Blockbuster book launch

Author: Ethel Ramos
Column: Studio Whispers

THE launch of award-winning scriptwriter Ricky Lees first novel, "Para Kay B (O, Kung Paano Dinevastate ng Pag-ibig ang 4 out of 5 sa Atin)" was, to use a showbiz lingo, a super-duper hit. A huge gathering of celebrities from the worlds of cinema, literature, television, journalism and the academe attended the event held at the UP Bahay Alumni.

From ABS-CBN and Star Cinema, where Ricky now works exclusively, we saw Cory Vidanes, ABS-CBNs vice-president for entertainment, Malou Santos, the managing director of Star Cinema and resident directors Olive Lamasan and Rory Quintos.

Also present were directors Joel Lamangan, Gil Portes, Maryo de los Reyes, Boots Plata, Jerry Seneneng and Ruel Bayani. Rickys fellow scriptwriters, Raquel Villavicencio and Jake Tordesillas, were also present.

Movie stars who have appeared in films and TV shows written by Ricky also came, like Susan Roces, Gloria Romero, Pilar Pilapil, Caridad Sanchez, Rita Avila, Rio Locsin and Angel Locsin.

Piolo Pascual, Lorna Tolentino, Gina Alajar, Cherrie Pie Picache, Chanda Romero, Eugene Domingo and Cesar Montano read excerpts from the novel, while Ricky Davao led the invocation. Malou de Guzman rendered a song which was written by Ricky Lee.

Singers Cookie Chua and Skarlet with Ricky Davao performed. Director Marilou Diaz-Abaya directed the ceremonies. Jerome Pobocan and Toots Sanchez assisted her.

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Ricky has never made secret his humble beginnings. He was orphaned at a very young age. To survive, he was taken in by relatives.

He left his hometown, Daet, Camarines Sur with some friends when he was older. They were all hoping that Manila could offer them a better life and a better future.

But all of them didnt have an easy time. Some of his friends decided to return home.

In his case, he chose to stay. Luckily, he won a scholarship at UP and was given a job with a salary which served as his allowance.

Forty years after he left Daet, he is now one of its prides and joys.

Small wonder, therefore, that at the book launch, some of Rickys kababayan were present.

The book launch also served as a grand reunion for Rickys students who have attended his free scriptwriting workshops since 1982. Self-financed and mostly held at his home in Quezon City, these intimate learning lessons have produced several of todays acclaimed filmmakers.

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At the book launch, Ricky also announced the birth of the Philippine Writers Studio, his own version of the Mowelfund which serves as the SSS (Social Security System) and GSIS (Government Service Insurance System) of showbiz people.

Boots Anson-Roa, who also graced the event, is the current head of Mowelfund.

Ricky likewise announced the production of an omnibus film by 39 directors who agreed to shoot 2-5 minute excerpts from "Para Kay B" for free. Among them are Dante Mendoza, Jeffrey Jeturian, Aureus Solito, Adolf Alix, Khavn dela Cruz, Raya Martin and Lav Diaz.

Other published books of Ricky include "Brutal," "Salome," "Bukas May Pangarap," "Si Tatang at Mga Himala ng Ating Panahon," "Pitik-Bulag sa Buwan ng Pebrero," "Rizal: The Screenplay," "Trip to Quiapo: Scriptwriting Manual ni Ricky Lee."

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At the birthday party of talent manager Dolor Guevarra (whose wards include Carmina Villaroel, Susan Roces, Sheryl Cruz, Dino Guevarra and Eric Quizon), one of the topics was the report that Dingdong Dantes is trying to win back Karylle.

Everyone in the group wanted to know if Karylle would give Dingdong another chance.

Both Dingdong and Karylle deny the rumor. So does Marian Rivera, who is said to have caused the "temporary" break-up between Dingdong and Karylle.

Source: Malaya