Regal Entertainment matriarch Lily Monteverde is leading a simpler life these days. The reason for this, the lady producer admits, is because of the ailing economy of the country. And she still wants to produce movies despite the fact that the local film industry, according to Mother Lily, is in "critical condition."
"Before, I used to buy 500-[US] dollar clothes in the US, but now I go to tiangge to buy clothes," she playfully boasts at the press conference of the movie Mag-ingat Ka Sa...Kulam last night, September 6, at the Imperial Palace Suites. "This blouse I'm wearing, I bought this 12 years ago!" she says then laughed heartily.
But even though Mother Lily is veering away from the extravagant lifestyle she has known all these years, one thing remains constant—her being outspoken especially about issues and intrigues surrounding her and her film outfit.
When asked about Angel Locsin, the Regal matriarch was quick to voice out her dislike towards the actress' business manager, Becky Aguila. It can be recalled that both camps almost faced each other in court when Angel allegedly disregarded her existing contract with Regal when she signed a film contract with Star Cinema after transferring to ABS-CBN from GMA-7.
Mother Lily admits that she has not burned her bridges with Angel yet.
"I just don't like her manager," she stresses. "I don't have any problems with Angel. I still like her. Hindi ko lang talaga gusto ang manager niya. Because she lies! Even her lawyer lies!"
She continues, "I understand Angel's situation. Sumusunod lang naman siya sa manager niya. Kung ano ang inutos sa kanya, yun ang gagawin niya."
Will she pursue the case against Angel's camp?
"If I will file an injunction, magkakaproblema ang Star Cinema. And I don't want to hurt anybody anymore. I only released Angel because of Gabby [Lopez, ABS-CBN owner]."
Reports said that there was an ex-deal of sort with Regal Films and Star Cinema, that she can "borrow" any of the top male stars of ABS-CBN's film outfit that she can cast on any of her movies.
"No ex-deal," says Mother Lily. "Puwede akong manghiram, pero kung ayaw nila, wala akong magagawa."
Reports said that Angel sent her flowers. How did she react to that gesture?
"I appreciate the flowers, pero hindi ako na-touch."
What if Angel comes knocking on her door?
"As I said, wala akong problema kay Angel. Ayoko lang talaga sa manager niya. I will still accept Angel, after all, she is still my daughter."
KATRINA'S CASE. Another issue that has been hounding Mother Lily these days is about Katrina Halili. Reports said that the lady producer will file a case against the actress because, just like in Angel's case, Katrina signed a contract with OctoArts Films even though she still has an existing contract with Angel.
"Months ago they signed a contract with us," begins Mother Lily. "And up to now, she's supposed to fulfill that contract."
Is is true that she's suing Katrina for doing a movie with OctoArts Films?
"We wrote her a letter to explain her side. But she did not reply. We wrote her again another letter, we even wrote to GMA [7]. We are only asking for an explanation. But until now, wala pa rin silang sagot. She only has to do another movie sa amin, tapos ang problema," Mother Lily stresses.
On a lighter note, Regal Entertainment starts its year-long 48th year anniversary on October 1 with the nationwide showing of Mag-ingat Ka Sa...Kulam. The movie stars Judy Ann Santos and Dennis Trillo. Written and directed by Palanca awardee Jun Lana, the movie promises to give everyone a "good scare."
Mother Lily will also be a contestant in Kris Aquino's Kapamilya, Deal Or No Deal, and according to some reports, a TV special with ABS-CBN is in the offing honoring her contribution in the local film industry.