Lily Monteverde: Philippine Entertainment’s Mother
Lily Monteverde, fondly called Mother Lily in showbiz died on August 4. She leaves a legacy in the Philippine Entertainment
For many families, movies under Regal Films, now Regal Entertainment Inc. have been a huge part of their lives. This was made possible by the woman behind it – Lily Yu Monteverde, known in showbiz circles as Mother Lily.
On August 4, the Monteverde family confirmed that Mother Lily died at the age of 84. Her legacy lives on through her children and the stars she discovered and honed dubbed as Regal Babies. Her death came days after her husband Remy Monteverde died.
Becoming Mother Lily
Born Lily Yu, she found herself falling in love with the entertainment industry that one story shared around was that she would wait for her favorite stars from the famous film companies just to get a glimpse of them. She also started seeing popcorn and cotton candy in two movie houses. She later entered the world of buying films to be shown in the Philippines when she bought the rights to the film All Mine to Give for $500. The film did well in cinemas and later led her to start buying and producing films.
In a 2006 interview with Jessica Soho, she spoke about how she was given the title Mother Lily. “It was through Lolita Solis (known as Nanay Lolit). She named me Mother Lily because we’re very close.”
The name would stick to many and people in the industry started calling her “Mother.”
Aside from producing films through Regal, she discovered some of today’s stars, earning the name “Regal Babies.” These stars include Maricel Soriano, Alma Moreno, Snooky Serna, Albert and William Martinez, and Richard Gomez.
Mother Lily also produced some of the classic films and TV series such as Magic Kamison, Shake, Rattle, and Roll films, and Mano Po, which she said in past interviews depict as part of her life.
She was also one of the producers who gambled to make the so-called pito-pito films which means seven days of making movies. This method led to the discovery of several directors who have since directed acclaimed films and teleseryes.
An industry in mourning
Following the news of her death, politicians and celebrities paid tribute to Mother Lily. Maricel Soriano took to social media to thank the woman who became like another mom to her.
“Maraming Salamat sa oras at panahon na ibinigay mo sa amin. Salamat sa lahat ng tawa, halakhak, at alam mo na. Talagang through the years, napatunayan mo sa amin na mahal na mahal mo kami at ang turing mo sa amin ay mga anak,” the Diamond Star wrote on Instagram.
“Mamimiss ko ang lahat ng iyon and most of all Mamimiss kita, Mother! Sabi nga nila, maikli lang ang buhay natin. Pasasaan pa’t magkikita pa rin tayo. Mahal na mahal na mahal kita, Mother.”
Alma Moreno and Snooky Serna recalled the times when Mother Lily would be at the set of their films, making sure they’re comfortable with the scenes they were doing.
“Nagbabantay siya sa set na nanay na nanay,” Alma told Boy Abunda on Fast Talk. “Mararamdaman mo sa kanya yung pagmamahal niya sa artista niya.”
Snooky said Mother Lily was like her own mom Mila, who would be taking care of her on movie sets. Snooky also said that she missed the punchlines and humor of the Regal matriarch.
“She was one of a kind [person]. She knew what would work,” Snooky shared.
Touching lives
Ruffa Gutierrez shared on Instagram how her family will forever be grateful to Mother Lily.
“I have known Mother Lily for over 39 years now and my first encounter with her was a remarkable one. It was in the States, 1985 to be exact when she was convincing my Dad to make a movie comeback. My Dad said yes and the rest is history!” she wrote.
“Mother, thank you for being instrumental in the beautiful life we live now. We would not have moved back to the Philippines if it weren’t for you. Thank you for giving me opportunities to grow & develop my skills as an actress, for taking care of me as a Regal Baby, for being a second mother to me during my growing years.”
She recalled how Mother Lily even went to South Africa with her parents and the late talent manager Alfie Lorenzo to cheer for Miss World.
“You were always there for me through ups and downs. I love you, Mother. The Gutierrez family loves you. Rest easy in paradise with Father. Your legacy lives on, a testament to a life well-lived.”
Celebrities such as Iza Calzado, Rufa Mae Quinto, and Albert Martinez wrote their tributes to Mother Lily on social media. Real-life couple and actors Jane Oineza and RK Bagatsing, who stars in the Cinemalaya film Love Child dedicated their film to families and Mother Lily.
Lasting Legacy
More than the movies she produced, Mother Lily leaves a legacy in Philippine Entertainment and a rich history of Filipino stories.
Roselle Monteverde, Mother Lily’s daughter said that she and her siblings will continue managing Regal Entertainment like what their mom has done.
She also shared that their mom reminded them to continue to produce films and give back to the industry. As a mom, she described Mother Lily as a “disciplinarian.”
In place of flowers, the Monteverde family requests that donations be made to MOWELFUND and the Philippine Cancer Society.
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