What is Mother Lily's job before Regal Films?

MANILA - Lily Monteverde, or Lily Yu Monteverde, in real life, turned 70 years old today, August 19.

Before establishing Regal Films, Monteverde, a Chinese-Filipino, initially started out selling popcorns in Mandaluyong and Manila.

Through her popcorn business, she was able to raise P7,000, which she used to buy the rights to re-issue the Hollywood movie "All Mine to Give." The movie grossed half a million pesos in box-office receipts and became the start of her filmmaking career.

In 1974, she produced "Kayod sa Araw, Kayod sa Gabi," which reportedly grossed P4 million. The film was said to be the birth of Regal Films.

Regal Films has launched the careers of big celebrities like Snooky Serna, brothers William and Albert Martinez, Dina Bonnevie, Gabby Concepcion, Maricel Soriano, Aga Muhlach and Kris Aquino.

To date, the prominent businesswoman-producer has produced nearly 300 films.

In 2000, she received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Cinemanila International Film Festival.

To keep herself healthy and young looking, Monteverde exercises regularly. She loves walking and strolling in big malls here and abroad.