Mother Lily Monteverde. Image: FILE PHOTOS
Lily Monteverde, founder of Regal Entertainment and known as one of the longstanding pillars of the Philippine entertainment industry, has died at 85, her son confirmed.
Fondly known as “Mother Lily” among entertainment circles, Monteverde’s death was confirmed by her son Goldwin Monteverde to GMA on Sunday, August 4. She would have turned 86 on the 19th of the month.
In a statement, Regal Entertainment said Mother Lily died at around 3:18 a.m. where she was “surrounded by her children and grandchildren in her final hours.”
“Throughout her years, she has not only been a mother to her children but also the ‘Mother’ to so many generations of Filipino filmmakers who have helped define what Philippine cinema is today. Even to her final years, Mother Lily has served as one of the cornerstones of the movie industry, providing opportunities to filmmakers — both creative and technical — to carve their names in our popular history,” Regal said.
The production company also described Mother Lily as a “true mother to artists and workers” beyond her work in the entertainment industry.
“The family is at peace now that their mother has not only found rest but has joined their Father Remy in that place called eternity — as they were together in life as they will remain together where there is no space or time,” Regal added.
Regal Entertainment issued a statement on the death of Mother Lily Monteverde. Image: Facebook/Regal Entertainment
Meanwhile, Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) chairman Jose Javier Reyes took to his Facebook page to express his love for the departed film producer.
“So many of us lost our “Mother” today. Her family grieves. An industry mourns. Goodbye, Mother Lily. You gave so much to us … and we only have our love to bring you home to our Father,” he wrote.
Mother Lily’s death comes barely a week after the passing of her husband Leonardo “Father Remy” Monteverde last July 29. He was brought to his final resting place on August 3.
Born Lily Yu Chu, Mother Lily founded the film and television company Regal Entertainment in August 1962. She served as its president and CEO until her death. Meanwhile, her daughter Roselle is the COO and vice president of the company.
She has produced over 300 films throughout her career, and was one of the pillars behind the successful careers of Gabby Concepcion, Dina Bonnevie, Alma Moreno, Snooky Serna, Jimmy Melendez, Albert Martinez, William Martinez, and Maricel Soriano, among many others.
Mother Lily is the producer of several successful films including the “Mano Po” anthology, “Scorpio Nights,” “Blue Moon,” “Shake, Rattle, & Roll” series, and “My Monster Mom,” to name a few.
Among her many awards included the Ina ng Pelikulang Pilipino Award in 2017 and the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023 by the Film Development Council of the Philippines.
Mother Lily’s wake will be held at 38 Valencia Events Place from August 5 to 9. Her interment will take place on August 10 at The Heritage Park in Taguig.