By Nestor Cuartero
UST A THOUGHT: “You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.” – John Bunyan
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WAY AHEAD OF MOTHER’S DAY: It’s a bit too early for Mother’s Day, celebrated on the first Sunday of May each year, yet Lily Monteverde is bent on pushing the celebration starting on January 17.
That’s when the legendary woman producer opens a new film, Mama’s Girl, which attempts to explain or bridge the gap between today’s millennials and parents of a certain age.
The film stars in primary roles the emerging young loveteam between Diego Loyzaga and Sofia Andres. Playing Sofia’s mother is the ever prolific Sylvia Sanchez.
Asked why she’s showing the film in January instead of in May, Mother Lily said: “Every day should be Mother’s Day.’’
Regal Films has nurtured a long tradition in screening films intended as Mother’s Day offerings. It all started during the movie company’s peak in the 1980s and 90s. Among these titles are Oh, My Mama, Mother Dear, To Mama with Love. These films had a captive audience, turning them into big hits.
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INSPIRATIONAL DRAMA: Producer Roselle Monteverde calls Regal’s 2018 opening salvo an inspirational drama.
“Mama’s Girl” tackles issues facing parents and children today.
The film, says director Connie Macatuno, opens an issue as it tries to bridge the gap between thrill-seeking millennials and the overly concerned older generation.
“Everyone stands to learn a thing or two from this film,” says Roselle.
After playing so many mother roles on TV and films – usually conservative, martyr-like, and frumpy, losyang in her own words – Sylvia portrays “Ibang tipo naman ng nanay ang makikilala nila – makabago, millennial mom, a fighter.”
She believes many can identify with the character of Sofia Andres. “Angmillennials, madalas hindi lubos na naiintindihan ang kanilang mga magulang.”
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WORDS OF WISDOM – A veteran of many personal battles and struggles, Sylvia is overflowing with words of wisdom culled from experience for her co-actors in “Mama’s Girl.”
Here are some of her choice cuts, spoken like an inspirational guru: ‘Don’t let the harsh words of others bring you down. Don’t mind them. Laugh over the negative remarks, but do something about it. Work hard at your craft. Just carry on. Always do your best.
‘I persevered despite the ugly words thrown my way. I used them as a challenge. It’s like turning the negative into positive.
‘How did I do it? Through sheer love. I loved my profession, my co-actors, the people I worked with, the entire production. I also prayed a lot.
‘Huwag maging pasaway. The higher you go in this business, the more humble you should become. And the better actor you must be. So learn, learn, learn. Study your part in this industry to survive and to last long.’’
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BASED ON PERSONAL HURTS: Sylvia speaks from experience. When she was new in showbiz, she heard the most hurtful words thrown at her face. “Di ko sila pinansin, di ako pumatol, ginawa ko ang makakaya ko. Salamat sa Diyos at maraming nagtiwala sa akin.”
She recalled that Mother Lily and directors Peque Gallaga and Lore Reyes were among the few who believed in her, “Pinagkatiwalaan nila ako.”
Sylvia was among the most beautiful faces of the 80s, and among the sexiest, too. She was to emerge much later as a good character actress on TV soaps and films. Versatile in any role.
The veteran actress earned the highest honors in 2017 as she played the part of a memory-challenged mother in TV series, The Greatest Love. It was to be the turning point in her career after 27 long years of being an extra and support actress.
