AFTER five years, award-winning screenwriter and author Ricky Lee comes out with his latest book “Kung Alam N’yo Lang: Mga Kuwentong Pambata Para sa mga Hindi na Bata,” a collection of four stories told from the point of view of four children.
The 250-page book, which targets both children and adults, tackles topics as diverse as the search for God (“Ang Nawawalang Diyos”), a kid who sees letters come to life in his room (“Ang Sayaw ng mga Letra”), bullying in a town that has forgotten a dark secret from its past (“Si Inggo at ang Santo Kuwatro”), and the concept of death (“Nang Mapagod si Kamatayan”). It also includes illustrations by four different artists, Kenikenken (Ken Bautista), Diigii Daguna, Jether Amar, and Ivan Reverente.
Lee, who grew up reading comics, said children may read his new book in order to prepare them for the real world. Although “Kung Alam N’yo Lang” is considered a children’s book, it also appeals to adults who have forgotten how it is to be young. It is published by the Philippine Writers Studio Foundation, Inc. or Writers Studio.
Aside from being a book author, Lee is also a scriptwriter and playwright. He has written more than 160 scripts for Filipino films since 1973. Many of these have won awards here and abroad. Among them are “Himala,” “Karnal,” “Moral,” “Brutal,” “Salome” and other films directed by acclaimed Filipino filmmakers, including the late National Artists for Film Lino Brocka and Ishmael Bernal. His script for “Salome” has also been translated into English and published by the University of Wisconsin for its film studies.
Lee has also written “Trip to Quiapo,” a scriptwriting manual; “Si Tatang at mga Himala ng Ating Panahon,” a collection of short stories; “Pitik-Bulag sa Buwan ng Pebrero,” a playbook; the novels “Para Kay B (O Kung Paano Dinevastate ng Pag-ibig ang 4 out of 5 sa Atin”) and “Si Amapolasa 65 na Kabanata; and screenplay books “Brutal,” “Salome,” “Moral,” “Bukas May Pangarap,” and “Jose Rizal.”
“Kung Alam N’yo Lang” is available at a discounted price of P250 until Dec. 31. For orders and inquiries, contact Writers Studio at 0956-1321248 (Globe) or 0932-9047852 (Sun) or send a message through email
([email protected]) or “Kung Alam N’yo Lang’s” Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/kung alamnyolang). It will be available in bookstores starting next year.
