Ricky Lee
Writing Born Mar 19, 1948 Daet, Camarines Norte, Philippines 233 credits
Biography
Ricardo Ricky Arreola Lee is a Filipino screenwriter, journalist, novelist, and playwright born on March 19, 1948, in Daet, Camarines Norte, Philippines. Since beginning his career in 1973, he has established a prolific body of work, contributing to more than 180 film screenplays. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with notable filmmakers including Lino Brocka, Marilou Diaz-Abaya, and Ishmael Bernal. His writing credits have been featured at various international film festivals, such as those held in Cannes, Toronto, and Berlin. In 2022, Lee was conferred the title of National Artist of the Philippines for Film and Broadcast Arts. According to his professional records, he is credited with 195 total works in the film and television industry.
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Career overview
Ricardo Lee, born Ricardo Arreola Lee on March 19, 1948, in Daet, Camarines Norte, Philippines, is a Filipino screenwriter, journalist, novelist, and playwright. Since beginning his career in 1973, he has established himself as a prolific writer with more than 180 film screenplays to his credit. Throughout his professional tenure, he has collaborated with prominent Filipino filmmakers, including Lino Brocka, Marilou Diaz-Abaya, and Ishmael Bernal.
His work has achieved international recognition, with many of the films he has written appearing at various film festivals, such as those held in Cannes, Toronto, and Berlin. In 2022, his contributions to the industry were formally recognized when he was conferred as a National Artist of the Philippines for Film and Broadcast Arts. According to record databases, he is credited with 195 professional works.
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Career timeline
A Special Memory · WriterA Special Memory · ScreenplayAmir · Writer
Encantadia Chronicles: Sang'gre · Development Manager
Celestina: Burlesk Dancer · WriterA Miracle · ScreenplayA Miracle · Executive ProducerGreen Bones · ScreenplayOne Night · Screenplay
Sex Games · WriterCall Me Alma · WriterThey Are Mine · WriterThird World Romance · Thanks
Silip sa Apoy · WriterMay-December-January · WriterA Tale of Filipino Violence · ScreenplayA Tale of Filipino Violence · Story
Nerisa · ScreenplayNerisa · StoryThe Revolution Knows No Gender · Creative ConsultantMy Husband, My Lover · ScreenplayBekis on the Run · Writer
Trip to Quiapo · CreatorOnce Before · WriterRendezvous · Writer
The Woman in the Septic Tank 3: The Real Untold Story of Josephine Bracken (Movie Cut)Metamorphosis · Script ConsultantCulion · WriterKaputol · Writer
Ode to Nothing · Thanks
Bes and the Beshies · Screenplay
Ringgo: The Dog Shooter · ScreenplaySekyu · ScreenplayIadya Mo Kami · Screenplay
Buy Now, Die Later · Creative ProducerThe Love Affair · Script Consultant
The Trial · WriterHustisya · Screenplay
Lauriana · ScreenplayLauriana · StoryLihis · ScreenplayBurgos · Screenplay
Shake, Rattle, and Roll Fourteen: The Invasion · ScreenplayBaybayin · ScriptPalitan · Script ConsultantHimala NgayonInheritance · Writer
Gumapang Ka Sa Lusak · CreatorMagkaribal · CreatorMiss You Like Crazy · Creative ConsultantSa'yo Lamang · StoryMamarazzi · Screenplay
In My Life · Script ConsultantKamoteng Kahoy · WriterBente · WriterFuschia · StoryFuschia · Screenplay
Twilight Dancers · ScreenplayDon't Look Back · ScreenplayIn da Red Corner · Producer
The Son of BrockaWherever You Are · ScreenplayDubai · ScreenplayDubai · Story
