The Philippine Film Industry still grieves the loss of Mario Margarito Jorolan de los Reyes, or Direk Maryo J, to his colleagues and countless fans.
Direk Maryo succumbed to a heart attack on the night of January 27, a day after his press conference for the upcoming wide release of the independent sci-fi film “Instalado.”
The great Bohololano filmmaker is best-remembered by his award-winning film “Magnifico,” the classic coming-of-age film “Bagets” and a string of other internationally-acclaimed and award-winning films and television series.
“Magnifico” won the “Best Feature Film” for both the Crystal Bear and the Deutsches Kinderhilfswerk Grand Prix during the Berlin Film Festival in 2004.
His other film “Naglalayag” won the Special Jury Award for “International Competition” category at the Brussels International Independent Film Festival, also in the same year.
Among his countless award-winning works on film and television were “Hindi Ko Kayang Iwan Ka,” “Munting Heredera,” “Mga Anghel na Walang Langit,” “Annie Batungbakal,” “Sinungaling Mong Puso,” “The Unmarried Wife,” and the Boholano-inspired films, “Kamoteng Kahoy” and “Bamboo Flowers.”
This National Arts Month, February that is, the Province of Bohol pays tribute to this great Boholano artist and filmmaker themed “Ani ng Sining, Alab ng Sining.”
This symbolizes the good harvest of Filipino arts and culture and the burning fire and passion with which Boholanos, like Direk Maryo, perceive and practice their age-old art forms, be it in the form of dances, poetry, sculpture, music, filmmaking and the like, as represented by The Nine Muses.
Direk Maryo J’s humility despite his world-class fame serves as an inspiration for Boholanos and a reminder to always keep our feet on the ground.
The opening of the Arts Month in Bohol is made even more meaningful because of the marvelous and amazing performances of Kontra-GaPi (Kontemporaryong Gamelan Pilipino), Resident Ethnic and Music Dance Ensemble of the UP College of Arts and Letters, UP Dilliman; DCPNHS-SPA Choir; Marvin Ablao; and Julia Joaquin of Tawag ng Tanghalan sa Showtime fame.
Bohol Arts and Cultural Heritage (BACH) Chair Lutgardo “Gardy” Labad, an award-winning composer/musical scorer/director for film and theater, was instrumental in bringing over to Bohol Kontra-GaPi, for Edru Abraham, its founder, is a close colleague of his and of Direk Maryo.
In fact, the musical group is currently visiting selected community centers, giving musically-inclined Boholanos a series of lectures, workshops and amazing world-class performances.
Last Thursday, February 8, the group performed earlier at the Bohol Cultural Center for the opening of the National Arts Month; and that evening, at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary.
February 9, Friday, they were at the cultural centers of both Maribojoc and Tubigon.
Yesterday morning, they entertained Loonanons at the Napo Community Center.
Tonight, February 11, they will be at the CPG Ancestral House Grounds at 7:00 for an evening of “Balut, Beer, Balak.”
Everyone interested to share his or her talents is invited to participate in this rare gathering of Boholano talents.
Tomorrow at 10:00 in the morning, the world-class ethnic and music ensemble will wow students at the Holy Name University.
Gov. Edgar M. Chatto tags February as the “Month of Arts and Hearts” for he believes that the expression of art comes from the heart.
He urges everyone to put our imagination into vivid forms; that is, “we just have to look at what is authentically ours, and we can do the same here, using same strategies,” he emphasized.
During Direk Maryo’s wake in Manila, the Provincial Government sent a plaque to Direk Maryo’s brother Manuel in heartfelt appreciation for the former’s outstanding “obras.”
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) also passed a resolution recognizing Direk Maryo as an outstanding Boholano artist with great contribution to Boholano artistry, culture and heritage.
During the National Arts Month opening at the Bohol Cultural Center, a copy of the said resolution was formally turned over by Gov. Chatto and Acting Vice-Gov. Venzencio B. Arcamo to the family and was received by Direk Maryo’s cousins, Bobby Raymundo and Arlene Cuevas.
The governor, a very good singer and a great lover of music himself, reminds educators to never forget their roots and to pass on the same values to their students.
He urged them to “let his (Direk Maryo’s) spirit live on.”
Another great thing to be expected for the “Arts and Love Month” is the special screening of the Metro Manila film Festival (MMFF) 2017 Best Picture “Ang Larawan” slated to happen tomorrow and on Tuesday, February 12 and 13, at the Bohol Cultural Center.
The film was based on National Artist Nick Joaquin’s classical play, “A Portrait of the Artist as a Filipino.”
Set in old pre-war Manila, “Ang Larawan” ‘tells of the story of two sisters struggling to make ends meet after their painter father falls ill and fails to produce art-it’s theme of overcoming ravaging poverty remains unfortunately relatable even today.’
Lead stars Celeste Legaspi and Rachel Alejandro have already confirmed their presence during the film’s special screening on Tuesday at 6:30 in the evening at the Bohol Cultural Center.
However, its male lead star Paulo Avelino’s personal appearance during Tuesday’s special screening has not yet still been confirmed as of press time.
The special screening of “Ang Larawan” in Bohol is even more timely as a tribute to Bohol’s very own and beloved artist as a Filipino, Direk Maryo J. delos Reyes.
With Gov. Chatto and Acting Vice-Gov. Arcamo at the Bohol Cultural Center were SEEM Cluster Head Liza M. Quirog, Gardy Labad, Prof. Marianito Luspo, CCAD Head Romulo Tagaan and Boholano artists and supporters. (PGBh/JANETV/EDCom)