FILM and TV personalities read excerpts from writer Ricky Lee’s short story collection “Servando Magdamag at Iba Pang Maikling Kwento” during its launch on Dec. 14.
The collection is named after Lee’s short story “Servando Magdamag,” which won first prize in the Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards in 1970.
The titular short story tells the tale of a family of hacenderos during the aftermath of the patriarch’s death. It was read by filmmaker Lav Diaz and actor John Arcilla.
“Si Tatang,” a story that sends a hopeful message to aspiring writers, was read by actors Joem Bascon, Ketchup Eusebio, and Sandino Martin.
Another story, read by actress Agot Isidro, recounts the life of a teenager who finds herself living as a desaparecido, or “labeled lost and never found.”
The final story in the collection is about the life of “Dong,” who is unable to speak because of an oppressive childhood. It was read by actor Alden Richards.
The launch also featured Manix Abrera’s graphic novel adaptation of Lee’s “Si Amapola” which follows a female impersonator who discovers that she is a manananggal, the viscera-sucker of Philippine myth and lore.
Both “Servando” and “Amapola” are published by UST Publishing House. A. L. Mangasar
