MANILA — Emotions ran high as the “Star for All Seasons,” Vilma Santos-Recto, delivered a heartfelt eulogy for the late Regal Entertainment matriarch, Mother Lily Monteverde.

During the service, held today, Santos-Recto paid tribute to the woman who played a pivotal role in shaping her career in the Philippine film industry.

In her speech, Santos-Recto recalled her fond memories of working with Mother Lily, starting with their first collaboration in 1979 on the film Pinay: American Style.

“Sa Regal nag-umpisa ako, 1979, sa movie na ‘Pinay: American Style’. Si Mother po, mas personal lang kwento ko, si Mother po madalas ko nakakasama sa mga byahe,” she shared, her voice trembling with emotion.

“If I may go back, gumawa po ako ng labing-apat na movies kay Mother Lily. My last movie with Mother is ‘Mano Po’ nung 2004. Si Mother, hindi nahihiya sa eroplano, nag-e-exercise. Sabi ko, ‘Mother, maupo ka! Hindi pa naman umaandar eh,'” Santos-Recto reminisced, drawing smiles from the audience as she painted a vivid picture of their shared travels.

The actress-turned-politician recounted the opportunities Mother Lily provided her, particularly in making films that were both artistically and socially relevant.

“Dito din po, when I won for ‘Broken Marriage’—beautiful, relevant movies—si Mother po ang nagbigay sa akin ng chance at oportunidad para gumawa ng tinatawag na relevant, meaningful movies. And for that, I am very, very grateful for Mother kasi dun po ako na-hone,”

Santos-Recto also shared a poignant memory of Mother Lily’s support during her political journey, specifically when she decided to run for mayor in her hometown.

“Nung kahilingan kong tumakbo bilang mayor, dalawa po sila ni Manay Ichu ang kinonsulta ko. Binigyan pa ako ng presscon ni Mother Lily nung kampanya. Basta sabi niya sa akin, ‘Bilib ako sa’yo and you can do the work.’ Kaya Mother, Manay, maraming salamat. Sila ang nagbigay sa akin ng puso na ipagpatuloy yung trabaho ko,” she recounted, breaking down in tears as she expressed her deep gratitude.

The eulogy was a reflection of the close bond between Santos-Recto and the iconic film producer, whose impact on the Philippine entertainment industry is immeasurable.

The memorial service was attended by a who’s who of the entertainment industry, all of whom came to pay their respects to the beloved Mother Lily.

Among those present were actor-politician couple Congresswoman Lani Mercado-Revilla and Senator Bong Revilla. The couple shared a touching story about how Mother Lily played a part in their love story.

“We had our first pictorial sa park beside Mother Lily’s house sa Greenhills. So dun po kami unang nagkita at si Mother bahagi ng pagkikita namin,” Lani said, crediting Mother Lily as the reason they are now husband and wife.

Other celebrities who came to honor Mother Lily included actors Aga Muhlach, Marian Rivera, and her husband Dingdong Dantes, as well as Gabby Concepcion, Enchong Dee, and Ina Raymundo.