The Philippine entertainment industry bid farewell to another legend on Friday, Jan. 25, with the death of the “Queen of Philippine Cinema,” Gloria Romero, one of the iconic actresses whose acting talent spanned across generations.
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.
Despite the passage of time, Romero remained one of the most sought-after actresses in the industry. In 2006, she appeared in Moments of Love, portraying the older version of Divina, who was played by Iza Calzado. The film gained international recognition, earning a Certificate of Excellence at the New York Festival Film and Video Awards.
Her acting brilliance shone again in the MMFF 2019 entry Rainbow’s Sunset which explored themes of love and acceptance. At the age of 85, she was declared the winner of the MMFF Best Actress award that year. During her acceptance speech, she humbly described the recognition as the “perfect Christmas gift.”
Her versatility in acting extended beyond the silver screen when she also took memorable roles in television series. She made appearances in Palibhasa Lalake, Munting Heredera, and most recently in GMA’s fantasy anthology Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko, where she delighted the younger audience as Lola Goreng, a grandmother who shared moralistic and magical tales with her grandchildren.
As the country mourns the passing of Gloria Romero, her great contributions to film and television will forever remain etched in the Philippine entertainment industry.