Alma Moreno and Snooky Serna , two of the original "Regal Babies" of Mother Lily Monteverde, remembered the veteran producer on Tuesday's episode of "Fast Talk with Boy Abunda." For Alma Moreno, one of the first to sign an exclusive contract with Regal Entertainment, Mother Lily stood as her second mother. She recalled the moment Mother Lily scouted her to be part of her pool of talents.
"Batang-bata pa ako noon, siguro 17 pa lang ako noon, sabi niya sa 'kin talaga na, 'Pero alam mo, sisikat ka pa, kung sikat ka ngayon, mas sisikat ka pa, aalagaan ka namin," she said. Alma also paid tribute to the Regal Entertainment matriarch for her impact on her life. "Gusto kong pasalamatan si Mother sa sobrang alaga niya sa 'kin, bumaba man o tumaas 'yung career ko, never ako pinabayaan ni Mother Lily," she said.
"Ang unang tumutulong sakin si Mother Lily, hindi mo na kailangan hingian," she added. Meanwhile, Snooky Serna said being a Regal Baby under the leadership of Mother Lily is a "badge of honor." "Kapag sinabing Regal Baby ka, parang you're a royalty, kumbaga para kaming high end na arista," she said.
"I want to take this [opportunity] to say sorry, kasi may mga times din ako na medyo problematic, but Mother was always there to understand, to be by my side," she added. Mother Lily passed away at 84 on August 4, as confirmed by her son Goldwin Monteverde. Her wake is being held at 38 Valencia Events Place in Quezon City.
Since the news of her passing, several celebrities have paid tribute to the media legend , including Judy Ann Santos, Iza Calzado, Billy Crawford, and Rufa Mae Quinto , among others. —Hermes Joy Tunac/MGP, GMA Integrated News.
