Mother Lily Monteverde hit a milestone in her life as she turned 80. By the looks of it, the Regal Entertainment matriarch showed no signs she is slowing down.
For her special day, stars gathered to celebrate with a big blowout held at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria in Quezon City on Sunday, Aug. 19.
Megastar Sharon Cuneta attended with her husband, Senator Kiko Pangilinan. In an Instagram post showing her and Pangilinan onstage with the Regal matriarch, she wrote in gratitude: “She was the only one who offered me a beautiful movie (MANO PO) when I was too fat and no one seemed to care! And she has always been one of Kiko’s most ardent supporters.”
Ruffa Gutierrez too hugged it out with Monteverde, who the actress said is “the woman with the biggest heart.” She also credited Monteverde for producing more than 30 movies of hers.
Before going to the event, Kylie Padilla and partner Aljur Abrenica posed for the camera. “Revel in red,” the actress wrote as she wore a floral-red dress to the party.
Also in the event was ABS-CBN executive Charo Santos-Conci0, clad in red, and Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos. Concio called Monteverde “a very special person” and credited her for being one of her mentors.
Not only celebrities graced the event, as broadcast journalist Korina Sanchez also attended Monteverde’s birthday. She described the celebrant as: “Indefatigable, generous, keen, visionary.”
The Queen of All Media Kris Aquino unfortunately was not able to attend due to her allergies. Instead, her sons Josh and Bimby and their uncle and aunt, former President Noynoy Aquino and Ballsy Aquino-Cruz, represented the family to personally send their greetings. In her video post, Kris poured out her gratitude for Monteverde.
“Sobrang laki ng tinatanaw naming utang na loob kay Mother Lily and i was so happy seeing her looking so radiant & beautiful,” Aquino wrote.
(I have a lot to be thankful for Mother Lily and I was so happy seeing her looking so radiant and beautiful.)
Mother Lily’s party was indeed a huge mix, not only of celebs but also of political rivals. Ilocos Norte governor Imee Marcos was also present, saying she was happy to meet “The Unkabogable Superstar” Vice Ganda. The two were all smiles and gave each other kisses on the cheek.
Ai-Ai delas Alas also snagged the chance of taking pictures of Vice and Marcos. She said she was supposed to take a photo with “Ate Vi”, but unfortunately, she already went home.
Matet de Leon also met Diamond Star Maricel Soriano in the party. Soriano gave hug to the former child star.
Monteverde’s party proved that she is dear to a lot of people, both from the entertainment and political spheres. For this, many look up to her as “The Mother of Philippine Cinema.” JB
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