Lessons from Armida

Bibeth Orteza (left), Carlitos Siguion-Reyna and the late Armida Siguion-Reyna (inset)—FILE PHOTOS

Director Carlitos Siguion-Reyna and wife, scriptwriter Bibeth Orteza, talk about the most valuable lessons the late Armida Siguion-Reyna instilled in them:

Carlitos: To pursue the things I feel closely connected to, and assert my voice in whatever I do. She encouraged me to carve my own path and do what I wanted to do—not what other people expected me to do. And she lived her life that way, so it wasn’t hard to be inspired.

She reminded me to maintain my personal, creative and professional standards. To fight for what I believe in and fight for the space to show my work.

She believed in supporting others when they need it. She believed in learning as much as you can from other people, and then teaching it back to the next generation.

Bibeth: Many years ago, before Carlitos and I got married, Armida told me, ‘You know, Bibeth, what’s wrong with you is that when you bear grudges you really bear grudges. Don’t. If you’re feeling bad, if you’re angry… just let your emotions pass. And then learn to forgive.”

She taught me so much and she taught me so well.—ALLAN POLICARPIO