Almost every week this year, a popular movie personality—artist, director, or production people passes on to the beyond.
Now local showbiz is mourning popular director Romy Suzara. He was 83.
According to action star Efren Reyes, Jr. colleagues have been swarming him with calls about Romy's passing.
"Daming tawag na wala na si Direk Romy (I have been receiving calls that Director Romy is already gone)," said Efren who had been directed by Suzara in several films.
"Si Dindo Arroyo at iba pa, tumawag sa akin. Malungkot siya dahil namatay na raw si Direk (Dindo Arroyo called me. He was sad because Direk is dead)," he shared.
"Di ba, matagal na siya (He had long been confined at the) Philippine Heart Center," informed Reyes.
Suzara made a name as an action-drama director. Some of his memorable fiilms included "Mga Uod at Rosas" which starred Johnny Delgado, Lorna Tolentino and Nora Aunor, "Pepeng Shotgun" which featured Rudy Fernandez and Tetchi Agbayani, "Sutla" which top-billed Gary Estrada and Priscilla Almeda, among other films.
Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. posted in his Facebook page that Suzara, known for his films “Mga Uod at Rosas,” “Pepeng Shotgun” and “Sarah… Ang Munting Prinsesa,” has passed away, reported Inquirer.net.
Suzara’s death was announced by Revilla, who worked with the director in the 1997 movie “Pag-Ibig Ko Sa Iyo’y Totoo,” Revilla shared on his FB page yesterday August 22.
“It is with heavy heart to announce the passing of one of the Philippine movie industry’s most prolific and seasoned filmmakers – Direk Romy Suzara,” Revilla stated. “Nakakalungkot at napakasakit po na isa na naman sa mga malalapit sa atin sa industriya ang namaalam.” (It is sad and painful that one of the people we are closest to in the industry has left us.)
Revilla paid tribute to Suzara and spoke about the director’s contribution to the film industry. Revilla also regarded working with Suzara as one of the actor’s “humbling and worthy experiences” in his career.
“Thank you, Direk Romy, for sharing your life, passion, and excellence with us,” he added. “Ang iyong talento at pagmamahal sa industriya ng Pelikulang Pilipino ay hinding-hindi namin malilimutan.” (Your talent and love for the Filipino film industry will never be forgotten.)
Suzara’s family is yet to release a statement on the director’s death, as of this writing.
Aside from Revilla, Suzara worked with veteran actors Rudy Fernandez, Johnny Delgado, Nora Aunor and Lorna Tolentino, among others. Suzara also won best director for “Mga Uod at Rosas” at the first Film Academy of the Philippines awards in 1982.