Mother Lily endorses Villar:
MANNY PO!

Senate President Manny Villar received an endorsement from influential film producer Mother Lily Monteverde in a joint press conference held yesterday at the Imperial Suites in Quezon City.

The Regal matriarch said, You have before you the S.T. King and Queen. When I say S.T., I mean Sipag at Tiyaga. The Sipag at Tiyaga King is no other than Senator Manny Villar, my new ka-love team.

Mother Lily recounted, I remember that the first movie that Regal Films produced was Kayod sa Umaga, Kayod sa Gabi. In those days, Regal had only very few people so I was all-around. I conferred with the director, the late Channing Carlos. I went to the shooting. I was the caterer, the field cashier, and the production assistant. I helped with the post-production and supervised the booking, distribution and promotions.

That was over 30 years ago, and up to now, even if Regal has employees, I am still all-around kayod sa umaga, kayod sa gabi. In business, I have learned the importance of hard work and being hands-on. Regal will be 44 years old in August. We have gone through many ups and downs. We have survived through the help and support of the press, actors and actresses, creative personnel, the staff and the movie audience. I have come close to giving up many times, but my sheer determination and resolve have helped me carry on. Alam ko kasi na kapag may sipag at tiyaga, makakaya at makakaya rin lahat ng problema. Magtatagumpay rin.

I am proud to present to you a man whose life is proof of what sipag at tiyaga can do. His life is inspiring, it is like a movie. From his humble beginnings as a fish vendor, he became a working student and became a successful businessman. He is now working to give opportunities to hardworking Filipinos to fulfill their dreams.

Senator Manny, I applaud your efforts. You are truly a sipag at tiyaga star. I am privileged to have met you, Mother Lily said.