Acclaimed director Marilou Diaz Abaya passes away

Local showbiz is in mourning again.
This time with the passing of acclaimed director Marilou Diaz Abaya after months of battling breast cancer.
Abaya died at the St. Luke’s Hospital in Taguig. She was 57. Her body was brought to the chapel of the Ateneo de Manila University where she taught for many years.

The multi-awarded filmmaker was noted for movies in the 1980s that fearlessly tackled social issues with strong female characters: “Tanikala,” “Brutal,” “Moral,” “Karnal,” “Baby Tsina.” 
In the 1990s, the lady director was at the helm of several award-winning projects that were recognized here and abroad, such as “Milagros” “Sa Pusod ng Dagat,” “José Rizal,” and “Muro Ami.” 
She continued working even after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007. She wrote and directed “Ikaw ang Pag-ibig,” which was screened September of last year. It centered on religious faith and devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia and told of a priest who was suffering from leukemia. It was her last film.
Direk Marilou worked with her husband, cinematographer Manolo Abaya, in several projects. Their sons, David and Marc, are also in the entertainment field.
Her top actors – Cesar Montano and wife Sunshine – mourned the passing of Director Abaya.
Cesar earned acclaimed ih the movies “Jose Rizal” and “Muro Ami” which Abaya directed.
Other celebrities expressed their sympathies and reached out to the beveared on Twitter, newspaper Malaya reported. 
Sunshine C. Montano (@shinemontano) wrote on Twitter: “RIP to our ninang, Direk Marilou Diaz Abaya. We will truly miss you direk..:( This is really sad but we know you are in a better place now).”
Others who extended sympathies on Twitter were:
Marvin Agustin (@marvin_agustin): Good bye my teacher. I will never forget you. Thank you for everything you›ve taught me. I love you Direk Marilou… I love you.
Kean Cipriano (@keancipriano): RIP direk marilou diaz-abaya. My deepest condolences to the whole family.
Ping Medina (@PingMedina): Your body may have faded, but your soul is forever mighty. We will miss you, direk Marilou.
Mikee C. Jaworski (@mikeecj): We pray for the soul of Direk Marilou Diaz Abaya and for the comfort of her family and those who love her. Rest in peace. Gone too soon.
Bianca Gonzalez (@iamsuperbianca): rest in peace direk marilou diaz abaya. 🙁 your beautiful films made me take up film in college. you are an inspiration.
zsa zsa padilla (@zsazsapadilla): Oh my! So sad to hear about the passing of Direk Marilou Diaz-Abaya. I worked with her on two films. 🙁
Gina Alajar (@ginalajar28): Rest in peace Mama Marilou Diaz-Abaya. You are a great warrior! You will not be forgotten. I love you!
Aiza Seguerra (@aizaseguerra): RIP Direk Marilou Diaz-Abaya. Nakakapanghinayang na hindi man lang kita nakatrabaho.