Message from the
Guest of Honor and Commencement Speaker; National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts
One of the greatest screenwriters of Philippine cinema, our Guest of Honor and Commencement Speaker has produced an extensive collection of almost 200 screenplays, short stories, stage plays, essays, novels, and teleplays, earning him more than 80 trophies, including 3 Lifetime Achievement Awards from various prestigious award-giving bodies.
Before becoming the decorated writer he is today, Sir Ricky went through a life story as fascinating as the stories he penned. An orphan with a knack for storytelling, he ran away from his hometown in Bicol to look for chances in Manila; juggled odd job to finance odd jobs to finance his studies at the University of the Phillipines, only to be forced into prison during Martial Law. Ironically, despite being an AB English student, Sir Ricky maintained a conviction never to write literary works in English. The stories he penned became Filipino classics paving the way for the 2nd Golden Age of Philippine Cinema in the '80s' with masterpieces like "Himala" (1982), to name one.
His stories were social and political. He bravely tackles theme that we considered taboo or radical in Philippine cinema. His scripts spotlighted life in the margins and challenged dominant social structures and ideologies.
On the side, he is a passionate teacher of craft, tirelessly organizing free scripwriting workshops and mentoring upcoming storytellers who became award-winning writer-filmmakers of their generation.
His accolades include 2 Palanca Awards for Literature, Gawan Urian, FAMAS Awards, Manila Critics Circle Award, Philippine National Book Award, UP Gawad Plaridel, Gawad CCP, Gawad Dangalm ni Balagtas, Apolinario Mabini Achievement Award, and awards from the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP), Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC) and the CineManila, among others. In 2019, the Polytechnic University of the Philippines conferred on hi the degree of Doctor of Humanities, Honoris Causa.
Just this January 2022, the Philippine President conferred upon him the Order of National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts - the highest national recognition awarded to Filipinos with significant contributions to the Philippine arts and culture.
