With the veteran actress’s passing, Gloria Romero left her mark as the Queen of Philippine Cinema. In her 70-year career, these are what you should remember her by
With over 250 films and television shows, Gloria Romero is not just a veteran Filipino actress. In her 70 years as an actress, her sophisticated persona on screen and acting style left an indelible mark on the industry. Romero became one of the major stars of Philippine Cinema’s Golden Age, granting her several accolades and honors both nationally and internationally. Outside of her 70-year success, here is how she made an impact in Philippine Cinema:
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A Wise Mentor
With her extensive experience in the industry, she was regarded as a humble role model and a wise mentor by many people in the industry such as Charo Santos-Concio, who became a producer for the 1990 film Kapag Langit Ang Humatol. In an Instagram post, she shared Romero’s dedication and professionalism that was ever present in all her roles. “On-screen, she brought laughter, joy, and wisdom as the lovable grandmother. Off-screen, she was just as warm and nurturing, always ready with kind words or a gentle smile that could brighten even the most difficult days,” Santos-Cocia shared fondly.
Actress Barbie Forteza also shared on X how privileged and grateful she was to have shared the screen with the Queen of Philippine Cinema. The two have worked together in GMA shows The Half Sisters and Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko. Aside from the two, Cherry Pie Picache, Amy Perez, and Robin Padilla also shared their sentiments about Romero’s passing.
Range in Roles
While Gloria Romero had a distinct acting style, she definitely proved that she was, indeed, a queen in her field, delivering role after role with such passion and artistry. From a spunky aunt in Palibhasa Lalake, a comedic grandmother in Labs Ko Si Babe, and a rich and controlling woman in Familia Zaragoza, to an impressive matriarch of a planet in the fantasy film Lastikman.
All these roles showed the Queen of Philippine Cinema’s range, no matter how small, big, or fantastical the role is, Romero gave her full dedication and passion to her craft as an actress, and it showed in all her various roles.
A Timeless Star
The Queen of Philippine Cinema received countless accolades and honors under her belt for her stellar and moving performances across her time. Building her career from the ground up is a feat in itself, but she broke through from her performance in Monghita and eventually rose to stardom, becoming the highest-paid movie actress and the highest-grossing Filipino box office star in during the Golden Age of Philippine Cinema.
Many of her performances earned her various Best Actress and Supporting Actress awards in the FAMAS, Gawad Urian, Golden Screen Awards, Young Critics Circle, International Film Festival Manhattan, and many more. Gloria Romero has also received honors for her craft such as the PAMA-AS Gintong Bai Award and Gawad Parangal sa Ginintuang Bituin from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and the Ilaw ng Industriya Award and her latest honor, the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Film Development Council of the Philippines.
All these awards and honors are not just from her roles in various films and shows, but they’re also to honor her contributions to Philippine cinema as an actress for 70 years—more than half a century! With her acting prowess and many achievements as an artist, Gloria Romera remained humble. She also became a mentor and a guiding light to countless people. The Queen of Philippine Cinema’s passing will leave a heavy atmosphere, but many will remember the light she brought to the film industry for many years to come.
Featured Image and Photos: KHALEEJ TIMES, BARBIE FORTEZA (via X), STAR CINEMA, CHARO SANTOS-CONCIO (via Instagram)
