Director Mario O' Hara rushed to the hospital

Theater and film director Mario O’Hara was brought to the hospital this Wednesday, June 20. According to Direk Mario’s younger brother, Jerry, the veteran director is currently undergoing chemotherapy for his leukemia. This was relayed to PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) by Dennis Adobas, a longtime friend of Direk Mario. The O’Hara family declined to give the name of the hospital where Direk Mario was admitted since doctors have advised them not to allow visitors at this time. Jerry also revealed that Direk Mario was diagnosed with leukemia only last week. The 65-year-old director has a career spanning four decades. He wrote the screenplays of award-winning movies such as Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang (1974) and Insiang (1976), which were directed by the National Artist for Film Lino Brocka. Direk Mario eventually became known for his own directorial style, as seen in his notable films such as Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos (1976), Condemned (1984), Bulaklak ng City Jail (1984), and Babae sa Breakwater (2003). The latter was also chosen as the Best Film of the Decade during the 2011 Gawad Urian. Direk Mario was also chosen as one of Cinema One Originals 2011 Honorary Awardees. His latest film was the 2010 Cinemalaya entry Ang Paglilitis ni Andres Bonifacio, which starred Alfred Vargas as the Supremo. Direk Mario also previously helmed the Nora Aunor-starrer Sa Ngalan ng Ina, which aired on TV5 in 2011. The renowned thespian also wrote Stage Show, a musical that will be part of the 26th season of Tanghalang Pilipino. It revolves around aging veterans of Filipino stage shows/bodabil caught between love for their art and economic survival. According to Adobas, Tirso Cruz III will make his theater debut through Stage Show, which is scheduled to run this October. Direk Mario was also handpicked by Nora Aunor to direct a movie that she will produce, and will star John Rendez. -- Jocelyn Dimaculangan, PEP