MANILA, Philippines?Multi-awarded scriptwriter Ricky Lee spent two hours signing copies of his first novel ?Para Kay B (O Kung Paano Dinevastate ng Pag-Ibig ang 4 Out of 5 sa Atin),? when it was launched at the Bahay Alumni of UP Diliman on Sunday.

?I?m happy?most of them were young people,? Lee told Inquirer on Tuesday. ?The novel is part of my advocacy to popularize reading among Filipinos again.?

At the launch, he formally introduced the Philippine Writers? Studio Foundation, whose goal is to help senior writers. Lee explained, ?It?s like a Mowelfund (Movie Workers Welfare Foundation) for scriptwriters. Some of my colleagues don?t even have money for hospital bills, or their children?s tuition fees.?

Regal Films producer Lily Monteverde donated a condo unit where Lee can conduct free workshops; filmmaker Joel Lamangan promised scholarships to deserving students from the provinces.

At the book launch, Gina Alajar, Chanda Romero, Cesar Montano, Cherry Pie Picache, Piolo Pascual, Eugene Domingo and Lorna Tolentino read excerpts, under the direction of Marilou Diaz-Abaya and Jerome Pobocan.

Malou de Guzman sang a sultry jazz number, ?Pag-Ibig na Kapos,? from Lee?s 1989 play, ?Pitik Bulag sa Buwan ng Pebrero.? Lee wrote the lyrics, with music by Lucien Letaba.

Among the celebs who attended the event were Gloria Romero, Susan Roces, Agot Isidro, Angel Locsin, Daria Ramirez, Pilar Pilapil, Mel Chionglo, Roselle Monteverde, Joel Lamangan, Gil Portes, Joyce Bernal, Olive Lamasan, Rory Quintos, Malou Santos, Boots Plata, Rowell Santiago, Robi Domingo, Maritess Gutierrez, Angelo Ilagan and Raquel Villavicencio, Caridad Sanchez and Chris Gutierrez.

Lee announced that ?Para Kay B? will be made into an ?omnibus? film. Excerpts from the novel will be directed by 39 indie filmmakers like Lav Diaz, Jeffrey Jeturian, Dante Mendoza, Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil, Auraeus Solito, Adolfo Alix Jr., Raya Martin, Khavn de la Cruz, Paolo Herras and Sari Dalena.

Film launch is set early 2009.