PHILIPPINE movie industry icon Kitchie Benedicto died at her residence in Pasig City on August 4, 2021, at 74, her son-in-law Negros Occidental Vice Governor Jeffrey P. Ferrer confirmed.
"It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Kitchie Benedicto Paulino, on August 4, 2021 at 74 years old, surrounded by her loved ones in her home. She leaves behind her 4 children, 14 grandchildren, and 1 great granddaughter. For those who want to pay their final respects and tribute to Mom, we will soon announce an online memorial service. Thank you for your love, support, and prayers," a statement issued by the family of the late Ms. Kitchie Benedicto - Paulino namely 4th District Representative Juliet Marie "Yoyette" Ferrer, Tintin, Pia, and Paulo.
Kitchie Benedicto-Paulino was the daughter of former Philippine Ambassador Roberto S. Benedicto, a prominent public figure during the stint of former Strongman president Ferdinand E. Marcos and the owner of RPN Channel 9, the leading television broadcasting firm in the country in the 70s and 80s.
Kitchie Benedicto served as the president and chief executive officer of KB Entertainment Unlimited, Inc., a media production agency.
She had been in television and film production for close to four decades, producing the long-running television show of singer and actress Nora Aunor dubbed as "Superstar."
She also produced the widely-watched television sitcom "John and Marsha," starred by the late comedians Dolphy and Nida Blanca.
Benedicto was also instrumental in the production of the top entertainment show dubbed as VIP or "Vilma in Person" starred by Vilma Santos, "Kaluskos Musmos" and several TV specials and feature films.
There were several instances that Ms. Kitchie Benedicto-Paulino handled the staging of the Pasalamat Festival of La Carlota City when Vice Governor Ferrer was still the mayor of the said city.
She supported her son-in-law, Vice Governor Ferrer, the husband of her daughter incumbent 4th District Representative Juliet Marie Ferrer, including when incumbent Congresswoman Ferrer also served as mayor of the City of La Carlota.
It was always a specular show for the City of La Carlota during the yearly Pasalamat Festival when the production was handled by Ms. Kitchie Benedicto.
She had always flooded the city with popular film stars either playing basketball or performing shows during the festival and could just be seen as normal individuals when they were with her.
People loved to watch the show when it was produced by the team of Ms. Kitchie Benedicto where the big-time productions in Manila could just be duplicated when she produced shows in the countryside including La Carlota City, Negros Occidental.
She was also known as a philanthropist for helping sprouting singers and those with talents get opportunities to hone their talents and be known on television.
She will always be remembered as an icon of the movie and television industry.