Filmmaker Diaz-Abaya donates memorabilia, library to Jesuit Communications

Filmmaker Marilou Diaz-Abaya is shown in this photo from her Facebook accout with son David Abaya. It was taken when he celebrated his birthday last June 20 at the hospital where his mom was undergoing chemotheraphy session. The much-awarded lady director recently donated her library, mementos and memorabilia among other personal possessions to the Jesuit Communications, where she is also a trustee.

MANILA, Philippines—“It’s a wrap!” Marilou Diaz-Abaya posted this on her Facebook account on Monday night.

The multi-awarded filmmaker was not referring to a successfully completed movie, but to her decision to donate some of her possessions to a number of religious groups.

According to the director, she donated her “entire film and TV memorabilia, trophies, plaques, certificates, library of books, DVDs, scripts, (souvenirs from) international festivals and lectures, mementos and records of (her) 32-year contribution to Pinoy cinema” to the Jesuit Communications or Jescom.

Abaya is a Jescom trustee. The religious group also produced her TV drama, “Maging Akin Muli,” featuring Marvin Agustin, Noel Trinidad and Sandy Andolong. It aired on ABS-CBN in 2007.

“These will be inventoried by Ateneo and made available to students and the public who may still benefit from them,” the director said.

Abaya has taught film courses to students of the Ateneo de Manila University for 27 years.

Abaya added that she has given her “collection of religious images and articles, and lots of furniture for our new wing for retreatants” at the Jesuit Retreat & Seminar Center at Sacred Heart Novitiate in Novaliches, Quezon City.

She likewise gave the archdioceses of San Fernando in Pampanga and Nueva Caceres in Camarines Sur “souvenirs of our common advocacies in culture and the arts.”

The director said she felt relieved that her family supported her in this “gift-giving” activity.

“It’s a wrap! Sweet words on any set when the day’s work is over,” said her FB entry. “Better yet, when the film is completed. Wrapping gifts is self-emptying, even as the work continues till our last breath, no matter when. How liberating! What sweet peace of mind!”

Abaya was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007. In her FB account, the director said she would again be confined at the hospital for a week of chemotherapy. This was after she was subjected to 15 sessions of radiation “and it’s side effects—baldness, irritated scalp (and) fatigue.”

Her latest film, “Ikaw Ang Pag-Ibig,” was released in 2011. The religious drama, starring Ina Feleo, Jomari Yllana, Marvin Agustin, Eddie Garcia, Shamaine Buencamino and Nonie Buencamino, was distributed by Star Cinema.