Mother Lily Monteverde (left) and daughter Roselle
It’s a day after Mother Lily Monteverde (MLM) turned 80. But we, show biz folk, are still celebrating the birthday of the beloved matriarch. Aug. 19 could very well be declared a holiday in the biz. Après tout, what would the local movie industry be if MLM weren’t born?
My late mom (Inday Badiday) and MLM were like two peas in a pod. Some people even say that they have a striking resemblance. Aside from their looks and sharing the same birth month, Ma and MLM have a lot in common. They were born givers. Both have a way of endearing themselves instantly to people. Now that Ma is gone, I am more than grateful that I have a second mom in Mother Lily.
As my birthday tribute to the woman I cannot adore enough, I interviewed MLM’s stylish and spunky daughter, Roselle, so we will know a little bit more about the “Mother of Philippine Show Biz.”
Birthday cheers, Mother Lily dear. Eighty never looked so fab.
Here’s my chat with Roselle:
How do you and MLM settle artistic differences? Honestly, we talk a lot about different projects. Artistic difference is very subjective. At the end of the decision-making process, the captain of the project is really the director. We do suggest and collaborate on a lot of artistic decisions with the director.
What’s your fave memory of MLM as a child/teen? There are a lot of good memories. As a child, I loved how she would dress us up like dolls in super cute girlie dresses. As a teen, I loved the way she would spend time with us to travel abroad, and how upbeat and very energized she was during those travels. And yes, both of us love to do physical workout till we sweat—she would always join me in my kickboxing workout and would prove that she is better than me.
What don’t people know about MLM? Mother is very transparent. What you see is what you get. If there is anything people do not know, maybe it is not about her character or personality, but more about her stories as an individual and her journey to where she is now.
Does MLM play favorites among her Regal babies? This is a tricky question. I really do not see any favoritism. She is just happy being with all her Regal babies. She is always very accommodating and endearing to all of them.
What’s more important to you and MLM, box office success or awards? Both are important for us. Having a good box office result means that you were able to deliver a product that is being patronized by the mainstream and thus, you produced something that is loved by a lot. Having an award is a recognition that you have achieved certain criteria that were appreciated by the masters of this industry. But of course as a producer, you want both quality and profitability.
How do you appease MLM when she’s in a bad mood? The best is not to deal with it head-on because she is older, and her voice is louder than mine. The best way to appease her is to invite her to eat her favorite dishes.
How does your dad, Remy, feel about MLM’s love for show biz? My dad was the founder of Regal Films, as importer of various foreign movies and he also produced movies under the labels of Good Harvest and Regal. He has long embraced my mother’s passion for this industry. Of course, there are times when he would say, my mother is crazy to continue enduring the struggles and challenges in the industry.
What are MLM’s simple pleasures? She is extremely happy and excited to eat simple food, like laing, adobo and lechon.
What was a turning point in your relationship as mother and daughter? When I had my first child, our relationship got better. I saw how she has the mother’s instinct and dedication when she would always visit me in the US so often, just to be with my firstborn.
In what ways are you alike and different? Maybe I am more organized, calculated and focused. Mother is more risky. However, as I get older, I am seeing a lot of Mother in me. Like mother, like daughter in a lot of ways.
What’s the toughest and best part of being the daughter of MLM? It is hard to be in a business where your boss is your mom, especially when discussions with certain matters may cause arguments. But what is best is when mom always reaches out to me, or when I reach out to her after arguments.
What’s the title of the movie of MLM’s life story? And who’s your choice to portray her? As of now, it is “Mother Lily” or just “Lily.” There were discussions on who would portray her. Since my mother has so much energy as a person, and her character is very dynamic, along with Director Erik Matti and my siblings, we all have yet to decide.