MANILA, Philippines — Veteran director-writer Carmelo “Mel” Chionglo passed away on Saturday morning at the age of 73.
Several celebrities and Chionglo’s colleagues in the film industry took to Twitter to express their condolences over the veteran director’s death.
These include Director Joey Javier Reyes who called Chionglo, as well as entertainment journalist Isah Red who also passed away Saturday, as “irreplaceable.”
“What a sad sad day. Goodbye, Mel Chionglo & Isah Red. You are both irreplaceable. Have a safe trip home to our Father,” Reyes said.
What a sad sad day. Goodbye, Mel Chionglo & Isah Red. You are both irreplaceable. Have a safe trip home to our Father. #RIP
— Joey Javier Reyes (@DirekJoey) September 21, 2019
Actress and government official Liza Diño-Seguerra who remembered her last encounter with Chionglo in a Facebook post.
Chionglo’s last words to her? “Liza, you’ve come a long way from the time I directed you in our film. Sino mag-aakala? I’m so proud of you my dear! You are doing wonders for our industry.”
“This was Director Mel Chionglo’s last words to me when we saw each other in #SINESANDAAN. He hugged me that night. Tight and reassuring. I didn’t know huling pagkakataon na pala yun,” Diño-Seguerra said.
“Thank you, Direk Mel. Sa talento at passion mo that you selflessly gave to us and industry. Even until the end. Mahal kita, Direk. Hanggang sa muli,” she added.
Chionglo was born in 1946 and was best known for his films including Iadya Mo Kami, The Rites of May, and Lauriana. /muf