All the world’s a cinema to Mother Lily

It has repeatedly been said that Lily Yu-Monteverde, more popularly known as Mother Lily, is a one-of-a-kind movie producer and businesswoman. I have been able to witness this one-of-a-kindness of Mother Lily — whom I sensed was somehow more interested in talking to my 13-year-old, die-hard movie fan sister (who came along to the interview) than me. I was both amused and impressed by the sight of Mother Lily asking for my younger sister’s cellphone number, all the while exclaiming, "Marami ka pala alam sa mga hit na artista ngayon!" The fact that Mother Lily, one of the country’s finest icons, would take time out to get to know the tastes of my sister who was at least four decades behind in experience and movie-wisdom, said everything about Mother Lily’s dynamism and passion for her work.

Mother Lily, a woman who has succeeded in defying the tradition of being a submissive housewife, is a rarity in the Chinese-Filipino community. She has for 40 years made her own mark in the entertainment industry, running Regal Films Inc.

During the holidays, Mother Lily divided her busy schedule between promoting her two Metro Manila Film Festival entries, Mano Po 2 and Gagamboy, her tiangges, and flying off to California to attend the wedding of her long-time friend’s daughter. Her main concern right now — besides her wonderful family, of course — is how to use her influence to convince the Filipino masses that the Philippines still is – and will always be – a beautiful country despite the numerous political and economic problems it faces. One of her deepest desires is to be able to produce a film portraying the travesties of Philippine society, hoping that viewers will be inspired to take drastic actions to change the deeply rooted, corrupt system that continues to threaten the well-being of Filipinos. Mother Lily shares more about herself – the parts people know about her, and the parts people still don’t:

How and when did you enter the movie business?

It has always been a dream of mine to enter show business. I started way back in 1961, first as a movie fan.

Would you recommend young people who want to enter the movie industry to follow the same path as yours?

Yes, whether you want to become a movie or TV producer, an artist, or part of the staff! There are so many categories in show business. Just choose one for which you have the passion. I feel very fulfilled with how my life turned out to be. I plan to put up a school in my studio for people who want to enter showbiz. As of now, only UP has a film school but it isn’t that established yet.

What was it like to grow up in a traditional Chinese family? How did your parents react to your entering the movie business?

My parents were very conservative but when I told them that I wanted to enter show business they allowed me to give it a try. Ganyan naman hanggang ngayon eh. Ang sagot nila pag sinabi mo na papasok ka sa showbiz ay, "no, no!" But I looked at it as a challenge. Being part of the movie industry is something to be proud of. But little by little parents are getting more open-minded. Some students from Xavier school were even brought by the parents to my seminar. They were all very eager to see how we worked. Time changes things.

Did you feel that you were different from your peers?

Ah, yes. I was different! (Laughing) Exceptional ako.

Why are you called Mother Lily?

It’s because I act as the mother to people around me — not in terms of giving money, but giving love, care…Lolit Solis first called me Mother Lily and it evolved so that now everyone calls me this. There was a Mother Teresa, I can be the Mother of Showbiz (laughing).

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I’m into real estate. This is my hobby. I even put up a small hotel as my investment. I like bargaining with others. I also like looking at interior design magazines and building things.

What is your favorite book? Why?

It would be Thick Face, Black Heart by Chin-Ning Chu because after reading this you’ll know what life really is like.

Favorite movie?

Foreign? Gone with the Wind. Local? Many. My movies (laughing).

Philosophy in life?

That honesty is still the best policy. Acceptance of the things that are happening around is also important.

What are your personal standards in choosing good talent?

Personality counts a lot, as well as behavior and education. Even if training can improve a person, having a good educational background when one enters the business is very helpful nowadays. It’s hard to express oneself and talk well without a good education.

What inspires you to do something?

My family. Always, my family.

What difficulty has challenged you the most?

Now? The economy. The system of government. As far as I’m concerned, the entire system is killing the industry — killing us.

Is there anything lacking in your life?

