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.
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| 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*
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| Hosts Ai-ai de las Alas and Eugene Domingo, the duo was a riot! |
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| 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! |
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| Mart Escudero, from the movie Zombadings, came up next. |
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| Cherry Pie Picache, one of the country's most versatile actresses, also read some lines. |
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| Acclaimed TV and film director Joel Lamangan was there too! |
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| Dulce performed a very soulful rendition of 'Inang Laya, Pag-ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa.' |
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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. |
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| Ely Buendia and his band Pupil performed two songs to the crowd's delight. |
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| Joem Bascon was also there to read excerpts from Amapola. |
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| Martin del Rosario came up next. |
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| Ryan Agoncillo and JudyAnne Santos were also present. Mrs. Agoncillo looked absolutely gorgeous. |
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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.
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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. |
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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:
- My first book launch was fun, and now I'm a Ricky Lee fan. Did I just rhyme? Lol, nevermind!
- 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!
- 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
i planned of going there at the book launch but has to cancelled it last minute because a rather important task came up, ive read Para Kay B by Ricky Lee and really enjoyed it. He is a really good story teller. - Jaime
ReplyDeleteGusto ko ma-experience ito. I read Ricky Lee's first book, I forgot the title na. Good morning!:D
ReplyDeleteDon't feel bad Myke! You still did alright taking all these photos. Congrats to Mr. Lee. :-)
ReplyDeletewow, star studded ang event.. that's cool and interesting :)
ReplyDeleteHi Myke,
ReplyDeleteThanks for this wonderful blog entry about Mr. Ricky Lee's book launch, "Amapola sa 65 na Kabanata."
Ang panitikan, bilang isang salamin ng tunay na buhay at hinaing ng isang tao o isang bayan man ang nagbibigay kahulugan at kulay sa pagkakabuo ng isang katauhan at pagkabansa. Sa dalawang nobela na nagawa ni Ginoong Ricky Lee, ipinakita nia ang kanyang kagalingan hindi lamang bilang isang manunulat ng panitikan kundi bilang isang tao na may malalim na pagkakilala sa buhay at nagmamahal sa buhay. Ang panitikan bilang isang akda na nag iiwan ng kakintalan sa isip ng mga mambabasa ang nagpapalawak sa pag-unawa na kaibahan at kaisahan ng mga tao. Isang pagpupugay ang sulatin mong ito tungkol kay Ginoon Ricky Lee at ang kanyang brillo bilang alagad ng sining.
I love these part here of your blog:
"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!" ----> And I couldn't agree more. Hahaha!
Thanks for your company. It was always fun to be in the company of such intelligent yet humanely sane people. :)
NICE! ELVERT yan with a V as VAVOY not B as in baboy. hahahaha! =P
ReplyDeleteHello my friend Michael, thank you very much for your visit, happy new day with peace & happiness. Hugs Valter.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous (1) - Too bad you missed the book launch Jaime. Make sure you make it next time tho, lol!
ReplyDeleteMarco Walter (2) - Hey Marco, his first novel is 'Para Kay B.'
Sam D. (3) - Haha, thanks Sam! I still need a new camera. ☻
ardee sean (4) - Yep, and loads of fun too!
Neriz Gabelo (5) - Maraming salamat kapita-pitagang binibini sa pagdalaw mo dito at sa pagbahagi ng iyung kaisipan. Ako ay lubos na sumasang-ayun sa iyung mga sinulat. At sabi nga daw ni Ginoong Ricardo Lee, hindi naituturo ang pagsusulat. And ating sensibilidad bilang tao ang magtuturo sa atin para makagawa ng mga natatanging obra. Kaya kahit sino ay pwede magsulat, kelangan lang natin tingnan ang ating mga sarili at suriin kung ano talaga ang ating nadarama.
Thanks again madam for inviting me to the book launch and congrats for having been included in Mr. Lee's second novel. As I understand, your comment about his first novel was printed on the book? That's a big privilege!
Jayvee (6) - Hello direk, naitama ko na po! Haha
Cmte. Valter (7) - Thanks Valter.
informasi lounching yang bagus, turut senang dan gembira teman
ReplyDeleteThank you very much my friend for your visit, happy month of December with happiness & peace. Hugs Valter.
ReplyDeleteThank you guys for the visit!
ReplyDeleteThank you very much my friend Michael for your visit, I go well! And do you go well? I wait that yes! Happy new month of December, with health & peace. Hugs Valter.
ReplyDeleteYou have a great day!!!
ReplyDeleteThat book launcher event seems very funny.
A day with your friends and do some activity you like it its the best way to enjoy the live.
Wow!!! Myke,
ReplyDeleteWhat is this?
This is really a fantastic event!
I'm thrilled with the greatness how the Philippines have produced a great show for the launch of the book of Mr. Ricky Lee.
Really a Best great event!
Congratulations!
I was once in some book launches, but nothing like this.
It was certainly a festive evening and very rewarding ... I wish I had had a chance to be with you!
My sincere best regards!
Looking for that in SM Cebu but can't find it. :(
ReplyDeleteso am I :-) lens gift for Christmas that would be good.
ReplyDeleteWell, where shall I start? It was my first time to attend a book launch, too. At least now, I have an idea on how to hold one like that. Do i sound like a frustrated events manager? Hehehe. Nevermind.
ReplyDeleteSecond, it was nice meeting you. =) We haven't talked that much, but it's nice to know that you listened attentively to all of us.
Third, try to read and finish "Para kay B". I don't know if you can relate, but I am pretty sure you'll be hooked and entertained.
Fourth, try other Ricky Lee's works. Being a Mass Comm grad, I have already read "Trip to Quiapo". You can read other works such as Salome, Moral, Pitik Bulag sa Buwan ng Pebrero, etc.
Fifth, you can also try Eros Atalia (another writer). He's a good writer, too. Hehehe. Of course, Bob Ong!
Till then, Myke.
Ingat! =)
Hey guys, thanks for the visit!
ReplyDeleteRichard (19) - Hey Chard! How are you? By the way, I still have your book 'Para Kay B' -- Madam insisted that I borrow it from you, haha! Will return it as soon as I finish reading it. It was nice meeting you too. Thanks for dropping by Chard!
nice, i was looking for stuffs on the net related to Si Amapola sa 65 na Kabatana. I chose to book as an object of literary canon for my final paper in one of my courses. How I wish I was there two years ago. It looked really fun for a book launch. Kudos to Mr. Lee and great entry to the blogger. :)
ReplyDelete