Ricky Lee, the National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts, is creating an online buzz after he was blocked by Pia Wurtzbach’s marshal.
The incident occurred during the Manila International Book Fair (MIBF), which was attended by the veteran writer and Miss Universe 2015.
Pia Wurtzbach’s Marshal “Blocks” National Artist Ricky Lee While They’re Shaking Hands
Marshal of Pia Wurtzbach “push aside” National Artist Ricky Lee
RICKY LEE – Netizens went irate on social media when they saw a video from ABS-CBN News in which it appeared that a marshal or guard of Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach blocked the National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts during the Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City recently.
In the video, it is clear that the marshal blocked Ricky after he shook hands with and greeted Pia, who was also at MIBF for the launch of her book “Queen of the Universe: A Novel.” Pia extended her hand to Ricky, but he was unable to proceed as the marshal intervened.
Netizens believe that the guard did not recognize the National Artist. However, netizens also criticized Pia, saying that she should have at least stopped and informed the marshal that she knew the person she was talking to. Apparently, Pia has not yet responded or issued a statement on the matter.
Ricky Lee is a Filipino screenwriter, journalist, novelist, and playwright who was awarded the Order of National Artists of the Philippines for Film and Broadcast Arts in 2022. He has a prolific career spanning over 40 years, with more than 180 film screenplays to his name. Lee has received numerous awards for his work, including three life achievement awards from prominent film festivals and organizations.
Born on March 19, 1948, Lee’s early life was marked by his passion for writing, and he won national literary awards while still in high school. He became an activist during the politically turbulent times of the 1970s and was arrested during Martial Law. After his release, he continued his writing career, contributing to various publications and collaborating with notable film directors like Lino Brocka and Marilou Diaz-Abaya.
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