Aishite Imasu 1941: Mahal Kita · ScreenplayAishite Imasu 1941: Mahal Kita · StoryOtso Otso Pamela-mela Wan · Script ConsultantLiberated 2 · WriterI Will Survive · Screenplay
If Only Love Has Chosen Me · Script ConsultantThen and Now · Story
If You Are But a Dream · ScreenplayThe '70s · Script ConsultantMay Pag-ibig Pa Kaya? · Writer
Luv Text · WriterOoops, Teka Lang... Diskarte Ko 'To! · StoryNew Moon · WriterMila · ScreenplayTatarin · Screenplay
Anak · ScreenplayMinsan, Minahal Kita · StoryMinsan, Minahal Kita · ScreenplayDeathrow · StoryDeathrow · Screenplay
Sidhi · ScreenplayHey Babe! · StoryHey Babe! · ScreenplayBulaklak ng Maynila · Screenplay'Di Puwedeng Hindi Puwede · Story
Curacha: The Restless Woman · StoryCuracha: The Restless Woman · ScreenplayJosé Rizal · ScreenplayLabs Kita...Okey Ka Lang? · ScreenplayKay Tagal Kang Hinintay · Story Consultant
Calvento Files: The Movie · ScreenplayGoodbye America · StoryIpaglaban Mo: The Movie II · ScreenplayNBI: The Mariano Mison Story · ScreenplayHanggang Kailan Kita Mamahalin? · Story
Madonna and Child · ScreenplayIn My Own Hands · ScreenplayThe Stepmother · ScreenplayHangga't May Hininga · ScriptNights of Serafina · Writer
The Flor Contemplacion Story · ScreenplayKill Barbara With Panic · ScreenplayRedeem Her Honor · ScreenplayMuling Umawit ang Puso · WriterMangarap Ka · Screenplay
Midnight Dancers · ScreenplayMidnight Dancers · StoryMinsan Lang Kita Iibigin · ScreenplayYesterday's Promise · ScreenplayA Separated Woman · Screenplay
Full Filmography
233 titles- A Special Memory (2026) Writer
- A Special Memory (2026) Screenplay
- Amir (2026) Writer
- Encantadia Chronicles: Sang'gre (2025) Development Manager
- Celestina: Burlesk Dancer (2024) Writer
- A Miracle (2024) Screenplay
- A Miracle (2024) Executive Producer
- Green Bones (2024) Screenplay
- One Night (2024) Screenplay
- One Night (2024) Story
- What You Did (2024) Creative Consultant
- Sex Games (2023) Writer
- Call Me Alma (2023) Writer
- They Are Mine (2023) Writer
- Third World Romance (2023) Thanks
- Silip sa Apoy (2022) Writer
- May-December-January (2022) Writer
- A Tale of Filipino Violence (2022) Screenplay
- A Tale of Filipino Violence (2022) Story
- Nerisa (2021) Screenplay
- Nerisa (2021) Story
- The Revolution Knows No Gender (2021) Creative Consultant
- My Husband, My Lover (2021) Screenplay
- Bekis on the Run (2021) Writer
- Trip to Quiapo (2020) Creator
- Once Before (2020) Writer
- Rendezvous (2020) Writer
- The Woman in the Septic Tank 3: The Real Untold Story of Josephine Bracken (Movie Cut) (2019) as Himself
- Metamorphosis (2019) Script Consultant
- Culion (2019) Writer
- Kaputol (2019) Writer
- Ode to Nothing (2018) Thanks
- Bes and the Beshies (2017) Screenplay
- Ringgo: The Dog Shooter (2016) Screenplay
- Sekyu (2016) Screenplay
- Iadya Mo Kami (2016) Screenplay
- Buy Now, Die Later (2015) Creative Producer
- The Love Affair (2015) Script Consultant
- The Trial (2014) Writer
- Hustisya (2014) Screenplay
- Lauriana (2013) Screenplay
- Lauriana (2013) Story
- Lihis (2013) Screenplay
- Burgos (2013) Screenplay
- Shake, Rattle, and Roll Fourteen: The Invasion (2012) Screenplay
- Baybayin (2012) Script
- Palitan (2012) Script Consultant
- Himala Ngayon (2012) as Self
- Inheritance (2012) Writer
- Gumapang Ka Sa Lusak (2010) Creator
- Magkaribal (2010) Creator
- Miss You Like Crazy (2010) Creative Consultant
- Sa'yo Lamang (2010) Story
- Mamarazzi (2010) Screenplay
- Mamarazzi (2010) Story
- In My Life (2009) Script Consultant
- Kamoteng Kahoy (2009) Writer
- Bente (2009) Writer
- Fuschia (2009) Story
- Fuschia (2009) Screenplay
- Twilight Dancers (2006) Screenplay
- Don't Look Back (2006) Screenplay
- In da Red Corner (2006) Producer
