President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed his deep sorrow over the passing of cinema icon Gloria Romero last Friday.
In a statement on his social media accounts yesterday, the President recalled his first encounter with Romero on the set of the film “Iginuhit ng Tadhana”.
“I have been an admirer of her work as an actress ever since. She was always a great lady with the dignity of a true star,” he said.
Marcos described Romero not only as a brilliant artist but also as a person of exceptional character.
“The world of Filipino cinema and all of entertainment will never forget her,” he said..
Dubbed the “ Queen of Philippine Cinema, “ Romero’s remarkable career, which began in the 1950s, left an enduring legacy in the entertainment industry.
Born Gloria Anne Borrego Galla, Romero’s remarkable career, which began in the 1950s, left an enduring legacy on film and television.
The actress’ illustrious career spanned more than six decades—from her breakthrough performance in her first lead role in Dalagang Ilocana to her last movie project, Rainbow’s Sunset—consistently proving why she deserved to be called the “Queen of Philippine Cinema.”
At the age of 21, the actress rose to fame in 1954 when she starred in Dalagang Ilocana, a film that gained her first FAMAS Best Actress award. Winning the award made her the first comedy actress to win the prestigious award. The recognition cemented her status as one of the rising actresses and leading ladies of her generation.
Following the success of the film, Romero’s talent was noticed, and she went on to star in a series of comedy films, including Despatsadora in 1955, where she starred alongside Filipino actor Luis Gonzales.
In 1959, her dramatic prowess was showcased in Alaalang Banal, where she portrayed a cancer-stricken woman together with Gonzales. She then earned another Best Actress award and further established herself as a powerhouse in the Philippine industry.
In 2000, Romero starred in a family drama film Tanging Yaman, where she delivered a heart-wrenching performance as the mother diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. The notable role made her earn multiple awards, including accolades and recognitions from the FAMAS, Luna Awards, and the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).
She then gave another award-winning performance in 2003 with Magnifico where she played a terminally ill grandmother, solidifying her status as one of the great actresses of the Philippine showbiz.
The film received critical acclaim and earned her Gawad Urian Best Supporting Actress award, along with a lifetime achievement award to honor her contributions to the Philippine cinema.
