Multi-awarded screenwriter Ricky Lee, who once taught at the Faculty of Arts and Letters, returned to UST as the author of Servando Magdamag at Iba pang Maiikling Kuwento, the latest title published by the UST Publishing House (USTPH).
The book was launched on December 14, 2021 via Zoom, and streamed live at the official UST and USTPH Facebook pages. The launch also introduced Manix Abrera’s graphic novel adaptation of Lee’s bestselling book Si Amapola, the first of a trilogy which they are publishing independently.
Lee and Abrera entertained questions from the audience during the online book launch, which was attended by writers, publishers, academics, celebrities, and students.
Hosted by Thomasian alumnus actor John Lapus, the launch presented several performance readings from renowned actors John Arcilla, Christian Bables, Joem Bascon, Ketchup Eusebio, Agot Isidro, Sandino Martin, and Alden Richards. Also included in the program was a reading from Berlinale award-winning director Lav Diaz, featuring clips from his forthcoming movie adaptation of the book’s title story, “Servando Magdamag” starring John Lloyd Cruz.
The book is an invaluable addition to both Lee’s fans and scholars studying his work, as it includes the author’s personal notes after each story, and a generous critical introduction by UP College of Mass Communication former Dean Rolando B. Tolentino, who also served as director of the UP Institute of Creative Writing.
This short story collection is the first of Lee’s books to be published by the UST Publishing House, Asia’s oldest existing university press. It will be followed next year by the first installment of his screenplays series, Brutal, Moral, Karnal, compiling in one volume three masterpieces helmed by the late film director Marilou Diaz-Abaya.
The book launch was directed by film and television director Mac Alejandre with Erickson Maddela of the UST Communications Bureau (USTCB) assisting as streaming director. The USTPH event was held in collaboration with the USTCB, the UST EdTech Center, and the UST Office of Public Affairs.
Along with their bestsellers and latest literary and scholarly titles, Servando Magdamag at Iba pang Maiikling Kuwento is available through the Lazada and Shopee stores of the USTPH.
