ko ang aking pagsusulat. At kung mahusay man akong writer ay dahil ang mga tinuntungan ko ay ang mga pelikula kong nag-fail.”
As for the actors, he considers Claudine Barreto, Anne Curtis, Judy Ann Santos, Piolo Pascual, Jericho Rosales and John Lloyd Cruz as among the best actors and actresses of this generation.
“If I may be allowed to say this without putting them down… malayo pa yong lalakbayin nila para mapantayan yong husay ng mga artista noon. Hindi ko sila sinisiraan, hindi ko sinasabing hindi sila magaling. Pero marami pa silang pagdadaanan para maging tulad nina Nora Aunor, Vilma Santos, at Gina Alajar. Para din yang writer e, gagaling ka lang kung magagaling din ang kasabay mo.”
To this date, he has not yet dipped his fingers into directing even if there are offers for him to direct a movie. But he still looks forward to working with directors Mario J. delos Reyes and Mario O’Hara because he has not worked with them yet.
“Sa tingin ko hindi ako mage-enjoy sa pagdidirek. Writer talaga ako. At ngayon magpo-focus muna ako sa pagsusulat ng nobela. Sa novel, ako ang author…ako yong masusunod pero sa pelikula hindi ako ang masusunod eh.”
So come November 30, Ricky will launch his first novel at the UP Bahay ng Alumni.