Rene V's legacy

Who wouldn't know Rene Villanueva? Here in the Philippines, ROV is a byword in the world of PhilLit. Knowing Rene in the moments that we have been paired in some children's lit work have proven very helpful to me. I would definitely want to make this section my TRIBUTE to an icon, a friend and a mentor, he certainly was "just emotionally-right" if ever there is such a statement that could be fused with his association with us mere mortals. If Rene tells you statements that would make you cower either with fear or shame, you just have to take this not only in stride but with wisdom at hand. The man doesn't just want to put you to shame but certainly, he wants you to access yourself well (whether you want to shape up or shit out). One thought that would definitely comes to my mind was the words that he helped me in my profession as a storyteller, here are his words when i was just starting as a professional storyteller, "Kung may puso ka para sa pagkukuwento at sa pagpapanatili sa pagiging isang kuwentista, siguraduhin mong paligayahin ang iyong audience- ang mga bata at maging totoo ka sa kanila. His words still ring so loudly and soundly in my heart for more than a decade now...Thank you Rene...I'll see you in God's time for more storytelling in His kingdom...I love you...