For decades, Olivia “Inang” Lamasan has been a driving force behind some of Philippine cinema’s most unforgettable films. But in a recent sit-down on Korina Interviews with Korina Sanchez, the former Star Cinema Managing Director shared a far more personal story — one marked by silent battles, life-altering realizations, and a deep commitment to finally put herself first.

It began in 2008 with what was supposed to be a routine medical check-up. “It was a regular annual check-up,” she recalled. “Pinabalik ako, and they found something in my left breast. It turned out to be cancer — but stage zero.”

Despite the alarming diagnosis, Olivia remained steady, crediting early detection for what would become a manageable condition. Still, she acknowledged that the stress of an intense career played a role in the disease’s onset. “All the stress of work took its toll,” she said. “So nagkaroon ako ng breast cancer. Good thing it was stage zero.”

But the respite was short-lived. During one of the most difficult periods in Philippine media history—the ABS-CBN shutdown amid the COVID-19 pandemic—Olivia felt something was wrong once more. “Nag-reoccur during the time na sinasara na ang ABS-CBN… Malou [Santos] retired, pandemic hit, and I was Managing Director of Star Cinema. That entire grueling experience—naramdaman ko na parang may tama ako.”

Fear of COVID-19 delayed her decision to seek medical help. “I was scared to go to the hospital,” she admitted. “But there was something telling me, ‘You have to have yourself checked.’” It was her sister, a nurse based in the U.S., who finally persuaded her to fly to America for a proper examination.

There, doctors discovered a growth in her right breast. “Stage zero,” she recalled, “but because I waited about a month, it progressed to stage one. Nagulat ako.”

Despite being diagnosed abroad, Olivia chose to return to the Philippines for her treatment. “I felt that the care here was more personal,” she explained. “Sabi ko, ‘Game doc, tanggalin mo na.’” She underwent a double mastectomy, a decision she faced with bravery and resolve.

Fortunately, she was spared from chemotherapy. “My doctor cleared me,” she said with quiet gratitude.

Emerging from her second cancer journey, Olivia found herself changed. Where once she operated on a principle of always finishing what she started — instilled in her by her parents — she finally allowed herself to step away. “I was one and a half years before retirement,” she shared. “For the first time, I decided not to finish. I owe this to myself. So I retired, before turning 60.”

In her vulnerability, Olivia Lamasan revealed a side of herself seldom seen in the public eye — not just the acclaimed director and executive, but a woman who faced mortality and chose to live on her own terms.

Her story is not just about survival, but about healing, acceptance, and the quiet courage of choosing oneself.

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