Para kay B (o kung paano dinevastate ng pag-ibig ang 4 out of 5 sa atin)
Designing a renowned scriptwriter's comeback to the literary scene
Designing a renowned scriptwriter's comeback to the literary scene
Client
Ricky Lee
Writers Studio Philippines
Format
Book
Year
2008
Dimensions
5 x 7 in
Ricky Lee
Writers Studio Philippines
Format
Book
Year
2008
Dimensions
5 x 7 in
With Para kay B, the aim was to reintroduce Filipino literature in general and Ricky Lee in particular to a younger generation--without appearing too "juvenile."
Para kay B is Lee's first novel. He is more renowned for his screenwriting, with works ranging from landmark films like Himala, Moral, Lucia and Curacha, camp classics The Secrets of Pura and Nights of Serafina, to more popular movies like Forever, So Happy Together, and among my personal faves, Labs Kita, Okay Ka Lang?. However, he is also a very accomplished writer offscreen, with a strong background in fiction and journalistic reportage. His novel, fast-paced and written in highly engaging vernacular prose, signalled a long-overdue return to his passion for literature.
The challenge was to make a cover that would feel contemporary and be visually interesting to a broad audience, while maintaining Lee's committed sensibilities. As a "pop" novel, another challenge was to be able to use kitschy elements--like handwriting, love themes, pink and flowers--without being cheesy overall.
Para kay B is Lee's first novel. He is more renowned for his screenwriting, with works ranging from landmark films like Himala, Moral, Lucia and Curacha, camp classics The Secrets of Pura and Nights of Serafina, to more popular movies like Forever, So Happy Together, and among my personal faves, Labs Kita, Okay Ka Lang?. However, he is also a very accomplished writer offscreen, with a strong background in fiction and journalistic reportage. His novel, fast-paced and written in highly engaging vernacular prose, signalled a long-overdue return to his passion for literature.
The challenge was to make a cover that would feel contemporary and be visually interesting to a broad audience, while maintaining Lee's committed sensibilities. As a "pop" novel, another challenge was to be able to use kitschy elements--like handwriting, love themes, pink and flowers--without being cheesy overall.
The front cover. Illustration by Ivan Reverente.
The half-title page. Illustration by Ivan Reverente.
From the cover to the inside pages, handwritten type was used all over the book to evoke the feel of a writer's manuscript, and to give it a more personal/ized impression. A small size was chosen to make it more handy. Bright colors in subdued tones were used to create a younger look without alienating the author's older generation of readers.
The full title page. Based on a scene in the story where a character delivers to his beloved a manuscript in a brown envelope, then hesitantly scriblles on it.
The contents page. For the first proofs, the printer thought these were real revisions. The last sections were typed up and the page 99 erasure corrected. Funny.
The chapter openers, featuring Ricky Lee's actual handwriting.
Other section titles rendered in pencil.
Detail of the book's folio line. All handwritten, the title changes from page to page.
The inside cover is decorated with a print alluding to packaging for Love My Flowers, a flower shop in the story.
The back of the book. Illustration by Ivan Reverente.
The book, with french flaps visible. Author illustration by Ivan Reverente.
Collaterals
18 x 24 in. promotional poster (left) and bookmark (right, front and back views). The bookmark was used to sell copies of "Para kay B" before its actual launch date.
Scenes from Para kay B's launching last 30 November 2008 at the Bahay ng Alumni, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City. Philippines. In this video, excerpts from the book are read by actors Piolo Pascual (Sandra, Ang Ikalawang Kuwento) and Cherry Pie Picache (Irene, Ang Unang Kuwento).
Note the five banners I made based on the book design. These serve as the event's backdrop, highlighting the five main characters of the book.
Other videos from the launch:
Lorna Tolentino and Eugene Domingo
Chanda Romero and Cesar Montano
Gina Alajar and Malou de Guzman
Note the five banners I made based on the book design. These serve as the event's backdrop, highlighting the five main characters of the book.
Other videos from the launch:
Lorna Tolentino and Eugene Domingo
Chanda Romero and Cesar Montano
Gina Alajar and Malou de Guzman
