Local film industry’s pillar Maria Azucena “Marichu” Vera-Perez Maceda passed away Monday morning. She was 77.
Her death was confirmed by her sister, Lilibeth Nakpil.
Manay Ichu, as she was known in showbiz, was the eldest child of “starbuilder” Dr. Jose R. Perez and Nena Vera Perez of the pioneering Sampaguita Pictures, one of the most successful studio houses in the Philippines. Sampaguita Pictures was known for shaping the careers of some of the country’s cinematic icons like Eddie Garcia, Rogelio dela Rosa, Paraluman, Lolita Rodriguez, Eddie Gutierrez, Ramon Revilla, Dolphy, Gloria Romero, and Susan Roces, to name a few.
The Vera-Perez and Maceda family said in a statement that the cause of death was “cardio respiratory failure.” The family asked that instead of flowers, donations be made to the Movie Workers’ Welfare Fund or MOWELFUND.
