Ricky Lee talks about writing craft

Far Eastern University (FEU) students, mainly from its Institute of Arts and Sciences (IAS), raised questions about the craft of writing to National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee.

National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky (left) answers questions about his writing process during the AYKON event moderated by FEU Institute of Arts and Sciences Dean Diego Abad (right). Media Center

“I’m not a fixed or singular person. I am flexible and see myself as free and not tethered to any particular place or group or family because of my past. The same is true for my stories which is why templates don’t work for me,” said Lee.

Lee downplayed the accolades he continues to receive from several quarters.

 “When you’re reaching great heights, there is something that grounds you back to reality. In fact, nothing tells you something is already good. It’s hard to say when the work is done,” said Lee in a mix of English and Filipino.

Other questions from the students ranged from when revisions end, styles of writing across different media, to dealing with rejections.

 “I was known to my classmates in UP as Ricky Lee: the Bicolano-Chinese studying AB English but writes in Filipino,” said Lee said in Filipino, adding that he considers himself a “weird writer” with a mix of influences.

He revealed how much he liked reading and used it as an escape from his reality to other worlds. Eventually he wrote his own stories, even getting published and paid for his work when he was in high school. He said writing became a means for him to feel empowered and have some semblance of control in his life.  

“I get to invent stories in my head and it became a higher form of escape because I was the one creating. I felt empowered. So when I sent my story to the Philippines Free Press, I realized that I can have power as a writer. I can take hold of and have control over my life if I write, especially since I could earn money from it as well,” said Lee in a mix of English and Filipino. 

Lee also recalled his experience collaborating with National Artist for Cinema Ishmael Bernal.

“Working with him, I realized that when it’s easy, it’s probably not good. He challenges me and encourages opposition, a practice that gives birth to new, better ideas. The material becomes thoroughly workshopped, in a way,” he said. 

Lee is FEU’s featured artist for this year’s Alagad at Yaman ng Konkretong Obra (AYKON): The FEU Conversations Series.

Academic Services Coordinator Mariz Autor described AYKON as an event that features change makers in the fields of the arts, science, business, and society in the country. Past AYKON speakers included National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Nora Aunor, actor and politician Vilma Santos, fashion designer Rajo Laurel, and prima ballerina Liza Macuja-Elizalde. It is designed as a casual, kwentong-buhay conversation which allows the speakers to talk about their life and craft.