‘Unforgettable’ Fritz Ynfante remembered by PH showbiz industry for brilliant creative vision

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Martin Nievera, who hosted the Ynfante-helmed music show 'Penthouse Live,' credits his television career to the late director

MANILA, Philippines – Veteran film and television director and actor Fritz Ynfante is remembered by the local entertainment industry for his sharp eye and prolific creative vision.

Ynfante, who was the creative force behind ’80s music show Penthouse Live, died at the age of 84 on July 21. He would have turned 85 in August.

Tributes from celebrities and industry greats poured in upon the announcement of his passing — each figure honoring his legacy as a brilliant mind.

Legendary singer Martin Nievera, who had hosted Penthouse Live alongside Pops Fernandez, was one of the first to pay tribute to Ynfante, mourning the loss of “one of the industry’s best and most demanding directors.”

“There was no compromise. It was his way or the super highway! He was a perfectionist to a fault, but that was only because he knew he could get the very best out of all those he directed, mentored and loved. His choice of words were a language all his own, but he got the job done,” Nievera wrote.

Nievera said that Ynfante was instrumental to his television career, as it was the late director who had first taken a chance on him through Penthouse Live.

“Tito Fritz I will forever be grateful. I will miss you. Thank you for all you did not just for me, but for all of us whose careers you scolded and molded until each of our dreams came true. I love you!” Nievera added.

Actors and singers like Ogie Alcasid, Zsa Zsa Padilla, and Karylle, joined in on Nievera’s tribute to Ynfante, leaving messages of their own under his post.

Under Martin Nievera’s tribute post on Instagram, various celebrities leave comments remembering Fritz Ynfante. Screenshot from Martin Nievera’s Instagram

Nievera’s Penthouse Live co-host, “Concert Queen” Pops Fernandez, then posted a photo of Ynfante’s obituary, thanking him for all he has done for her.

Actress Dawn Zulueta had done the same, writing that she hopes Ynfante will rest in peace.

Leo Katigbak, the head of ABS-CBN Film Restoration Project, had first worked with Ynfante on the set of Penthouse Live, where he had taken on the role of continuity writer. Their paths would cross again after Katigbak’s transfer to ABS-CBN.

“Fritz Ynfante was unforgettable, can have a temper though it was rarely directed at me when we worked together. He was so much fun to be with, regaling us with stories behind the scenes and working with the greats in the industry,” Katigbak wrote, attesting that anyone would be lucky to meet the late director.

“He was smart, artistic, strongly opinionated, creative and inspiring. Will miss you Tito Fritz. I am glad I had the opportunity to witness and experience your genius and enormous talent,” he added.

Aside from his work as a director, Ynfante also appeared in various movies, such as Spirit Warriors, Enteng ng Ina Mo, José Rizal, and Dobol Trobol: Let’s Get Redi 2 Rambol!, among others. – Rappler.com