Ricky Lee hopes National Artists awarded while honorees are still alive
MANILA, Philippines — Screenwriter and newly-conferred National Artist Ricardo "Ricky" Lee said it is better to commend future individuals with the same honor while they are still alive so that they continue inspiring Filipinos.
Before the Parangal ng mga Pambansang Alagad ng Sining ceremony early this week, Lee told Philstar.com he believes fellow screenwriter Pete Lacaba should also be named a National Artist before expounding about conferrals while artists are still living.
"Sana i-confer nila sa amin habang buhay pa para magagamit namin 'yung natitirang years namin para lalo may gawin pa, ma-share pa sa tao," Lee explained, adding that he considers being a National Artist a responsibility.
The author explained a posthumous conferral does indeed add to one's legacy, but the "sharing" he referred to doesn't carry on for them.
Ricky Lee tells @PhilstarNews that he believes fellow screenwriter Pete Lacaba should also be named a National Artist, adding that it’s better to confer individuals while they’re alive so they’ll be inspired to continue doing more for Filipinos. @PhilstarShowbiz pic.twitter.com/TL5P48hfQU
— Kristofer Purnell (@kjpurneII) June 29, 2022
"Mas marami kang magagawa, mas mapapansin ang gawa mo at sina-share mo... ang daming dynamics na mangyayari," Lee continued.
He also said there is the opportunity to enjoy the appreciation for one's work that is being given back to them, again reiterating, "Mas may malaking chance ka mag-share sa ibang tao."
Joining Lee in the 2022 batch of National Artists are "Superstar" Nora Aunor, writer Gemino Abad, choreographer Agnes Locsin, musician Fides Cuyugan-Asensio, and posthumously filmmaker Marilou Diaz-Abaya, playwright Tony Mabesa, and fashion designer Salvacion Lim-Higgins.
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