- The Son of Brocka (2005)
- Wherever You Are (2005) Screenplay
- Dubai (2005) Screenplay
- Dubai (2005) Story
- Aishite Imasu 1941: Mahal Kita (2004) Screenplay
- Aishite Imasu 1941: Mahal Kita (2004) Story
- Otso Otso Pamela-mela Wan (2004) Script Consultant
- Liberated 2 (2004) Writer
- I Will Survive (2004) Screenplay
- Sabel (2004) Screenplay
- Sabel (2004) Story
- So... Happy Together (2004) Screenplay
- So... Happy Together (2004) Story
- If Only Love Has Chosen Me (2003) Script Consultant
- Then and Now (2003) Story
- If You Are But a Dream (2002) Screenplay
- The '70s (2002) Script Consultant
- May Pag-ibig Pa Kaya? (2002) Writer
- Luv Text (2001) Writer
- Ooops, Teka Lang... Diskarte Ko 'To! (2001) Story
- New Moon (2001) Writer
- Mila (2001) Screenplay
- Tatarin (2001) Screenplay
- Hostage (2001) Story
- Huwag Kang Kikibo... (2001) Screenplay
- Anak (2000) Screenplay
- Minsan, Minahal Kita (2000) Story
- Minsan, Minahal Kita (2000) Screenplay
- Deathrow (2000) Story
- Deathrow (2000) Screenplay
- Lagarista (2000) Screenplay
- Sidhi (1999) Screenplay
- Hey Babe! (1999) Story
- Hey Babe! (1999) Screenplay
- Bulaklak ng Maynila (1999) Screenplay
- 'Di Puwedeng Hindi Puwede (1999) Story
- 'Di Puwedeng Hindi Puwede (1999) Screenplay
- Reef Hunters (1999) Screenplay
- Burlesk King (1999) Screenplay
- Malikot na Mundo (1999) Screenplay
- Curacha: The Restless Woman (1998) Story
- Curacha: The Restless Woman (1998) Screenplay
- José Rizal (1998) Screenplay
- Labs Kita...Okey Ka Lang? (1998) Screenplay
- Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay (1998) Story Consultant
- Soft Hearts (1998) Screenplay
- Miguel/Michelle (1998) Story
- Miguel/Michelle (1998) Screenplay
- Mapusok (1998) Screenplay
- Good Midnight (1998) Story
- Calvento Files: The Movie (1997) Screenplay
- Goodbye America (1997) Story
- Ipaglaban Mo: The Movie II (1997) Screenplay
- NBI: The Mariano Mison Story (1997) Screenplay
- Hanggang Kailan Kita Mamahalin? (1997) Story
- Wala Ka Nang Puwang Sa Mundo (1997) Screenplay
- Sanggano (1997) Writer
- Lahar: Paraisong Abo (1997) Writer
- Madonna and Child (1996) Screenplay
- In My Own Hands (1996) Screenplay
- The Stepmother (1996) Screenplay
- Hangga't May Hininga (1996) Script
- Nights of Serafina (1996) Writer
- Utol (1996) Screenplay
- The Flor Contemplacion Story (1995) Screenplay
- Kill Barbara With Panic (1995) Screenplay
- Redeem Her Honor (1995) Screenplay
- Muling Umawit ang Puso (1995) Writer
- Mangarap Ka (1995) Screenplay
- Asero (1995) Screenplay
- Saan Ako Nagkamali (1995) Screenplay
- Midnight Dancers (1994) Screenplay
- Midnight Dancers (1994) Story
- Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin (1994) Screenplay
- Yesterday's Promise (1994) Screenplay
- A Separated Woman (1994) Screenplay
- The Elsa Castillo Story: The Truth (1994) Writer
- Forever (1994) Screenplay
- Loretta (1994) Story
- Because I Love You (1993) Screenplay
- Lumuhod Ka Sa Lupa (1993) Screenplay
- Isang Linggong Pag-ibig (1993) Screenplay
- Memories of Old Manila (1993) Screenplay
- Kahit May Mahal Ka Nang Iba (1993) Writer
- Kung Kailangan Mo Ako (1993) Screenplay
- Kung Tayo'y Magkakalayo (1993) Story
- Kung Tayo'y Magkakalayo (1993) Screenplay
- Ayoko Na Sanang Magmahal (1993) Screenplay
- Inay (1993) Screenplay
- Inay (1993) Story
- How Are The Kids? (1992) Writer
- Apoy sa Puso (1992) Screenplay
- My Heart Is Here (1992) Writer
- Stella Magtanggol (1992) Screenplay
- Stella Magtanggol (1992) Story
- Lucia (1992) Screenplay
- Takbo... Talon... Tili!!! (1992) Screenplay
- Kamay ni Cain (1992) Screenplay
- Maalaala Mo Kaya (1991) Writer
