Fact — the Philippine film industry has always been a women-dominated industry. The Philippine cinema has always carried the indelible mark of the Filipina since the beginning.

Case in point — Atang dela Rama, the first woman National Artist who also starred in the first Filipino film 'Dalagang Bukid.' Key positions in the industry have always been held by women — Dona Sisang led LVN Pictures to its peak while Dona Nene headed its rival production company, Sampaguita Pictures. Her daughter Marichu Vera-Perez Maceda, fondly known as Manay Ichu, also made significant contributions to the film industry including her role in the organizing of Mowelfund and the lobbying for the foundation of a national film agency that later became the Film Development Council of the Philippines.