VETERAN director and screenwriter Mel Chionglo, best known for his work on “Dyesebel” and “Iadya Mo Kami” died at 73.
Film Development Council of the Philippines director Liza Diño-Seguerra, confirmed the news Saturday.
Born in Lucena in 1946, Carmelo Chionglo graduated from the Ateneo de Manila University with a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities degree. From 1966 to 1976, he studied acting and directing at the New York Academy of Theatrical Arts under Lee Strasberg and Stella Adler. At the same time, he also worked while in school.
When he returned to Manila in 1976, Chionglo started as a production designer in director Mike de Leon’s “Itim (The Rites of May)” (1977) starring Charo Santos and “Kung Mangarap Ka’t Magising” (1978) with Christopher de Leon and Hilda Koronel.
Chionglo also wrote the screenplay for Lino Brocka’s “Wake Up, Maruja” (1978) with Susan Roces and “Ina, Kapatid, Anak” (1979), with Lolita Rodriguez, Charito Solis and Rio Locsin.
He also wrote Ishmael Bernal’s “Salawahan” (1979), starring Rio Locsin, Eddie Romero’s “Aguila” (1980) with Fernando Poe, Jr., and Laurice Guillen’s “Kasal” (1980) with Christopher de Leon and Hilda Koronel
In 1981, when Chionglo felt he was ripe enough to helm a movie, he made his directorial debut in Regal Films’ “Playgirl.” That started his illustrious directorial career that undoubtedly earned him respect in the industry and made him reap a number of awards.
He worked with a number of respected performers, including Dina Bonnevie in “Anak” (1982), Maricel Soriano in “Summer Holiday” (1983), “I Love You, I Hate You” (1983) and “Babaeng Hampaslupa” (1988), Susan Roces in “Nasaan Ka Nang Kailangan Kita” (1986) and “Paano Kung Wala Ka Na” (1987)
Chionglo also acted in “Ang Anak ni Brocka” (2005), written and directed by Sigfreid Barros Sanchez, with Gina Alajar, Phillip Salvador, Bembol Roco and Jaclyn Jose as his co-stars.
Prior to his death, Chionglo worked as Cinemalaya Film Festival’s monitoring head.
He was also nominated in the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences Awards (FAMAS Awards) for the 2016 film “Iadya Mo Kami.”
Veterans in the Filipino film and TV industry took to social media to mourn the late director’s death. (ABS-CBN)