- Maalaala Mo Kaya (1991) Creative Consultant
- Isabel Aquino: I Want to Live (1991) Screenplay
- Lazy Juan and Mr. Shooli in Mongolian Barbecue: The Movie (1991) Screenplay
- Kapag Nag-abot ang Langit at Lupa (1991) Writer
- Hinukay Ko Na Ang Libingan Mo (1991) Screenplay
- Huwag Mong Salingin ang Sugat Ko (1991) Screenplay
- Ubos na ang Luha ko (1991) Screenplay
- Secrets of Pura (1991) Screenplay
- Pakasalan Mo Ako (1991) Story
- Pakasalan Mo Ako (1991) Screenplay
- The Real Life of Pacita M. (1991) Music
- The Real Life of Pacita M. (1991) Screenplay
- The Real Life of Pacita M. (1991) Story
- Anak ng Dagat (1991) Screenplay
- Dyesebel (1990) Screenplay
- Dino Dinero (1990) Screenplay
- Dirty Affair (1990) Screenplay
- Beautiful Girl (1990) Writer
- Mundo Man ay Magunaw (1990) Screenplay
- Andrea, How Is It Like to Be a Mother? (1990) Story
- Andrea, How Is It Like to Be a Mother? (1990) Screenplay
- Nagsimula sa Puso (1990) Writer
- Hindi Laruan Ang Puso (1990) Screenplay
- All Be Damned (1990) Writer
- Hot Summer (1990) Screenplay
- Hot Summer (1990) Story
- Macho Dancer (1989) Screenplay
- Sa Kuko ng Agila (1989) Screenplay
- Ang Bukas ay Akin! (Langit ang Uusig) (1989) Screenplay
- Ang Bukas ay Akin! (Langit ang Uusig) (1989) Story
- Birds of Prey (1988) Screenplay
- Sandakot na Bala (1988) Screenplay
- Vagabond Woman (1988) Writer
- The Untold Story of Melanie Marquez (1987) Writer
- Olongapo: The Great American Dream (1987) Writer
- Nasaan Ka Nang Kailangan Kita (1986) Story
- Nasaan Ka Nang Kailangan Kita (1986) Screenplay
- Beyond the Mainstream: A Salute to Philippine Independent Cinema (1986)
- Flesh Avenue (1986) Writer
- Daughters of Eve (1985) Writer
- White Slavery (1985) Screenplay
- Private Show (1985) Screenplay
- Bomba Arienda (1985) Writer
- Baby Tsina (1984) Screenplay
- Sinner or Saint (1984) Story
- Sinner or Saint (1984) Screenplay
- Bukas... May Pangarap (1984) Screenplay
- Of the Flesh (1983) Screenplay
- Gabi Kung Sumikat Ang Araw (1983) Screenplay
- An Affair (1982) Story
- Cain and Abel (1982) Story
- Cain and Abel (1982) Screenplay
- Himala (1982) Writer
- Haplos (1982) Screenplay
- Haplos (1982) Story
- Moral (1982) Story
- Moral (1982) Screenplay
- PX (1982) Screenstory
- PX (1982) Screenplay
- Ito Ba Ang Ating Mga Anak? (1982) Story
- Ito Ba Ang Ating Mga Anak? (1982) Screenplay
- Playgirl (1981) Story
- Playgirl (1981) Screenplay
- Salome (1981) Screenplay
- Manila by Night (1980) Writer
- Miss X (1980) Story
- Miss X (1980) Screenplay
- Brutal (1980) Writer
- Jaguar (1979) Screenplay
- Bernal Writer
- The Diary of Mrs. Winters Screenplay
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Ricky Lee best known for?
Ricky Lee is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Encantadia Chronicles: Sang'gre (2025), Green Bones (2024), Sex Games (2023), Third World Romance (2023).
When and where was Ricky Lee born?
Ricky Lee was born on March 19, 1948 in Daet, Camarines Norte, Philippines.
How many credits does Ricky Lee have?
Ricky Lee has accumulated over 233 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1979 to 2026.
What is Ricky Lee's background in cinema and television?
Ricardo Ricky Arreola Lee is a Filipino screenwriter, journalist, novelist, and playwright born on March 19, 1948, in Daet, Camarines Norte, Philippines. Since beginning his career in 1973, he has established a prolific body of work, contributing to more than 180 film screenplays. Throughout his career, he has collabor...
Ricky Lee by the numbers
233credits
227films
6TV series
1979–2026active years
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