The Film Development Council of the Philippines honored one of the
matriarchs of the Philippine film industry - Maria Azucena Vera-Perez
Maceda or widely known as “Manay Ichu” through its event A Spotlight on
Mothers of Philippine Cinema held last June 9, 2018 at the Cinematheque
Centre Manila.
Manay
Ichu literally grew up in the industry, having hailed from the family
who owned Sampaguita Pictures, one of the biggest film productions in
the Philippines from the ‘30s to the ‘70s. Sampaguita Pictures Produced
the most beloved classics and generated thousands of jobs for Filipino
filmmakers and talents throughout its existence.
Manay
herself became a producer of popular and highly acclaimed films like
Dyesebel and Batch ’81. Her passion and love for the industry did not
stop in producing films. With her Sampaguita roots, she helped found and
enhance film related agencies, proving that you can be an important
part of the film industry even if you are not involved in making a film.
She
helped found the Movie Workers Welfare Foundation (MOWELFUND), The
Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), the Film Academy of the Philippines
(FAP), the Philippine Motion Pictures Producers Association, the
Experimental Cinema of the Philippines and the Film Development Council
of the Philippines (FDCP) where she headed the International Film
Festival Committee (IFFCOM).
“Truly,
Manay Ichu is an exceptional force in the film industry. She has helped
found the current pillars of Philippine Cinema has has made steadfast
strides for its further development. We are more than honored to
recognize her for her life’s work,” said FDCP Chairperson Liza Diño.
In
her speech, Manay Ichu mentioned the lessons she has learned in the
industry. “Remember that aside from being an art form, this is basically
a business, so you have to at least break even so you can recover your
investment and produce the second film. Para que pa kayo magpoproduce ng
bagong pelikula (kung) kayo lang ang nakakaintindi, wala namang
manonood? Hindi na kayo makakagawa ng pangalawang pelikula, tandaan nyo
yan. Never make a film solely to satisfy yourself. Make your film for a
wide audience,” she said.
She
also shared that one must love the industry without expecting any in
return. “Love your craft and love the industry. Don’t expect anything
back aside from your investment of course. Huwag mong asahang ibalik
kaagad sa’yo ang ipinakita mong pagmamahal sapagkat balang araw babalik
yan sa inyo tulad ng tinatamasa ko ngayon,” Manay furthered.
The
celebration was attended by special guests who are close to Manay
Ichu’s heart such as Ms. Gina Alajar, Ms. Nova Villa, Ms. Gloria Romero,
Ms. JoAnn Bañaga of TV5 and Regal Producer, Mother Lily Monteverde.
Everyone gave a special message for Manay Ichu including two of her
sons, Atty. Ernest Maceda and Mr. Erwin Maceda who were present together
with their respective families . She was awarded with a plaque of honor
by Chairperson Diño with well wishes on her future endeavors.
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