Born Marcelino Victoriano in Quezon City. Plata, who directed the 1999 blockbuster film Isusumbong Kita Sa Tatay Ko featuring Fernando Poe Jr. and Judy Ann Santos, had requested to be cremated. He had also asked for his ashes to be scattered in the Pasig River, according to long-time friend, showbiz columnist Ethel Ramos.
"Many are wondering why he chose the Pasig River; he must have had good memories of the place. Before he died, he also told his wife Dolor not to hold a wake for him. "What he wants is to hold a party," Ramos told The Philippine Daily Inquirer by phone.
Plata created over 10 films, mostly during the 1990s. His directorial debut was "Naked Island (Butil-Ulan) in 1984. He has also written two screenplays–"Bakit ‘Di Totohanin" (2001) and "Muling Ibalik ang Tamis ng Pag-ibig" (1998). He was assistant director to Joey Gosiengfiao in the sexy film "Nympha" (1980) and acting coach to the cast of "Mano Po 2: My Home" (2003).
Plata had his left leg amputated on December 16 last year as a complication to diabetes. An online report said a tumor was removed from one of Plata’s kidneys in 2007. However, biopsy conducted at the Capitol Medical Center said it was benign.
Cancer had already spread to his lungs and brain when it was diagnosed early this year, Ramos said. Plata refused to undergo chemotherapy two months ago, she added.
