By ROBERT R. REQUINTINA
This was confirmed by June Rufino, manager of Delos Reyes. “It is w/ deep sadness that we inform everyone that our beloved Maryo J. Delos Reyes passed away at 10 pm January 27, 2018. Details of his wake and funeral services to follow. We have loved him in life, let us not forget him in this time of sorrow.”
Reports said that Delos Reyes was attending a party in Dipolog City with a friend when he suffered a heart attack.
Delos Reyes rose to fame as a filmmaker when he directed the blockbuster youth-oriented movie “Bagets” in 1984. He followed it up with other movies such as “Sinungaling Mong Puso,” “My Other Woman,” “Magnifico,” the film that won several international awards and launched the career of Jiro Manio.
The seasoned director also shot the movie “Naglalayag” starring Nora Aunor and Yul Servo. In 2016, he directed his last movie “The Unmarried Wife” which stars Angelica Panganiban, Dingdong Dantes and Paulo Avelino.
On television, Delos Reyes was behind the popular teleseryes “Impostora” (2007), “Saan Darating Ang Umaga” (2008), “Nino (2014),” Pari Ko’y” (2015), “Someone To Watch Over Me” (2016), etc.
Prior to his demise, Delos Reyes was shooting the newest Kapuso teleserye “Hindi Ko Kayang Iwan Ka.” The Yasmien Kurdi-starrer which tackles AIDS is set to premiere on February 5.
Last Tuesday, Delos Reyes attended the blog conference for the movie “Instalado.” He was also active in the TOFARM filmmaking and songwriting contests that celebrate farming and farmers.
In December, Delos Reyes attended his last Christmas party for members of the entertainment press. It was also organized by former actor-turned congressman Yul Servo of the 3rd District of Manila.
Delos Reyes, who discovered Servo, has said in his speech that he doesn’t really want Servo to enter politics and wanted him to focus on showbiz. Still the film director supported the dream of the award-winning actor to join politics.
“Sabi ko kay Yul, ‘Payag na akong pumasok ka sa pulitika basta sa isang kundisyon – wag na wag kang magnanakaw!” Delos Reyes told the entertainment press during the party held at Anabel’s in Timog, Quezon City.
Showbiz mourns
Members of the entertainment industry mourned the death of Delos Reyes.
“I’m in shock. Learned really sad news tonight. Philippine Cinema lost one of its finest directors. May you Rest In Peace Direk Maryo J. Delos Reyes… we did so many projects together and had the best times! You will be missed. Thank you for everything Direk!! said Ruffa Gutierrez on Twitter.
“Mahal na mahal kita direk.. ang hirap tanggapin,” said Orlando Sol, one of his talents, on Instagram. Delos Reyes was also the manager of the all-male group Masculados.