The passing on Tuesday of acclaimed director Mario O’Hara has saddened his colleagues in the entertainment industry who quickly took to Twitter to pay their respects, calling him an “underappreciated gem,” a “national treasure”, and “a great loss to the industry”.
Director Quark Henares posted this tribute to O’Hara on both his Twitter and Facebook accounts: “You were one of the most underappreciated gems in Philippine cinema, and you will forever shine as a writer, director and actor. Thank you for your films, and for giving me that push of confidence when I needed it the most. RIP Mario O’ Hara.”
Actress Nadia Montenegro tweeted, “RIP Direk Mario O’ Hara. It was an honor to have worked w u. U will be surely missed. We love u Direk!!”
Another actress, Iza Calzado simply tweeted, “May he rest in peace.”
Musician Ely Buendia, frontman of the rock band Pupil lamented, “Bagong Hari, my favorite Mario O’ Hara film, is lost for all eternity. This is how we treat great works of great directors.”
Writer and talent manager Noel Ferrer posted, “May you Rest in Peace – Direk Mario O’Hara - a brillliant person, a great loss in our industry…”
Veteran entertainment journalist Isah Red tweeted, “Mario O’Hara. One Philippine cinema’s more sensible directors. Directed the now classic Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos. Really sad.”
Nora Aunor and Christopher de Leon in 'Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos', Mario O'Hara's masterpiece.
Speaking of Direk Mario’s acclaimed classic, film enthusiast Jojo De Vera announced, “For its July-September quarter, the National Museum of Singapore will be screening the Mario O’Hara classic Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos.”
Independent filmmaker Pepe Diokno tweeted: “Saddened by Mario O’ Hara’s passing. What a loss for our cinema. Let’s please have a retrospective of his work.”
Another indie director, Francis Xavier Pasion, recalled a close encounter with the late director with this tweet, “I am happy to hav met Direk Mario, and worked w his niece- Denise and his brother Jerry. He is a legend to them. RIP DIREK MARIO O’HARA.”
Acoustic singer and fashion designer Miki Hahn posted, “RIP Direct Mario O’hara. =( I’m so blessed to have been able to work with you.”
Concert producer and events manager Pelita Peralta-Uy also recalled a recent encounter with the director: “When I saw Direk Mario O Hara on the set of Nora Aunor’s teleserye last yr., he was strong. Didn’t expect that he will leave us soon.”
Character actor and assistant director Peter Serrano, tweeted, “Praying for the soul of one of the Best Artists I have ever known. Be with God, Mario O Hara.”
Even those that Direk Mario never got to work with were saddened by his death.
Another assistant director, Karla Pambid, felt bad about missing a golden opportunity, “I am sad that I wasn’t able to work with you before your appointment with The Boss. Rest well Direk Mario O’Hara. You will be missed.”
And production assistant Margaux Bunyi tweeted, “RIP Direk Mario O’ Hara… Sayang di kita nakatrabaho. Maraming salamat sa naiambag nyo sa sining.”
