RICKY LEE BRINGS TOGETHER HIS FAVORITES AT STAR-STUDDED BOOK LAUNCH

NATIONAL ARTIST FOR FILM AND BROADCAST ARTS RICKY LEE PERSONALLY HANDPICKED THE ARTISTS to bring his words to life during the launch of his latest books at the Manila International Book Fair 2025.

- NATHALIE TOMADA

The event, held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay, drew a star-studded lineup of readers and performers spanning generations — Michael V, Jolina Magdangal, Judy Ann Santos, Jericho Rosales, Luis Alandy, Kyline Alcantara, Chai Fonacier, Jackie Lou Blanco, and Phi Palmos — with special song numbers from Dulce and Arman Ferrer in between readings.

The multi-awarded screenwriter shared that he chose these actors and celebs, who would interpret excerpts from his works — Agaw-Tingin, a collection of nonfiction, and his sixth novel Pinilakang Tabing — because they were his “favorites.”

“Yung pinipili kong reader sa bawat launch ko ay talagang pinili ko kasi mga paborito ko sila (The readers I choose for every launch are really my choice because they are my favorites),” he said.

“That's why some of them have become regulars, appearing again and again. And some are new this time, hopefully they become regulars, too. When I chose the excerpts, I already imagined how they would perform them. But when I watched them earlier, I still couldn’t have imagined what they did — they were so good.”

More than just a celebration of his new books, the launch also showed how Ricky continues to connect generations of stars — veterans and new blood alike — through his storytelling. For the artists, on the other hand, being asked to interpret his works was both an unforgettable experience and a mark of prestige in showbiz.

Jericho admitted, “Of course, it’s nerve-wracking, but when you think about being called to share your voice or your time, it’s not about me anymore, but about what I’m reading.”

“Sir Ricky chose that (excerpt) for me because he knew it’s my dream to become a director and producer someday, so that, he said, you can picture it like this. I’m just so honored to have this experience with everyone, especially my friends, to read something from Pinilakang Tabing.