(MANILA BULLETIN) Senate president pro tempore Jinggoy Estrada and Sen. Lito Lapid have filed separate resolutions expressing the Senate’s sympathy and condolences on the death of Regal Films matriarch Lily Yu Chu-Monteverde, popularly known as Mother Lily.
“Mother Lily continues to be an inspiration not just to producers and stars but also to aspiring filmmakers, artists, and workers, as well, for her trailblazing career and passion for excellence,” Estrada said in filing Senate Resolution No. 1109.
Lapid said Mother Lily, “was a pioneering force in Philippine cinema, having produced over 300 films that have significantly enriched the country’s cultural and artistic heritage.”
“Mother Lily’s work has not only entertained millions of Filipinos but has also provided a platform for storytelling that reflects the diverse experiences and aspirations of the Filipino people,” said Lapid in filing Senate Resolution No. 1112.
Estrada said Mother Lily, who founded Regal Entertainment and Regal Films, has produced hundreds of films since 1962 and has helped build the careers of “Regal Babies” and other popular Filipino lead stars.
“She truly made a remarkable imprint in Philippine cinema and entertainment as a whole,” Estrada said, adding that her contributions to the entertainment industry “are immeasurable.”
Mother Lily started her showbiz journey in August 1962 when she borrowed P10,000 from her older brother Jessie Yu to buy the rights to the tearjerker “All Mine to Give” which earned over P500,000.
After that, she produced local films starting with “Araw-Araw, Gabi-Gabi” which starred Charito Solis and Didith Reyes which was shown in cinemas on September 21, 1975.
Among the critically acclaimed masterpieces she produced were “Manila By Night,” “Sister Stella L,” and “Broken Marriage.” She also produced the popular “Mano Po” anthology and the “Shake, Rattle & Roll” series.
Mother Lily passed away last Monday, August 4. Her body lies in state at Valencia Events Place in Quezon City. She will be laid to rest on August 10 at the Heritage Park in Taguig.