Fountain pen collecting in the country gets a boost with the decision of the producers of GMA Network’s “Mel and Joey” talk show to feature a segment on local fountain pen collectors.
The taping was held last July 19, Saturday, at the Quezon City home of sixteen-time Palanca literary award winner Dr. Butch Dalisay. Four other pen collectors came: advertising maven Leigh Reyes, stockbroker Jay Ignacio, economist Carlos Abad Santos, and myself.
From GMA Network came two interviewers, a cameraman, and an audioman. They asked us questions like “Why do you collect fountain pens? What’s so special about them? Are they expensive?”
Butch displays his collection
So we explained our advocacy (“Fountain pen use preserves the environment by reducing waste and improves penmanship!”), the aesthetic satisfaction we derive from a beatiful barrel and nib, and our other, personal reasons for collecting somethng that most people below twenty – or even thirty – have never even heard of.
Caloy looks on as Butch tries out his Lamy Safari with a 1.1mm nib
As with all consumer goods, fountain pens are available in every price range – from affordable (P250 for a mini Inoxcrom with a steel nib) to ridiculous (US$750,000 for a diamond-encrusted limited edition Montblanc).
They may even be had for free – just ask your lolo or other older person that you know for the FPs rattling around in their junk drawers. You’ll be handed the pens with a smile and a story about that particular pen, giving you a sense of history that will make it all come alive for you. You don’t get that with a Bic from the corner store.
Leigh explains the differences between fountain pen brands
Jay, Caloy, and Butch talk – what else? – pens and ink
Watch “Mel and Joey” on Sunday, July 27, 8pm, on GMA Network.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
thanks for the plug, jenny! i should have taken pictures myself so you would’ve had some, too! looking forward to the TV show tonight–i hope they keep us on for more than 5 minutes, after interviewing us for hours
Muntik na kitang di makilala sa mel and joey.akala ko si catherine de castro ka.ang taba mo na.mag take ka ng hawthorne fruit extract juice na availabale in sm hypermart.
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