This is Ricardo “Ricky” Lee’s response when he was honored as one of the newest national artists (Film and Broadcast Arts) at the Cultural Center of the Philippines on June 29, 2022.
“Ang karangalang ito ay para sa anak kong si Kiko at sa mga apo kong sina Aika at Ace, sa mga nag-nominate sa akin—ang Directors Guild of the Philippines, ang Filipino Screenwriters Guild, ang UP, at ang PUP, sa workshoppers ko na patuloy na nagtuturo sa akin kung paano magturo, at higit sa lahat, ito ay para sa mga manunulat na hindi nakalagay ang pangalan sa credits, sa mga di naiimbita sa film festivals dito man o abroad, sa mga di nabayaran o kung nabayaran man ay binarat, sa mga napilitang tumigil magsulat dahil kailangang maghanap ng ibang pagkakakitaan, sa mga nagsangla ng laptop o kaya’y nagbenta ng kaluluwa para magka-break, sa mga laging nari-reject at hanggang ngayon ay nangangarap pa ring maging scriptwriter, sa mga patuloy na nagkukuwento ng mga kuwento ng katotohanan maski na sinisensor, sinusupil, at pilit na binubura. Para sa ating lahat ang pagkilalang ito. Maraming salamat at mabuhay po tayong lahat (I dedicate this honor to my son Kiko and my grandchildren Aika and Ace, to those who nominated me—the Directors Guild of the Philippines, the Filipino Screenwriters Guild, UP, and PUP, to the workshoppers who continue to teach me how to teach, and more than anyone else, to the writers whose names do not appear in the credits, who do not get invited to film festivals here and abroad, who have not been paid for their work or, if they did get paid, got less than they deserved, who have stopped writing because they need to look for other ways to make a living, who had to sell their laptops or their souls just to have a break. I dedicate this to writers whose work always gets rejected but who keep dreaming to be a scriptwriter, who keep on telling stories of the truth at the risk of being censored, oppressed, or erased. This recognition is for all of us. Many thanks! Mabuhay)!”
What is a national artist? A national artist is a Filipino citizen who has been given recognition for his significant contributions to the development of Philippine arts and letters. The rank and title of national artist are conferred by means of a Presidential Proclamation. The President has the discretion to reject or approve nominees. Back in 2018, Himala actress Nora Aunor was vetoed by the President. But this year, Aunor got the most applause based on her award-winning films and her popular allure.
Getting a nod is a hard, tedious process. Jointly administered by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), these national artists undergo scrutiny with their bodies of work from different committee levels, during which each nomination goes through heated discussions and well-organized research and presentations. Why? It represents the nation’s utmost ideals in humanism and aesthetic expression through the distinct achievements of individual citizens in the fields of Music, Dance, Theater, Visual Arts, Literature, Film and Broadcast Arts, and Architecture or Allied Arts.
His speech champions the unknown, ‘abused,’ and lowly paid writers and filmmakers. His voice is for the lowly, struggling artists. Now, they are heard, loud and clear.
We are overjoyed that Ricky Lee, a living artist, was given the Grand Collar—a rank, a title, and a wearable award that represents the highest national recognition given to Filipinos who have made distinct contributions in the field of arts and letters.
As he escaped his hometown in Daet, Camarines Norte to pursue his passion for writing in this mad crazy city, his journey was painful. The lack of money and family support did not dampen his mood. He was jailed during Martial Law but he embraced hope. He has worked with master filmmakers Lino Brocka and Ishmael Bernal and has not stopped writing. The Jaguar screenwriter continues to teach and inspire the current filmmakers in the country. His generosity to conduct free scriptwriting workshops in his home is a very noble act. The 74-year-old mentor is a rock star to many!
His speech champions the unknown, “abused,” and lowly paid writers and filmmakers. His voice is for the lowly, struggling artists. Now, they are heard, loud and clear. We expect more excellent work, and more inspiration so that his writings will triumph and ignite the next generation to let art prevail at all times.
Bravo, national artist Ricky Lee!