Testimonials

Benjamin Alves

BENJAMIN ALVES: He always encouraged edgework—he wanted us to go beyond our comfort zone, so we could discover new ways of interpreting characters. I loved that about him. He wanted us to take risks rather than sticking to the norm.

I remember my first day in an acting workshop under GMA Artist Center. Direk Maryo came in, walking nonchalantly, with his trademark smile. I knew I was in good hands from then on.

KRIS BERNAL: He taught us not to force ourselves to cry in an emotional scene—let the emotions flow smoothly and naturally.

Kris Bernal

He directed my first lead series, “Dapat Ka Bang Mahalin?,” and my first film, “Nandito Ako, Nagmamahal sa ’Yo.” He brought me and Aljur Abrenica to where we are now. He pushed me to my limits.

JACKIE LOU BLANCO: The first time I worked with him was in “Magdusa Ka.” I found Direk Maryo amusing. He was like a kid, and he loved acting out what he wanted us to do. I only have fond memories of him. And I was happy I was able to work with him again in “Someone to Watch Over Me.”

Jackie Lou Blanco

CHYNNA ORTALEZA: He told me that no one has the right to put limitations on my dreams. That made sense. I took his advice seriously and let go of everything that was weighing me down, especially regarding my craft.

We worked together in the show, “Habang Kapiling Ka.” I was 20 and had a lot to learn. Napagalitan niya ako, pero higit sa lahat, naturuan. He was always so generous with feedback.

RICH ASUNCION: Coming from a humble background in Bohol (like him), he would always tell me to believe in myself and not let any situation stop me from reaching my goals. He challenged me as an actress to develop my craft, and was forever patient in nurturing me during the early years of my career.

I will never forget his support and caring presence. Every time I saw Direk Maryo, I always felt that he had time to talk and listen to me. Perhaps it was because we both shared a similar story: two humble people from Bohol with big dreams. I will forever miss you.

MIKE TAN: The show “Dapat Ka Bang Mahalin” was my first chance to work with Direk Maryo. It was also my first time to see a director acting out what he wanted the actors to portray onscreen. His technique and instructions helped me immensely. He reminded us to be truthful when acting.

RURU MADRID: Direk Maryo reminded me to be honest in everything I do. He told me that in order to become a good actor, you have to “feel fully and express totally.”

Ruru Madrid

I have a lot of good memories of Direk Maryo, but I will never forget the times when we would just sit down and talk about life. Our conversations always led me to a lot of realizations.

GIL CUERVA: I learned the importance of work ethic from Direk Maryo. He taught all of us how important effort was, and that it’s the first thing directors look for in their actors.

Gil Cuerva

But, the biggest piece of advice he gave me was to practice all the exercises I learned during the workshops as often as I could, so I would have an easier time applying them at work.

KLEA PINEDA: During my “StarStruck” days, Direk Maryo advised me not to sound monotonous when delivering my lines. And I remember him telling me that he thought the kind of roles Maricel Soriano used to do would suit me.

MARK HERRAS: Whenever he was my director, he made sure that I delivered the right kind of acting. He always showed me how he wanted his scenes to look like and guided us every step of the way. He taught me that if a particular acting technique isn’t working for me, I should try something different.

JOYCE CHING: He instilled in us the value of professionalism. He told us that no matter how good you are, no one would want to work with you if you have a terrible attitude. He also reminded us to always do our best, because we’re only as good as our last performance.

PANCHO MAGNO: The best piece of advice he had given me was to just be in the scene—
forget about everything and focus on your character. He was not only a mentor, but a father.

MIKEE QUINTOS: Direk Maryo taught us the importance of acting organically—an actor should never “act.”

He was good in motivating actors and allaying our fears. He inspired us to push ourselves and work harder. He was brutally honest, which I loved about him.

SHEENA HALILI: I learned from Direk Maryo to love our job and believe in ourselves. He reminded us to be sensitive and respectful to everyone around us.

And in one of his workshops, we had a heart-to-heart talk. He told me, “Walang mali basta maging totoo ka.”

MIGUEL TANFELIX: He directed me in “Niño,” and taught me a lot of things not only about work, but also about life. The best piece of acting advice he gave me was to give my best—and enjoy—every single scene. Direk was very meticulous. He wouldn’t stop until he drew out the emotions he wanted. —ALLAN POLICARPIO