Ricky Lee and Amapola, the Book Launch

     After three years of hard work and occasionally waking up at 3AM, Ricky Lee's second novel was officially launched last Sunday, November 27, 2011 at the Skydome in SM North Edsa.  I'm grateful to be amidst the crowd who loudly applauded for Mr. Lee and warmly welcomed his new book.

Si Amapola sa 65 na Kabanata, Ricky Lee's second novel

     Hey guys!  The Pinoy Wanderer is back for the conclusion of my post about Ricky Lee and his new brainchild 'Si Amapola sa 65 na Kabanata.'  It was my first time to attend a book launch, and I was greatly surprised by how it was never boring and instead, really entertaining.  Read on to find out what transpired during the book launch.

     The invite said the book launch will start at 3PM, but I heard that people were let in at around half past 3.  I was finding my way in the area when I saw Elvert de la Cruz Bañares sipping his brewed coffee at Figaro.  Direk Elvert, as I fondly call him, is a good friend I've met through Ms. Neriz Cruz Gabelo.  Madam Neriz arrived with some of her friends approximately 9.99 minutes later.  Yep, I timed it carefully coz from what I heard from Direk Elvert, she usually arrives 2 hours AFTER the event she's supposed to attend.  Hah!  Unknowingly, I'm part of their entourage which Ms. Neriz Cruz Gabelo had put up.  With these people, I know I'm in good company.

     Since we were late, we were seated at the back.  Lucky for me who only have a low-powered camera -- well, we'll just have to make use of the low reso pics that you'll see on this post.  *Sigh*

We were seated wayyy back of the amphitheater. 

     The event opened up with a tribute video coming from Nora Aunor, Piolo Pascual, and other personalities from the business.  Not gonna say much, I'll let the picture do most of the story telling for you.

The program commenced at 5pm with the tribute video followed by a cosplay of the book's characters.

     After the cosplay, two of the country's topnotch comedians, Ai-ai delas Alas and Eugene Domingo were introduced as hosts.  Throughout the program, the hosts' exchange of lines whether on-script or impromptu generated non-stop laughter from the audience.  

Hosts Ai-ai de las Alas and Eugene Domingo, the duo was a riot!

Ricky Lee introduces the book: Si Amapola sa 65 na Kabanata.

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Paulo Avelino was first to read an excerpt from the book.  The audience went wild!

Mart Escudero, from the movie Zombadings, came up next.

Cherry Pie Picache, one of the country's most versatile actresses, also read some lines.

Acclaimed TV and film director Joel Lamangan was there too!

Dulce performed a very soulful rendition of 'Inang Laya, Pag-ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa.'

Jon Santos as Oprah brought down the house!  The minute she walked on stage the crowd just
can't stop  laughing.  Jon Santos is awesome, definitely class A performer.

Ely Buendia and his band Pupil performed two songs to the crowd's delight.

Joem Bascon was also there to read excerpts from Amapola.

Martin del Rosario came up next.

Ryan Agoncillo and JudyAnne Santos were also present.  Mrs. Agoncillo looked absolutely gorgeous.

Charo Santos-Concio, president of ABS-CBN, was the last to read before Ricky Lee went back
on stage for his short speech and to formally conclude the program.  Book signing started after.

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     The event was attended by celebrities, personalities and by common people like me.  National Artist Bien Lumbera was even in the crowd.  Those who attended the book launch, whatever sector of society they come from, have one thing in common:  they love and respect Ricky Lee. 

The Pinoy Wanderer (that's me), Ms. Neriz Cruz Gabelo and Direk Elvert de la Cruz Bañares
while waiting in line for the book signing.

After our dinner at Conti's, madam Neriz' entourage decided to hang-out at Starbucks in Trinoma Garden.
(L-R): Jeyps Quizon Herrera, Direk Elvert de la Cruz Bañares, Madam Neriz Gabelo, Richard Jaravata and myself. 

Three Things:

1. My first book launch was fun, and now I'm a Ricky Lee fan.  Did I just rhyme?  Lol, nevermind!
2. It's great to be in the company of people who can talk about anything -- educational or otherwise.  Well, later on that night, Madam and I were learning a lot from the three, so yeah, very educational indeed!
3. I need to have my own DSLR camera with really powerful lens.  Else, I'll be stucked with blurry pictures.

     If you were there on the book launch or you've read any of Ricky Lee's books, do drop a piece of your mind on the comments' section below.  Until my next wandering folks!  Thanks for dropping by.

tags: Ricky Lee's book launch, celebrities who attended Ricky Lee's "Si Amapola sa 65 na Kabanata's" Book Launch