MANILA, Philippines – Film director, Marilou Diaz-Abaya, died of breast cancer on October 8, 2012 at the St. Luke’s Medical center as reported by local news on the same date. Ms. Diaz-Abaya was buried on October 13 in Paranaque’s Loyola Memorial Park. She was 57.
Marilou Diaz-Abaya
Image Credit: mdafilm.com
Marilou Diaz-Abaya served as an icon of excellence in the Filipino movie industry, her work being compared with the likes of the late Lino Brocka, another premier movie director.
During the martial law regime, she was one of the entertainment personalities who were expressive of their sentiments. She directed films using this theme like “Alyas Baby Tsina” starring “Star for All Seasons, Vilma Santos, and “Brutal” starring Amy Austria.
Marilou Diaz-Abaya’s succeeding films gained recognition locally and internationally because of the factual exposure of the social problems existing in the Filipino society. Her work was lauded by FAMAS, Urian, Film Academy, and the Catholic Mass Media Awards.
Internationally, Marilou Diaz-Abaya was awarded Japan’s Laureate of the Fukuoka Prize for Culture and the Arts, the British Film Institute awards and various recognitions from Asia, Europe, and the U.S.
Reportedly, actor Cesar Montano and his wife, Sunshine Cruz, were present when Marilou Diaz-Abaya was laid to rest. Together with the couple was another award-winning actress-director, Laurice Guillen.
Another outstanding Filipino film icon is laid to rest. Marilou Diaz-Abaya, may you rest in peace!
