One exceptional, award-winning Filipino director has lingered and stayed on top of his game for close to four decades.

With his passing, direk Maryo J. delos Reyes leaves behind a body of work unequalled in Philippine cinema, encompassing a wide range of genres, from manic teen flicks and unforgettable drama classics to riotous comedies and internationally acclaimed festival winners.

Above all, he was an actor’s director, profound in tutelage, passionate in execution, superb creative flair, and a heart of a father on set.

We all remember direk Maryo J for his helming the 1984 blockbuster Bagets, which made William Martinez, Aga Muhlach, Raymond Lauchengco, Herbert Bautista, JC Bonnin, Eula Valdes, Yayo Aguila, and Jobelle Salvador scorching teen stars then.

He also embraced pop culture with his first hit Annie Batungbakal, Diyosa, Pepe en Pilar, and Bongga Ka ‘Day.

He was behind notable cinema classics such as Saan Darating Ng Umaga, Kaya Kong Abutin Ang Langit, Kapag Napagod Ang Puso, Sinungaling Mong Puso, and Sa Ngalan Ng Pag-Ibig.

Direk Maryo J also directed a scintillating thriller Linlang, and provocative films such as Red Diaries, Laman, and A Love Story, starring Aga Muhlach and Angelica Panganiban.

But his outstanding portfolio was more than just top box-office fare.

Direk Maryo J was behind relevant, poignant, and inspirational films that drew standing ovations internationally.

Magnifico, which starred Jiro Manio in his most memorable role, was his crowning glory, as the sensational, globally recognized drama had touched hearts everywhere. It won the Crytal Bear for Best Feature Film and the Deutsches Kinderhilfswerk Grand Prix in the 2004 Berlin International Film Festival, among other filmfest awards around the world that year. Locally it bagged seven FAMAS awards and was named “Best Film of the Decade” by the Gawad Urian.

The Nora Aunor-starrer Naglalayag was another Maryo J masterpiece, garnering the Special Jury Prize in the Brussels International Film Festival. Apart from his film masterpieces, he also directed top rating teleseryes, which included Calla Lily and Mga Anghel Na Walang Langit.

His last film, Star Cinema’s The Unmarried Wife, starring Angelica Panganiban, Dingdong Dantes and Paulo Avelino released in 2016 was also celebrated. It gave Angelica a FAMAS Best Actress Award last year.

Throughout his 39 years in the entertainment industry, direk Maryo J has truly given his incredible share in uplifting the quality of Philippine cinema as he opened doors for outstanding actors, filmmakers, and film workers to make their mark and succeed in the industry.