Charo Santos mourns director Mike De Leon's death, pays heartfelt tribute

Friday, August 29, 2025 at 12:21 AM

by Triz Pereña

3 min read

Charo Santos paid a heartfelt tribute to veteran director Mike De Leon following his passing at the age of 78
She remembered him as her first mentor in filmmaking, praising his guidance, discipline, and generosity throughout her career
Charo reflected on their deep friendship and collaboration, describing how he was a steady presence during both milestones and challenging times in her life
She emphasized that Mike’s artistry and the impact of his films will continue to resonate, leaving a lasting legacy in Philippine cinema

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The Philippine entertainment industry is in mourning as veteran director Mike De Leon has passed away at the age of 78.

Charo Santos mourns director Mike De Leon's death, pays heartfelt tribute (@charosantos)
Source: Instagram

Among those paying tribute is veteran actress and media executive Charo Santos, who shared heartfelt memories of her mentor and friend on social media. Accompanying a series of photos featuring the director, Charo wrote:

“Today, I lost a dear friend.

Mike was my very first mentor in the art and discipline of filmmaking. Mike taught me everything—from the rigor of preparing a shot list to the mounting of scenes, the rhythm of narrative, the editing, and the discipline of sound, music, and mixing back when motion picture was shot on actual film. Mike was a perfectionist, a genius, and a true master of cinema. Yet beyond his brilliance, Mike was my friend. He gave me trust, guidance, and unforgettable moments of collaboration. Through the years, Mike was unfailingly present at milestones and even in the most challenging seasons of my life. In my darkest hours, Mike was there, quiet, steady, kind. Ours was a bond that felt like soulmates in artistry, a connection built on respect and admiration.”

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Charo continued to reflect on Mike’s cinematic contributions, describing how his works left an indelible mark on both audiences and the industry:

“Mike gave us films that were not merely watched, but deeply felt, etched into who we are. Kisapmata, Batch ’81, Kung Mangarap Ka’t Magising, Kakabakaba Ka Ba and Itim were never just films; they were mirrors, unflinching in their truth, forcing us to confront ourselves and the world we live in.”

In a poignant revelation about her final conversations with Mike, Charo shared a deeply personal moment:

“I will never forget the last time we spoke, as we were preparing a film together, its working title: Unfinished Business. Mike said, ‘I don’t think I will live to finish this film because of my condition, so I don’t even want to start it.’ Heartbreaking words from a man who had devoted his entire life to cinema and to truth.”

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Despite the grief, Charo emphasized that Mike’s impact endures through his art:

“Mike’s departure feels like a scene cut too soon, an unfinished business. And yet, in truth, Mike’s work is complete. His films will forever illuminate our history, our fears, and our dreams.”

She concluded her tribute with a final farewell:

“Paalam, Mike. Maraming salamat. Rest in power. Nagmamahal, Charo.”

Charo Santos is a highly respected Filipino media executive, actress, and television host. She is best known as the longtime host of Maalaala Mo Kaya, the longest-running drama anthology in the Philippines. Born on October 27, 1955, Charo rose to prominence in the entertainment industry not only for her acting but also for her work behind the scenes as an executive. She served as the President and later the CEO of ABS-CBN from 2008 to 2016. Even after stepping down as CEO, she remained active as the network's Chief Content Officer.