Mr. Ricky Lee, a celebrated Filipino screenwriter, journalist, novelist, playwright and activist, recently visited the University of Baguio (UB) to participate in the Montanosa Film Festival. During his visit, he conducted a talk with the students of the School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA), where he shared his expertise with aspiring writers who wish to follow in his footsteps.
Mr. Lee is a highly respected figure in the Filipino film industry, having written several critically acclaimed films that have earned recognition both locally and internationally. He is known for his ability to craft compelling stories that resonate with Filipino audiences, and his work has been lauded for its depth and complexity.
In the late 1960s, Mr. Lee began writing fiction and gained confidence after his first short story, “Mayon,” was published in the Philippine Free Press while he was still in high school. His early writing efforts earned him several national awards from the Pilipino Free Press, including third place for “Pagtatapos” in 1969 and consecutive first prizes for short stories in the Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature for “Huwag, Huwag Mong Kukuwentuhan ang Batang si Weng Fung” in 1969 and “Servando Magdamag” in 1970, an impressive feat for a writer.
He became an activist and was affiliated with Panulat para sa Kaunlaran ng Sambayanan (PAKSA or Pen for People’s Progress) together with Jose F. Lacaba and Bienvenido Lumbera. Martial law forced him to drop out of schooling due to the fact that he participated in rallies. During the Marcos dictatorship, he was unjustly imprisoned for being an activist and was jailed despite having no evidences against him.
Aside from his work in film, Mr. Lee is also an accomplished journalist, novelist, and playwright. He has written several novels, including “Para Kay B” and “Si Amapola sa 65 na Kabanata,” both of which have been adapted into successful stage plays. He has also written for several publications, including the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Philippine Star.
During his talk with the students of STELA, Mr. Lee shared his insights on the craft of writing, offering practical tips on how to develop one’s skills as a writer. He emphasized the importance of reading, noting that it is essential for aspiring writers to expose themselves to different genres and styles of writing.
He also emphasized the importance of perseverance, noting that writing is not an easy profession, and that success often comes only after years of hard work and dedication. He encouraged students to continue honing their craft, even in the face of rejection and criticism.
The revered screenwriter’s visit to UB was part of the Montanosa Film Festival, an annual event that aims to promote the art of filmmaking in the Cordillera region. The festival features a variety of film screenings, workshops, and talks by industry experts like Mr. Lee, providing a platform for aspiring filmmakers to showcase their work and learn from established professionals in the field.
Mr. Lee’s visit to UB was a valuable opportunity for students to learn from one of the most respected writers in the country. His insights and advice will undoubtedly prove useful to those who wish to pursue a career in writing, and his presence at the Montanosa Film Festival serves as a testament to the growing importance of the festival in promoting the art of filmmaking in the Philippines.
