Ricky Lee's scriptwriting workshop returns this year

Ricky Lee is back at it — after multiple postponements, he’s finally reviving his legendary scriptwriting workshop this year.

In an interview told GMA News Online, the National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts said he's been busy, but "this year, itutuloy ko na."

"Postpone ako ng postpone—hindi ko matuloy-tuloy. Pinagpaliban ko ito mula noong nakaraang taon. Hindi ko na matutuloy kasi napakahirap, ang busy-busy ko,” he said.

It was filmmaker Pepe Diokno who reminded him how much his workshops mean to people.

"Sinabi niya sa akin na sa workshop, sa aming huling araw, lahat kami ay nagyakapan at umiyak," he recalled.

"Umiyak kaming lahat at ayaw maghiwalay. And then, we went to a gay bar afterwards para hindi kami maghiwalay. Naaalala ko ang kagalakan ng komunidad, ng paggawa ng isang workshop, na you feel na magkayakap kayong lahat."

The reminder of that heartfelt moment was all it took to convince him. For Lee, storytelling isn’t just about writing—it’s about building a creative community, and he’s more than ready to guide and inspire a new batch of aspiring writers.

“Kaya, na-miss ko ito. So, sabi ko, sige, itutuloy ko na ito this year kahit gaano kahirap.”

Stop Aspiring, Start Writing

Lee has a simple yet powerful message for young and frustrated writers: stop aspiring—start writing.

“Hindi ka magiging isang manunulat kung hindi ka matututong magsulat — kung hindi ka magsisimulang magsulat. Dahil kapag nagsimula kang magsulat, makikita mo kung ano ang kailangan mong ayusin, kung ano ang mali sa akin, kung ano ang kailangan mong matutunan,” he said.

Perfection, he stressed, should never be the goal from the start.

“Lahat nagsisimula sa hindi magandang draft,” he said. He even recalled how "Para Kay B," his first novel (now adapted for the stage), went through countless drafts before it was finalized.

“So, simulan natin. Stop aspiring. Magsimulang magsulat. Gawin mo lang. Gawin mo lang,” he added, smiling.

Even with his hands full, Lee, now 77, shows no signs of slowing down.

“I feel so blessed to be this active at my age.”

Last year, he brought "Isang Himala" and "Green Bones" to film festivals, and this year, he’s juggling multiple projects. He’s currently working on two scripts (completion dates unknown), writing his memoir, and collaborating with Ryan Cayabyab on Moral—this time, as a musical.

With so many creative ventures in the works, one thing is clear: Ricky Lee isn’t just writing stories—he’s shaping a new generation of storytellers. His return to scriptwriting workshops is more than just another project; it’s a testament to his lifelong passion for storytelling, learning, and community-building.

While no specifics have been announced regarding the workshop’s schedule or application process, those eager to join can start gearing up. With Lee’s dedication to mentoring and being the icon that he is— this is an opportunity aspiring writers won’t want to miss. —JCB, GMA Integrated News