Marichu 'Manay Ichu' Maceda has passed away

The Philippine film industry mourns the passing of Maria Azucena Vera-Perez Maceda, affectionately known as “Manay Ichu,” on Monday, September 7.

In a flash report made by dzBB, the Pioneer of Philippine Cinema has died due to an ongoing illness.

Ali Sotto said, “Nakikiramay po tayo sa naiwan ni Manay Ichu.

“Matagal na pong may karamdaman si Manay Ichu, as she is lovingly called. So she has been ill for a long time. Lumalaban lang siya.

“For the past days, marami ang request for her healing but God, in His wisdom, has decided to bring her home.

“Sa lahat ng nagmamahal sa pamilya ni Manay Ichu, labis po ang aming pakikiramay.”

Manay Ichu in FAMAS 2013 with Kapuso actor Benjamin Alves / Source: Jude Bautista

Manay Ichu grew up in the industry, having hailed from the Vera-Perez family, who owned Sampaguita Pictures and was one of the biggest film productions from the '30s to the '70s.

She also became a producer of highly-acclaimed films including Dyesebel and Batch '81.

Among her many accolades, she has helped found the Movie Workers Welfare Foundation (Mowelfund), the Film Developmental Council of the Philippines, the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), the Film Academy of the Philippines, the Philippine Motion Picture Producers Association (PMPPA), the Experimental Cinema of the Philippines (ECP), among many others.

She is survived by her five sons Emmanuel, Ernesto Jr., Erwin, Edmond, and Edward Maceda.