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For a writer, there's nothing quite like seeing the world they built on paper take on flesh and bone before an audience.
National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee got to watch the stage adaptation of his debut novel "Para Kay B" and it was an emotional whirlwind — one filled with awe, laughter, and tears.
"Masarap, very fulfilling," Lee told GMA News Online in an interview.
"Para Kay B," published in 2008, had long attracted interest from film producers, but every attempt to turn it into a movie felt daunting.
“Kasi ako mismo, years and years ago, immediately after the novel came out, gusto siya gawing pelikula. And actually may nag-commission sa aking producers para gawing pelikula, itong para kay B. Pero at that time nahihirapan ako. Ilang attempts ko sinubukan. Parang hihirap-hihirap ang buhay, ang dami-daming kwento," Lee said.
Yet, the characters refused to be forgotten. They waited — until the stage found them. Lee said that even though this had been staged two times, it was the first time he had watched it.
"Nagulat ako, naiyak ako, natawa ako," he said. "First time ko napanood. Hindi ko napanood yung dalawang nakaraang run niya. Kaya kanina na, at nabuhay nila yung napakahirap buhayin na material.”
So did the adaptation capture the heart of the novel?
"Yes," Lee answered without hesitation. Though theater and literature speak different artistic languages, the play retained the novel's essence.
Lee said that "Para Kay B" is more than just a collection of love stories — it's about a writer's faith in storytelling—the belief that he can shape the world through words, even his own life. But in the end, he must confront a painful truth: even writing has its limits.
“May kwento ng isang writer kung paano naginiwala siya sa pamamagitan ng pagsulat kaya akong baguhin lahat maski na sarili kong buhay. Andun eventually to realize na may limitasyon pa rin maski ang kapangyarihan ng pagsusulat.”
“Pero, even if may limitasyon, tinanggap niya—even with pain, I'll continue living, I'll continue writing even if I accept na hindi ko mabuhay sa pag-ibig,” he added.
For Lee, every actor delivered, but one performance stood out.
"Si Nicco, ang husay!" he said, referring to the lead actor who carried the weight of the entire play.
The rest of the cast also left a lasting impression, making him laugh, cry, and even feel frustrated.
"Minsan gusto mo silang yakapin, minsan naiinis ka sa kanila—nakuha nila ang pagiging totoong tao ng tauhan."
Stage today, screen tomorrow?
Given its success, one might wonder: Is a film adaptation next? Lee revealed that the idea has long been on the table.
"Ang dami-dami nang nag-offer noon pa," he said. However, he hesitated, fearing that once "Para Kay B" became a film, it would lose its identity as a novel.
Years later, when he finally opened up to the idea of a film, he found himself getting "cold feet" once again. "May pumunta sa akin, producer, kaibigan ko. Pero hindi ko pa rin natuloy."
A story living beyond generations
Lee has long known that "Para Kay B" speaks to young audiences.
In fact, it was through this novel that he first developed a strong connection with Gen Z readers.
“Actually, ‘yung love affair ko sa Gen Z’s, nagsimula talaga sa Para Kay B,” he said.
“Nalaman ko, 80% ng readers ko, kabataan. Ang daming lumalapit, may nagsasabi sa akin—‘Nabasa ko ang nobelang ito noong ako ay 14 taong gulang. Ngayon, 30 years old na ako.’”
The novel has grown alongside its readers, proving its lasting impact across generations. The same can be said for his films, like Himala, which continues to resonate with audiences decades after its release.
"The way the novel is written, they feel understood. It speaks to them kumbaga," he said. "Kapag sinasabi nila yun—nakakataba ng puso."
The cast of "Para Kay B" includes Nicco Manalo, Gold Aceron, Jay Gonzaga, Wency Vencila, Divine Aucina, Yesh Burce, Liza Diño-Seguerra, and more.
It will run until March 30, 2025, at the Doreen Black Box Theater at Ateneo De Manila University.
Tickets are priced at P1,800 for free seating and P2,000 for reserved seating. —JCB, GMA Integrated News
