iWant TFC’s original docu-series “Trip to Quiapo,” which debuted last October 21, is still available to watch on the ABS-CBN-owned content platform.
Based on his 1998 best-selling scriptwriting manual of the same title, award-winning screenwriter Ricky Lee shares in this five-episode masterclass-narrative series his writing journey and storytelling techniques aim to teach aspiring writers the process of conceptualizing stories, building characters, drafting and continuous revising of plots.
The series is directed by Treb Monteras, who also helmed the Cinemalaya 2017 Best Film Respeto. Also featured in the series is Enchong Dee, who plays Julio Manunulat, the representation of struggling writers and storytellers.
“Nung baguhang writer ako, hindi ko alam kung paano magsisimula. Marami akong pinagdaanan at pagkakamali bago ako natuto. At hanggang sa ngayon, natututo pa rin. At ngayon para sa inyong mga gustong matutong magkwento, susubukin kong ibahagi sa inyo ang mga karanasan at kaalaman ko matapos ang ilang dekadang pagsusulat. Pero ang actual na pagsusulat, baka hindi lahat matutunan dito dahil buhay ang gagawa nun,” shares Sir Ricky.
Aside from technical discussions and lessons, the Trip to Quiapo series also discloses the life of Sir Ricky Lee as a playwright and screenwriter for almost four decades now. As an adopted child, he seeks refuge in a small library in Daet, Camarines Norte, where his passion for writing stories would develop. He would later be commissioned and asked to write scripts for veteran directors, which would result in the creation of some of the country’s most notable films, including Himala (1982), Moral (1982), and Anak (2000).
Since 1982, Sir Ricky Lee has been holding free workshops in scriptwriting for all aspiring writers. His annual workshop has produced some of today’s celebrated filmmakers and scriptwriters like Lav Diaz, Jerry Sineneng, and Jeffrey Jeturian. With the present pandemic halting physical and face-to-face events, the release of the series is somehow a way to bring those workshops on screen.
“Lahat tayo, writer man o hindi, may kakayahan tayo magkwento. Takot lang tayo,” Sir Ricky said in the trailer of the docu-series.
Visit iwanttfc.com to watch the five-part docu-series or download the iWant TFC app on iOs and Android app store.
For more online film streamings, you can visit Cinema Centenario’s MOOV.
