'We call her mother'
In the history of cinema, few individuals command as much respect as Lily Monteverde, affectionately known as Mother Lily. Throughout her career spanning decades, she has overseen the production of over 1000 films, leaving an enduring impact on the industry and touching the hearts of Filipinos.Looking back on her legacy, I am thankful for the privilege of having crossed paths with her during my tenure as Chairperson of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP).This piece serves not as a tribute but as a heartfelt testament to the life of a woman who wholeheartedly devoted herself to her craft — a woman we lovingly address as "Mother."Mother Lily's narrative in the realm of filmmaking is nothing short of legendary. She began humbly, selling popcorn to moviegoers, but her love for cinema was far too great to be confined to the aisles of a theater.The columnist with the cinema icon, Lily Monteverde, affectionately known in the industry as Mother LilyFrom these modest beginnings, she ventured into the business of distributing foreign films to local cinemas, a move that eventually led her to establish her own film production outfit — Regal Films.Regal Films was born out of Mother Lily's love for cinema.As a young girl, she was a die-hard fan who would skip classes just to visit the studios of Sampaguita Pictures and LVN Pictures, the giants of Philippine cinema in her youth. It seemed almost inevitable that she would one day become a producer herself. Regal Films quickly became a cornerstone of the industry, producing a wide range of films that catered to the diverse tastes of Filipino audiences.What stands out about Mother Lily is her unwavering commitment to filmmaking despite facing challenges. The film industry is notoriously volatile, with rising production costs, shrinking box-office returns, shifting audience tastes, and the advent of new viewing platforms all posing significant threats.Yet, under her leadership, Regal Films remained a steadfast pillar of the industry. "I don't think I will ever grow tired of producing movies. It's my passion," she once said. This passion is evident in the vast filmography of Regal Films, which spans almost every genre imaginable.Regal's films are more than just entertainment; they are cultural artifacts that offer a snapshot of different eras in Philippine history. From thought-provoking dramas with social and political undertones to slapstick comedies, youth-oriented flicks, and heartfelt stories that emphasize Filipino values and traditions, Regal has done it all. These films reflect the shifting tastes and values of audiences over the years, making them not just entertaining but also deeply resonant.Yet Mother Lily's impact goes beyond the films she produced. She was a star-maker with an uncanny ability to spot talent and nurture it to stardom.In the 1980s, Regal introduced a roster of up-and-coming teen idols — Gabby Concepcion, Maricel Soriano, William Martinez, Snooky Serna, Jimmy Melendez, Albert Martinez, Dina Bonnevie, and Alfie Anido — who would go on to become some of the most beloved actors in Philippine cinema.Over the years, Regal nurtured the careers of even more young stars, including Aga Muhlach, Judy Ann Santos, Richard Gomez, Aiko Melendez, and Kris Aquino. The term "Regal Baby" became a badge of honor, encompassing anyone who had worked with Mother Lily and her film studio.During my time as Chairperson at FDCP, I had the honor of collaborating with Mother Lily on initiatives.Our collaboration allowed me to witness firsthand the kindness and strength that have endeared her to many in the industry. I vividly recall our conversations, during which she spoke with passion about ensuring the prosperity of the Philippine film sector."Ikaw alam mo, magaling ka. Naku, wag na wag ka nila paiiyakin, aawayin ko sila (You know, you're really good. They better not make you cry, or I'll fight them)," she would tell me in one of our more intimate chats when I was pushing for cinemas to open on a Friday instead of Wednesdays.In 2017, Mother Lily's steadfast dedication was fittingly acknowledged when the FDCP awarded her the esteemed "Ina ng Pelikulang Pilipino" title, a tribute to her exceptional contributions to the film industry.Mother Lily's impact goes beyond the films she produces — she has the ability to spot talent, hence the birth of 'Regal Babies,' which includes Ice Seguerra.This honor, part of the Sine Sandaan celebration, was bestowed during my term as FDCP Chairperson. It was a moment of great pride for both Mother Lily and the entire Philippine film community as we collectively celebrated her unparalleled contributions.During her acceptance speech, she humbly said, "There is no greater acclaim than to be honored as a mother. In my so many years in this life, I take pride in saying that my greatest achievement is being a mother. I am a mother not only to the beautiful children that I have given life and raised, but I am a mother to so many people, and I am so blessed by being given such a chance not only to my immediate family but to the Filipino movie industry."Her words resonate deeply with me as they speak to the heart of her legacy. Mother Lily has always seen filmmaking as more than just a business; it is a family where directors, writers, actors, and actresses are her children.She once said, "If you take making movies as an act of love like a parent bearing children, like a father or mother guiding children in the form of directors, writers, actors, and actresses, then it is no longer just a business, it is building a family."This philosophy is what has sustained Regal Films for more than five decades. Mother Lily's love for movies and her commitment to the people who make them are the reasons why Regal continues to be a vital part of the industry. Even in the face of mounting challenges, she remained steadfast, never wavering in her belief in the power of cinema to bring people together.As I reflect on her legacy, I am reminded of the countless filmmakers, artists, and workers who have benefited from her generosity and vision. My own journey in the film industry was profoundly influenced by her, and I am forever grateful for the opportunities she provided me.One of my earliest experiences as a film producer was with Mother Lily, who supported my first-ever film, Mel Chionglo's "Two Timer" (2002), starring Ara Mina. It was a project that might not have seen the light of day without her backing, and it set the stage for everything that came after.Mother Lily was also instrumental in the career of my husband, Ice Seguerra. Almost all of his movies — more than 50 of them — were produced by Regal Films. From the very beginning, it was Mother Lily who gave him his big break in the movie industry, and she remained a guiding force throughout his career. The success of these films was so remarkable that Mother Lily even gifted Ice with a house as a bonus for the blockbuster success of one of his movies. Titles like "Wake Up, Little Susie," and other box office hits under Regal Films are a testament to the strong relationship between Ice and Mother Lily, who considered him one of her Regal Babies.Mother Lily's impact on the Philippine film industry cannot be overstated. She has produced some of the most beloved and successful films in the country, from the "Mano Po" series to the "Shake, Rattle & Roll" franchise, both of which have become cultural touchstones. These films, along with countless others, have entertained, inspired, and shaped the lives of millions of Filipinos. FDCP recognizes Monteverde's dedication with the esteemed 'Ina ng Pelikulang Pilipino' title.I am deeply honored to have been recently bestowed with the Fernando Poe Jr. Achievement Award at the 40th Luna Awards, a privilege I share with Mother Lily, who received this esteemed accolade at the 37th Luna Awards. Being acknowledged alongside such an extraordinary figure is both humbling and inspiring. Her passion, resilience, and steadfast dedication to Philippine cinema illuminate the path for all who aspire to follow in her footsteps.As I conclude this tribute, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude for having had the opportunity to know and work with Mother Lily. Her legacy will live on in the films she produced, the stars she nurtured, and the countless lives she touched. She has left an indelible mark on Philippine cinema, and her contributions will be remembered for generations to come.In her own words, "I believe that the true success of any film is not only its box office harvest or its critical success. A film can only be successful if it finds its audience or the audience discovers it. You cannot force an audience to watch your film by telling them this is good and their other choices are bad. That is the perfect way to lose your audience."These words are a testament to her understanding of the delicate balance between art and commerce, and they serve as a guiding principle for anyone who aspires to make movies.As we look to the future, let us remember the lessons Mother Lily has taught us and continue to honor her legacy by making films that matter.And so, we will always call her Mother — because she has been, and always will be, the nurturing force behind Philippine cinema.