None. I have a good family, good friends. I’m very happy, fulfilled, and at peace with myself.

What new things would you like to do this year?

I want to follow the young people. Technology changes so fast. I want to be able to catch up with this. At my age, I like to think that I’m still on-the-go.

What irritates you?

Mga taong makulit! People who are lazy and don’t follow orders.

What are the lessons of Mano Po 2 that you hope to share with the public?

You should only have one wife para walang gulo! Haha…do you agree?

So is there a third installment of Mano Po in the works?

I hope so. Good scriptwriters are hard to find. More people enter the TV business. Before I start on a movie, I think of how it will appeal to the people. Not all scripts can be used for movies. With Mano Po, I’d like to think that it has an appeal for people of all ages – from grandparents to their grandchildren. There was even a friend of mine who called me up after she watched Mano Po 2. She was complaining, "What did you do to this movie? Parang in-e-encourage mo ang three wives!" since there was a reconciliation in the end. Gusto nila mag-away na lang forever. But as I said acceptance, though difficult, is very important. This is the message I want to impart to the audience. The kids are the ones who will suffer if the wives do not get along with each other.

What lessons did your late father copra taipan Don Domingo Yuchu leave you with?

Live a simple life.

How did you break the mold of a traditional Chinese wife?

I got married at the age of 21. I’ve been working for the past 40 plus years. I have an independent mind. From the very start, my husband supported me. I owe my success to Remy Monteverde. (Laughing) I hope everyone knows this. Mabait talaga siya.

Do you consider yourself more Chinese or Filipino?

The way I feel, I think, is more Filipino. But I have the best of both worlds.

What is the best thing about being a movie producer?

The whole package. I love the entire process of thinking about a new movie. My job is always in my mind and heart.

What are the biggest problems of the Philippine movie industry?

Ang sakit ng gobyerno. It’s all the propaganda that happens within the movie industry. For example, the film fest awards night. It was a political setup, a political strategy. The system is unfair. Officials don’t think of the right way of helping the industry. Let’s say that you are for this administration — they will help you. If not, they will not support you.

How many children do you have?

I have five kids; most are also involved in show business.

Is it true that you are now planning a movie about the many troubles of contemporary Philippine society?

Yes. Bayan Ko, Mahal Ko. It’s about what makes our country weak. It’s about the corrupt society we live in. The government isn’t doing its job well and at the very root of all these problems, the families are affected. This really bothers me.

What is your advice to young people now that the country is in economic crisis and faces political uncertainties?

Just be yourself and study hard.

Why are you so good at predicting the tastes of the Filipino masses in movies?

It’s part intuition. I also observe and study the Filipino masses. This is why I like putting up tiangges — here I feel the pulse of the masses.

What are the secrets of your success?

I am doing what I love. I have a wonderful family who has supported me all the way.

What’s the Regal legacy you would like to leave behind?

Well, over the years I’ve kept on changing. I used to produce bolds then all of a sudden I said to myself, "My conscience is bothering me." So I stopped. I then decided that I wanted to produce good quality movies. I want to be remembered as a young-at-heart woman who was very involved in her work and was not afraid to change with the times.

Final comments?

The Philippines is a land in which I always feel that its people should remain in. I will continue my movie production and try to instill public awareness. Before I retire, I want to do a movie which can help change the government. I’ve done that, Sister Stella L for example, but it was done in a small scale because my director was scared. We were caught by the Marcos administration. Now I want to write about this again. We’re going downwards unless people realize what’s happening. I do not plan to attack the government. I plan to create a sentimental journey. A movie which you can feel in your hearts and leave the theater feeling that you belong to this country. I want to produce a movie in which people will cry and wake up remembering their love for family and country. There should be no regrets in staying here in the Philippines. I myself joined rallies some years ago. I feel that rallies are not enough – people easily forget what they fight for once the frenzy has died down.

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For comments or suggestions, e-mail the author at steniecoyiuto@yahoo.com.