Veteran Philippine actress Gloria Romero. ARCHIVE

Gloria Romero, the iconic actress known as the "Queen of Philippine Cinema," passed away on Saturday (January 25) at the age of 91. The news was confirmed by her daughter, Maritess Gutierrez, through a heartfelt post on Facebook. “TO OUR DEAREST FAMILY, RELATIVES, AND FRIENDS: It is with great sadness to announce the passing of my beloved Mother, Gloria Galla Gutierrez aka Gloria Romero, who peacefully joined our Creator earlier today,” Gutierrez wrote. The wake for the beloved actress will be held at Arlington Memorial Chapel, Hall A, on Araneta Avenue, Quezon City. The family has scheduled public viewing hours on Monday and Tuesday (January 27 and 28), from 9am to 1pm to allow fans and supporters to pay their respects. “In this time of loss, our family deeply appreciates the support, prayers, sympathy, all the lovely messages, and heartfelt condolences that we’ve received. She will surely be missed dearly,” Gutierrez added.

A towering legacy in Philippine cinema

Romero leaves behind an unmatched legacy, with over 250 film and television credits and countless lives inspired by her contributions to Philippine cinema. Romero, whose real name was Gloria Borrego Galla, was one of the most celebrated figures in Philippine entertainment. Her illustrious career spanned over 70 years, starting as a background actress at the age of 16 before rising to stardom with her leading roles in Monghita and Palasig in 1952. Romero's box-office successes cemented her status as the first "Queen of Philippine Cinema." Her sophisticated and demure image became synonymous with the golden age of Philippine cinema in the 1950s and 1960s, where she was one of the highest-paid and most in-demand actresses. Her talent was widely recognized, earning her a FAMAS Award for Best Actress for her role in the 1954 movie Dalagang Ilocana. Over the years, she transitioned seamlessly from film to television, with memorable roles such as in the sitcom Palibhasa Lalake, which won her the Star Award for Best Comedy Actress. Romero’s career saw a resurgence in the early 2000s, with critically acclaimed performances in films like Tanging Yaman, which won her the Best Actress award at the Metro Manila Film Festival, and I Think I’m in Love, for which she earned a Best Supporting Actress nod. Romero was also the recipient of numerous lifetime achievement honors, including the prestigious PAMA-AS Gintong Bai Award in 2005 by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. That same year, she was honored with a star on the Eastwood Walk of Fame, a testament to her enduring influence in the entertainment industry. In a statement, the Philippine Cinema Advocators described Romero as “a legend whose extraordinary talent and unforgettable performances will forever be etched in the hearts of Filipino film enthusiasts.”

Tributes pour in

Tributes poured in from fans and colleagues alike, including actress Lovely Rivero, who shared her condolences: “Rest well, our Movie Queen, Tita Gloria Romero. Praying for the repose of your soul and for strength for the whole family during this very difficult time.” "She was the epitome of grace and talent. Philippine cinema will never forget Gloria Romero," one fan wrote. "Her extraordinary talent, unforgettable performances, and enduring legacy will forever be etched in the hearts of Filipino film enthusiasts," according to the Philippine Cinema Advocators in a statement. Romero's family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time. “She was not only an icon but a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend who touched the lives of so many,” the statement read. Romero leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations of Filipino artists. CAM/PIA/ICA/Expat Media
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