Acclaimed director Peque Gallaga died of multiple health complications in Bacolod City, his hometown, on Thursday. He was 76.
Gallaga died at 11:45 on Thursday morning as confirmed by his brother Ricky Gallaga and June Rufino, a close friend to the screenwriter and director, in separate messages to the media.
On May 5, Rufino shared in a Facebook post that the award-winning filmmaker was brought to the hospital due to “complications from his past health conditions.” His family later confirmed he also had pneumonia.
Born Maurice Ruiz de Luzuriaga Gallaga, the veteran director and screenwriter had a career that spanned almost five decades. His most revered works were the classics Oro, Plata, Mata (1982) and Scorpio Nights (1985).
Gallaga debuted as a filmmaker when he directed Binhi in 1973. Some of his most notable films include a segment from Shake, Rattle & Roll (1984, 1990, 1991), Magic Temple (1986) and Tiyanak (1988). His last listed work was T’yanak (2014) with his constant collaborator, Lore Reyes.
Gallaga wrote 14 films, including the remake of his own masterpiece Scorpion Nights in 1999. He also appeared in 11 movies as an actor, including a pivotal role in Jose Rizal in 1998.
Gallaga’s last directorial work was the action fantasy Magikland. The movie is in post-production, and is billed as the most expensive local film ever produced and is intended for the 2020 edition of the annual Metro Manila Film Festival.
He is survived by his wife Madie Gallaga and son Wanggo.