Regal Films Founder Mother Lily Monteverde Passes at 84

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine cinema icon and Regal Films founder Lily Monteverde, affectionately known as Mother Lily, passed away early yesterday morning. Her death came just a day after the burial of her husband of over 60 years, Remy Monteverde.

Video: ChinoyTVOnline

Mother Lily was 84, just weeks away from her 85th birthday on August 19. Her husband, who passed away on July 29, was 86. They are survived by their five children — Winston, Sherida, Roselle, Dondon, and Goldwin — and grandchildren.

Mother Lily’s passing marks the end of an era, but her “legacy and pioneering achievement in Philippine cinema” will never be forgotten, according to filmmaker Erik Matti in a post.

Mother Lily's rise in the industry is legendary. The youngest of 12 children of "copra king" Domingo Yuchu from Marinduque, she was a passionate movie fan, favoring stars like Nida Blanca and Gloria Romero.

She is credited with introducing the pito-pito system, which involved filming movies in seven days. This system led to the discovery of esteemed directors like Lav Diaz.

The Monteverde family stated that they “feel at peace now that their mother has not only found rest but has joined their father Remy in that place called eternity — as they were together in life, they will remain together where there is no space or time.”

The wake and memorial service will begin today at 3:30 p.m. and continue until August 9 at 38 Valencia Events Place in Quezon City. Interment will take place on August 10 at the Heritage Park in Taguig.