Manay Ichu passes away at 77

Maria Azucena "Manay Ichu" Vera-Perez Maceda passed away on Monday, September 7. She was 77.

DzBB Super Radyo reported the unfortunate news on Twitter, and according to GMA News anchor Arnold Clavio, Manay Ichu's son Erwin Maceda confirmed the news.

Manay Ichu is a well-known and hailed personality in the film industry.

JUST IN: Maria Azucena "Manay Ichu" Vera-Perez Maceda, pumanaw na. pic.twitter.com/6F7IwXlw1y

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) September 7, 2020

According to the Mowelfund, Manay Ichu "literally grew up with movies already at her sight having witnessed how films were created as she played at Sampaguita Compound, where most Sampaguita films took place."

Manay Ichu is recognized by several films including "Batch '81" and "Dysebel," which Manay Ichu herself produced.

Manay Ichu is also one of the key persons behind several Philippine cinema organizations including Movie Workers Welfare Foundation (Mowelfund), The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP), the Philippine Motion Pictures Producers Association, the Experimental Cinema of the Philippines, Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), Philippine Motion Pictures Producers Association (PMPPA), and the Experimental Cinema of the Philippines (ECP). — Jannielyn Ann Bigtas/LA, GMA News