National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee returns with his latest novel, Pinilakang Tabing—a story about cinema and how it has shaped the lives of its characters across more than forty years.
Lee is one of the most celebrated writers in Philippine literature and cinema. Apart from being a National Artist, he is also a Palanca Hall of Famer, and the multi-awarded screenwriter behind over 180 films, including classics such as Himala, Karnal, Moral, and José Rizal. His contributions have shaped generations of storytellers, and his works continue to influence Filipino culture both on page and on screen.
Related posts:
In Pinilakang Tabing, Lee once again blends fiction and cinema with striking emotional depth. In one scene, a character named Journey, who once dreamed of becoming a director, recalls his youthful habit of forming a camera frame with his fingers. As he stands outside the Araneta Coliseum, he imagines himself filming a superstar, surrounded by fans. The moment pulls him back into his love for filmmaking, and he begins to “direct” everything he sees—panning, zooming, framing life like a scene from a movie. But the line between reality and film begins to blur.
Below is an excerpt from the novel:
Naalala ni Journey ang isang bagay na matagal na niyang hindi ginagawa. Noong labing-anim na taong gulang siya at nagsisimula pa lang mangarap na maging direktor, may ugali siyang pinagdidikit ang mga hinlalaki at hintuturo ng dalawang kamay upang bumuo ng frame, na parang lente ng camera. Sinubukan niya ngayon. Pinagmasdan niya sa loob ng frame si Nora Aunor na pinagkakaguluhan ng fans nito sa tapat ng Araneta Coliseum. Inimadyin niyang nagku-close up siya dito. Mula kina Nora, ibinaling ni Journey ang kanyang frame papunta sa kalsada, hanggang sa mahagip nito ang isang paparating na motorcycle. Parang eksena sa action movie, naisip niya. Nag-pan siya kasabay ng motor. Nag-slow motion. Umurong siya nang bahagya para hindi mawala sa frame ang motor. Kailangang huwag ma-defocus. Nawala na ang mga ingay sa palibot at ang totoo na lang para sa kanya ay ang tunog ng papalapit na motor, at ang nananabik na pintig ng kanyang nagdidirek na puso. Nakalapit na ang nakamotor, halos medium shot na. Tinanggal nito ang helmet, na para bang gusto nitong makilala niya ito. Ibinaba ni Journey ang mga kamay, nagkatinginan sila ng nakamotor. Naisip niya—bata pa ito, mga sixteen lang siguro. May taba pa sa mga pisngi. May maliit na pouch sa baywang. At… baril. Napakunot-noo si Journey. Bakit ito may baril? Binunot ng nakamotor ang baril, itinutok sa ulo ni Journey, at pinaputok. Napahawak si Journey sa kanyang ulo, at habang natutumba at umaagos na ang dugo mula sa kanyang katawan, habang nagsasalimbayan ang liwanag at dilim sa pagitan ng nag-uusyosong mga mukha sa itaas niya, naisip niya, pinatay ako ng pelikula.
Pinilakang Tabing is now available for pre-order starting August 18 until September 14, 2025, coinciding with the Manila International Book Fair. The regular price of the book is ₱425, but during the pre-selling period, it is offered at a discounted price of ₱385. Each pre-ordered copy comes with a free Pinilakang Tabing bookmark and Ricky Lee’s signature. Customers who purchase ten copies will receive one extra copy for free. Shipping of orders begins on September 9, 2025. Pre-order now through Shopee or Lazada.
Visit PalabasTayo.com for more stories on film, TV, music, theater, art, fashion, food and other general lifestyle and entertainment topics like this. You may also follow and subscribe to our social media accounts: Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, X, and Kumu.
