Direk Maryo J: Multi- Awarded Boholano Filmmaker

BOHOLANO PRIDE

Boholano filmmaker Maryo Jarolan De Los Reyes better known as Direk Maryo J and whose mom hails from the town of Alicia has always been known in the film industry as one of the most versatile as far as film genre is concerned. 

 The Great Director: Mario Jorolan Delos Reyes

He can effortlessly switch from musical to drama to comedy with such ease and not only collect awards for them but also make a killing at the box- office.

He also directed the youth- oriented movie of my generation. Remember Bagets? It single-handedly changed the way an entire generation in the 80's dressed up. 

Bagets 1984: Launched the careers of William M, Raymond L, Herbert B, Aga M & JC B
Photo Credit: philstar.com

Among the films that has won for him the Best Director award:

My Other Woman

Magnifico

Tagos ng Dugo

Sinungaling Mong Puso

Kapag Napagod Ang Puso

Bagets

Kaya Kong Abutin Ang Langit

Saan Darating Ang Umaga

DIRECTOR OF MOST AWARDED FILIPINO FILM EVER

Magnifico is the only Filipino film to compete in the prestigious Karlovy Vary Intl Filmfest in the Czech Republic and the most travelled to various int’l film festivals around the world.

  

It won the Grand Prix and the Crystal Bear Awards at the 2004 Berlin Kinderfilmfest and Grand Prix at the Rome Int’l Children’s Film Festival and in the Philippines has gathered to date, fifty three (53) awards in different categories

The international jury of the 27th Berlinale Kinderfilmfest (Children‘s Division) named his film, Magnifico, as its Deutches Kinderhilswerk Grand Prix winner at the Berlin Film Festival.

In so doing, direk Maryo became the first Asian to win such an award, an honor that gives a shot in the arm to what he described in his acceptance speech at the cavernous Zoo Palast in Berlin as "a struggling film industry."

The director, standing tall and proud among filmmakers from around the world (a total of 20 films were in competition) in his new barong Tagalog, accepted not just the Crystal Bear award, but a corresponding cash prize of 7,500 Euro from the international jury.

A separate five-member international jury composed of filmmakers from around the world meanwhile, also adjudged Magnifico the Grand Prix winner in the same category.

It’s a double win therefore, for Direk Maryo, who almost did not make it to Berlin to receive his prize.

THE FIRST & ONLY GRANDSLAM FILIPINO DIRECTOR 

Direk Maryo J during Bamboo Flowers shoot in Bohol

For the film Magnifico, he has won the best director awards from the seven award- giving bodies for film: FAMAS, FAP, GAWAD URIAN, PMPC STAR AWARD, GAWAD TANGLAW, PASADO AND THE GOLDEN SCREEN AWARD making him the first and only grand slam director in the best director category in Philippine movie history.

He also won Best Director in the 2004 Manila Film Festival for his latest work “Naglalayag” (Silent Passage) Maryo J. delos Reyes has come full circle.

Twenty years after capturing the hearts of the young crowd with the blockbuster film Bagets, the 52-year-old director has earned a greater honor, again in a picture about the undying idealism of youth.

MOST RECENT RECOGNITION & AWARDS

Recognized, honoured and awarded as one of the Ten Most Outstanding Boholanos from all over the world (2003) for Film & Cinema awarded the 2004 Rajah Sikatuna Award by the Province of Bohol for Magnifico

Received Pamana Arts Legacy Award for film 2003 in the Filipino- American Arts Exposition Festival and Parade in San Francisco, USA.

He has also been awarded one of the Most Outstanding Alumni of the College of Mass Communication Alumni Assn of the University of the Philippines for Broadcast Communication in 1990 and given a plaque of recognition for cinema arts at the UP College of Mass Communication, Silver Jubilee Celebration in 2001

In July 2004, he has been awarded outstanding alumnus of the UP College of Mass Communication Alumni Assn for his work in Magnifico.

A VERY HUMBLE BOHOLANO

Despite the fame and recognition that he has earned through hard work, dedication to his craft and of course with his penchant & flair for filmmaking, DIrek Matyo J has remain grounded and level- headed.  

with Direk Maryo J at his residence in Tagbilaran City

Every time he comes to Bohol for rest & recreation, he never fails to invite us to his abode where he regales with his anecdotes about his work and his dream for Bohol.

Did you know that he has been supporting some scholars and some schools here sans the fanfare and publicity?

That’s Direk Maryo J for you

Attending our first New Year's Eve Party at Direk Maryo J's place in Pansol, Laguna, Dec 30 2005

It was to become an annual tradition that Direk would throw for his close friends.