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MANILA — National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee held a read-through of his books, “Kalahating Bahaghari” and “Kabilang sa mga Nawawala” last Saturday, Sept. 14, during the Manila International Book Fair at the SMX Convention Center.

Lee’s latest novel, “Kalahating Bahaghari,” is a book that mirrors the oppression and discrimination toward the LGBTQ+ community.

Actor Dingdong Dantes read an excerpt from the novel, narrating a moment where the two protagonists, Jim and Sam, envisioned a world where they could openly express their love for each other without fear of judgment.

“Ipapakilala kita sa mga kaibigan ko. Ipagmamalaki kitang boyfriend ko saka sa harap nila ay hahagkan kita. Magse-celebrate tayo ng anniversary at Valentine's Day. Pero araw-araw ay special. Magsusuot tayo ng mga damit na magkaterno. Tutugtugan kita lagi ng gitara miski na sa harap ng tao,” Dantes narrated.

The award-winning writer is known for his books “Para Kay B,” “Kulang na Silya at Iba Pang Kwentong Buhay,” “Bahay ni Marta,” and “Lahat ng B.” Lee is also behind film hits “Jose Rizal” and “Himala.”

"GomBurZa" star Cedrick Juan also narrated a part of “Kabilang sa mga Nawawa” or “Among the Disappeared,” about a teenager Junjun who disappeared without any trace, referred to as “desaparecido.”

“‘Ang Kabilang sa mga Nawawala’ ay tungkol kay Junjun, isang teenager nung 1987 na nang magising ang isang umaga ay hindi nakikita, hindi naririnig at hindi nahahawakan,” he read.

“Ang kuwento ay tungkol sa paghahanap nya ng kanyang katawan hanggang sa madiskubre nya na isa pala syang desaparecido,” he also read.

During the event, Candy Pangilinan, one of the hosts, described Lee as an author with an open mind and heart, embracing all forms of "joy and pain."

“Importante 'yan. Sabi nga niya [Lee] we study the rules to learn how and when to break the rules for better and more progressive works,” she said.

John Lapus, meanwhile, described Lee’s works as "timeless," emphasizing that they continue to hold relevance today, resonating across different generations.