Kitchie Benedicto, local entertainment industry icon, dies at 74

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 5) — Kitchie Benedicto, a television director and producer for nearly four decades, died on Wednesday evening at her residence in Pasig City, her family said. She was 74.

“Mom passed away at home last night on Aug. 4 at 11:15 p.m. surrounded by all her children & grandchildren," Benedicto's daughter, Tintin, said in a message shared to CNN Philippines.

"Thank you for your love and prayers,” she also said.

Benedicto produced and directed a number of popular shows that aired on Radio Philippines Network (RPN) Channel 9, which was the leading television broadcaster in the country in the 1970s and 1980s, and owned by her father, Roberto Benedicto.

A multi-awarded local entertainment industry icon, she was best known for producing the long-running weekly musical variety show of Nora Aunor called "Superstar."

She was also behind several hit shows including "John and Marsha," top billed by the late Dolphy and Nida Blanca; "VIP (Vilma in Person)" featuring Vilma Santos; "Kaluskos Musmos" and several TV specials and feature films.

She was also president and CEO of KB Entertainment Unlimited, Inc., a media production agency.

Benedicto was a mass communication graduate of the University of the Philippines.

The family said funeral arrangements will be announced later.