ALAM ng local showbiz na matalik na magkakaibigan ang veteran directors na sina Direk Gil Portes, Direk Joel Lamangan, at Direk Mel Chionglo.
Sa bawa’t premiere nights ng kani-kanilang mga pelikula, present sila para sa isa’t isa. Tunay na pagkakaibigan para sa tatlong master directors.
Kung kaya’t noon pa lamang pumutok sa social media ang balitang pagpanaw ni Direk Gil, hindi nag-atubiling pumunta sa morgue ng East Avenue Medical Center sina Direk Joel at Direk Mel (kasama rin si Direk Armand Reyes) upang asikasuhin ang mga labi ng yumaong kaibigan, dahil nasa Amerika pa nga ang pamilya nito noong mga oras na ‘yun.
Kung babalikan ang history ng mga nagawang pelikula ni Gil Portes, karamihan sa mga ito ay independently produced, at hindi produced ng major film productions, kung kaya’t tinawag siyang “Original Indie Film Director” sa apatnapung dekadang itinagal niya sa industriya ng Pelikulang Pilipino.
“His death is a great loss to the film industry. He was a pioneering spirit in the indie film movement. His love for film is beyond compare! He is a good friend!” pahayag ni Direk Joel sa TEMPO.
“Gil was unique, making only films of his choice and resourceful enough to find his own funding, a true independent filmmaker,” sabi naman ni Direk Mel.
“Pitong pelikula ang pinagsamahan natin. Pero ang mga alaala at aral – ng saya at pighati, tagumpay at kabiguan, at, higit sa lahat, ng hindi pagsuko sa mga hamon ng buhay – hindi ko mabibilang. Paalam, Direk Gil Portes,” post naman ng screenwriter na si Eric Ramos sa kanyang Facebook account.
Si Ramos ang screenwriter ng pitong pelikula ni Direk Gil: “Pitik Bulag”, “Two Funerals”, “Bayang Magiliw”, “Ang Tag-Araw Ni Twinkle”, “Hukluban”, “Ang Hapis At Himagsik Ni Hermano Puli”, at “Moonlight Over Baler”.
Ayon naman kay Rex Tiri, executive producer ni Direk Gil sa last two films nito (“Hermano Puli” and “Moonlight Over Baler”):
“There are many exceptional talents in the film industry, but I have yet to meet someone with the same passion to his craft as Direk Gil.
“Despite of his health condition and old age, I never saw a tinge of exhaustion from his already frail body. It was indeed an honor to have worked with him,” saad ni Tiri.
Post naman ng screenwriter na si Senedy Que, successful protégé ni Direk Gil:
“As I have often expressed to you, I am eternally grateful for the doors (and windows) that you have opened for my writing career.
“’Small Voices’/ ‘Mga Munting Tinig’ will always be special to me because this ‘little film with a big heart’ gave me my first Best Screenplay honors (with Adolfo Borinaga Alix Jr.)…
“You trusted my screenwriting talent when almost no one else did, including my own self. You encouraged me. You lifted me up. You made me believe in ME…
“You deserve a better place in this ‘thankless’ industry, as you have often inculcated in me. You made sure that I am aware of the pitfalls of the world of entertainment. And you advised me to save up for the rainy days (something you never did yourself).
“There are no goodbyes, Direk, only good memories… I will always remember your big voice and your even bigger, uncontrollable mouth! Haha. And I shall always remember you with fondness and gratitude.”
By now ay nakabalik na ng bansa ang pamilya ni Direk Gil mula sa New York, USA at maaaring malaman ang detalye ng burol nito sa social media. (MELL T. NAVARRO)