MANILA, OCTOBER 17, 2012 – Marilou Diaz Abaya was laid to rest on Saturday, October 13, at the Loyola Memorial Park in Paranaque City. The internationally-acclaimed director had passed away on October 8 at the age of 57, following an eight-year battle with breast cancer. Abaya succumbed to cardio- pulmonary arrest at the St Luke’s Medical Center in Taguig.
The director of critically-lauded, award-winning films such as “Jose Rizal” and “Muro Ami”, Abaya rose to prominence in the 1980’s with films like “Brutal” and “Alyas Baby Tsina”, which gained notoriety for their scathing critiques of the Marcos administration. Abaya also made a name for herself with her television work, including “Public Forum” and legendary political satire, “Sic O’Clock News”.
Known for her exemplary work ethic, generous nature and meticulous eye for detail, if there was a common thread in Abaya’s works, it was always the value of the Filipino spirit banding together in the face of adversity. Following the 1986 People Power revolution, Abaya concentrated on output for the small screen, before returning to filmmaking in the early 90’s. Her most recent film was 2011’s “Ikaw Ang Pag-ibig”.
As recently as a month ago, Abaya was still posting optimistic messages about recovery, even posting a quote from Albert Einstein, “there’s only two ways to live your life; either by believing that nothing is a miracle, or, by believing that everything is a miracle”.
To the friends, family and students she left behind, as well as the countless people touched by her films over the years, Marilou Diaz Abaya will surely be missed. From the editors and staff of adobo magazine, we send out our heartfelt prayers and condolences.
*Photo by Wyg Tysman
