By Manuel L. Morato
Maria Azucena Vera-Perez Maceda whom I called Marichu since our younger days passed away last September 7; wife of the late Senator Ernesto “Ernie” Maceda, a classmate of my late nephew, Jaime (Jimmy) Morato Hidalgo in Ateneo.
I’ve always called her “Marichu” but better known in the movie circle as Manay Ichu. She was 77 years old.
Daughter of Doctor Jose (Pingoy) Roxas Perez and Doña Nene Vera-Perez, there is one thing I can honestly say that Sampaguita Pictures was known for decent and wholesome movies. As Chairman of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) from 1986 to 1992, I never had any problem with the Sampaguita Pictures; never had any scene shortened or cut for Sampaguita Pictures practiced self-regulation and followed the dictates of the law. The Sampaguita Pictures was known for wholesome family pictures, and looking back, Doña Nene would have never allowed, nor her husband Doctor Vera Perez in their lifetime.
Doña Nene, Marichu’s mother, passed away in May of 2014 as I was informed by their youngest son Cocoy. She, too, was a lady of the old school. She was a demure lady who would laugh at Daisy Romualdez and my jokes and stories. Dr. Pingoy Roxas Perez passed away in July 1975. Their son Pepito passed away last year, 2019.
To the five sons she left behind: Emmanuel, Ernesto Jr., Erwin, Edmond and Edward: to her brother Cocoy and sister Gina and husband Joe de Venecia (my childhood friend), former Speaker of the House for many years; Cocoy is the youngest son; to all of you, I extend my deepest sympathy.
I did not know that Marichu passed away. I only learned last night, September 13, from the secretary of Gina and Joe, Mr. Aldwin Requejo; whom I asked “meron bang may sakit sa Vera Perez family?” He answered and told me that “Manay Marichu passed away last Monday and was buried today at 4:00 P.M.”
Meron kasi nabanggit sa akin kahapon na “may namatay daw sa pamilya ng mga Vera Perez ng Sampaguita Pictures.”
Marichu, may your soul rest in eternal peace with the Lord and the Blessed Virgin Mary forever and ever. AMEN.
I am sorry, I got the news too late. My apologies to the entire family and to all members of the movie industry in which Marichu was very active in the MOWELFUND.
For comments and suggestions email at mlmorato@yahoo.com
