In a prominent family, Tikoy Aguiluz made a name for himself in the world of cinema

MANILA, Philippines — The year was 1985 when multi-awarded director, producer, screenwriter and cinematographer Amable “Tikoy” Aguiluz VI, made his directorial debut in the acclaimed film, “Boatman,” starring Ronnie Lazaro and Sarsi Emmanuel.

The drama was screened at the London Film Festival, where it was cited as outstanding film of the year. Locally, “Boatman” also earned a Gawad Urian nomination for Tikoy as Best Director.

Tikoy’s follow-up projects were “Father Balweg: Rebel Priest” (1986) with Conrado Balweg himself, as well as “Bagong Bayani” (1995), with Helen Gamboa, as the ill-fated household help, Flor Contemplacion. Dennis Marasigan and Irma Adlawan were also in the cast.

Tikoy’s critically-acclaimed “Segurista” came 11 years after his directorial debut. The film became the Philippines’ official entry to the 1996 Academy Awards for the Best Foreign Language Film category. “Segurista” ranked 12 among 39 entries submitted.

At the Gawad Urian, the film swept the major awards, including Best Picture, Best Director for Tikoy, Best Screenplay (for Tikoy, Jose Lacaba and Amado Lacuesta), Best Editing (Edgardo “Boy” Viñarao and Mirana Medina-Bhunjun) and Best Supporting Actor for Albert Martinez.

“Segurista” starred beauty queen Michelle Aldana with Gary Estrada, Albert, Julio Diaz and Pen Medina. The film was likewise exhibited in prestigious festivals around the world, including Toronto (Canada) and Singapore.

Meanwhile, Tikoy’s historical film, “Rizal sa Dapitan” (1997), won the Grand Jury Prize at the Brussels International Film Festival.

“Tatarin” or “Tadtarin” (2001) is another controversial film of Tikoy’s based on National Artist for Literature, Nick Joaquin’s short story, The Summer Solstice.

The film is about a ritual performed by women to invoke the gods to grant the blessing of fertility by dancing around a balete tree that was already a century old. Dina Bonnevie, Edu Manzano, Rica Peralejo and Patricia Javier starred in “Tatarin.”

Tikoy was recognized as one of the leading figures in Philippine alternative cinema for his invaluable contributions to the film industry. He passed on peacefully in his family home on Monday morning, Feb. 19. He was 72.

Tikoy took up formal film studies in New York, where he resided for a time. The Big Apple’s vibrant art scene became a part of his self-education. He also did his film residency in Sri Lanka.

Before he became an acclaimed director, Tikoy started as a visual artist. He converted the den of the family house in Panay Ave., Quezon City into his own pad. He also sat in on the art classes of Bobby Chabet and joined painting exhibitions curated by the progressive mentor.

In 1976, Tikoy was selected by Rey Albano for the 13 artists exhibit at the CCP (Cultural Center of the Philippines).

He staged his first, one-man solo exhibition, Rara Avis (Rare Bird), at the Kanto Gallery in Makati in June 2019. Meanwhile, Rara Avis 2 was held at the SM Aura Premier in June 2022.

While his brother, Dr. Amable Aguiluz V, is known to have strongly steered the educational trenches with the prominent AMA Computer Colleges (named after their father, Hon. Amable M. Aguiluz) that later became AMA University, Tikoy carved his enviable niche in the world of cinema with his award-winning works.

He was conferred the Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters) by the French government for his invaluable contribution to Philippine cinema.

Educated at the University of the Philippines, where he obtained his degree in Comparative Literature and Fine Arts, Tikoy left a lasting legacy not just in the world of filmmaking.

In 1976, he became the co-founder of the UP Film Center that later became the UP Film Institute, where he served as assistant director until 1990.

His family previously issued a statement on the filmmaker’s death: “With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved Amable ‘Tikoy’ Aguiluz VI or Direk Tikoy to most of us. While we grieve this loss deeply, we kindly ask for your understanding as we choose to mourn in private for the time being.

“We assure you that once we are ready, we will share details about a public service where all who knew and loved Direk Tikoy can join us in paying tribute and saying our final goodbyes.

“Your patience, understanding, and support mean the world to us as we navigate through this period of grief. We thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and expressions of sympathy during this time.”

The Directors’ Guild of the Philippines, Inc. also expressed their grief over their esteemed colleague’s passing, stating: “Our hearts are deeply saddened to learn about the passing of our esteemed peer, Direk Tikoy, founder of the Cinemanila International Film Festival and director of ‘Boatman,’ ‘Manila Kingpin,’ and ‘Segurista.’

“Direk Tikoy is a visionary, a maverick, and a true champion of Philippine Cinema. Our prayers and thoughts are with his family and friends. May he rest in peace.”

The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) likewise mourned the loss of what the film government agency hailed as “one of the leading figures of Philippine alternative cinema.”

“The FDCP extends its deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of Mr. Aguiluz.”

Wake of direk Tikoy is at Christ the King Parish Church at Green Meadows, Quezon City.

Interment will be at Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina on Feb. 24, following the 9 a.m. Mass.