Read live with national artist Ricky Lee: CCP Pasinaya opens call for readers

The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) is searching for readers for a live segment experience with National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee for the CCP Pasinaya 2026 arts festival from February 7 to 8, 2026.

Interested participants must submit a one-minute portrait video of themselves reading a line or short piece from any of Ricky Lee’s published books.

The video must begin with the reader stating their full name and location, and the reading should be delivered in Filipino language or in the original language of the text.

The video must have clear audio with minimal bacjground noise. It must have no background music nor any sound effects. 

Each interested participant can only submit one video.

Aside from the video, applicants must complete an online entry form and briefly explain why they chose their selected excerpt and how it personally resonates with them.

Submissions will be accepted until February 1, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. For details, click here:  details here: https://forms.gle/tDJ4V66TgPj4YyWYA 

READERS TO BE SELECTED BY RICKY LEE

The 10 readers for the live reading will be personally selected by the National Artist himself.

A limited number of applicants will also be invited to join the audience. 

Successful participants will be notified privately by February 2, 2026, and will read live with Ricky Lee at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (TIG) Theatre on February 7, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., as part of the CCP Pasinaya 2026.

The call is open to all readers, including those without prior performance experience, provided they can attend CCP Pasinaya on February 7.

The live reading offers participants a rare opportunity to share the stage with one of the country’s most respected storytellers. 

INFLUENTIAL FIRURE 

Lee is one of the most influential figures in Philippine literature and cinema, with a career spanning over five decades.

According to British streaming site Mubi, Lee has written more than 180 scripts, published several best-selling Filipino books,.

 He has also produced the screenwriting guide "Trip to Quiapo," widely used in introductory film classes across the Philippines. 

As a screenwriter, Lee has written some of the country’s most acclaimed films, including "Anak", "Ang Totoong Buhay ni Pacita M" and "Himala," recognized with the CNN Award for Best Asia-Pacific Film of All Time.

According to Lee’s personal site, he wrote four best-selling novels such as "Lahat ng B," "Para Kay B," Si Amapola sa 65 na Kabanata," and "Bahay ni Marta." 

He also collaborated on the libretto and lyrics for "Himala: Isang Musikal," which received eight Gawad Buhay Awards in 2022.

-Paraluman News