LOOK: The incredible career of the one and only Ms. Gloria Romero
Let's take a trip down memory lane sa 'Tunay Na Buhay' ng “Reyna ng Pelikulang Pilipino” na si Ms. Gloria Romero.
Gloria Galla
One of the most respected actresses in Philippine entertainment industry was born on December 16, 1933 in Denver, Colorado from a Filipino father and American mother.
Early years
Her family vacationed for a year in Pangasinan, Philippines. When they were about to go home, World War II broke out.
New life
After the war, her family didn't return to the U.S. She remembered her teacher said she won't be able to graduate to which she replied, “It doesn't matter po. I'm going to be in the movies. I want to be a movie star.”
Extra
Gloria was fond of watching movie shoots, and that paved her way to show business. She started as an extra in the 1952 film 'Bernardo Carpio' but was introduced as “Gloria Romero” in 'Madam X.'
Love team
Boots Rodrigo revealed that Gloria was first paired with her father Oscar Moreno who was also a contract star of Sampaguita Pictures. According to her dad, Gloria was a promising actress.
Superstar
Showbiz expert Lhar Santiago noted, “Gloria Romero was big, and when you say big, siya 'yung superstar. [In the] 50's [and] 60's, talagang era iyan ni Gloria Romero.”
Talent fee
According to Sampaguita Pictures General Manager Benny Tarnate, she was, “Sikat na sikat na. Her contract was 10,000 PHP per picture.”
Actress
Tony Mabesa said she first saw Gloria in the 1952 film 'Palasig.' He noted, “Ganda ng acting niya, marami siyang pinaghuhugutan. She's what you call a 'natural actress,' [and] she's not a technique actress.”
Character
Luz Valdez remembered she was then a fan of hers when she asked for a photo and received it with an autograph “Love, Gloria Romero.” She reacted, “Para na akong nasa langit. Sabi ko ang bait nito.”
Role of a mom
She married then matinee idol Juancho Gutierrez with whom she has a daughter named Maritess.
Endorser
The veteran actress boasted, “The first [person] na nag-endorse ng Coca-Cola after the war [was American general Douglas] MacArthur. After [him], I came next.”
Legacy
She has been in the industry for several decades already. Her secret to longevity was revealed by Boots, “Sa palagay ko, mahal niya ang industriya at sabi niya, 'Ito lang ang alam kong gawin at gusto kong maperpekto ito. Kaya hanggang kailangan ako ng industriya at ng audience, hanggang merong dumarating na offers, hanggang kaya ng kalusugan ko, hindi ako titigil.'”
Lesson in life
Ms. Gloria told 'Tunay Na Buhay' host Rhea Santos, “Just be loving, be forgiving, huwag masyadong mayabang. Cool [ka] lang. Chill.”
Lola Goreng
She continues to inspire even young generations by portraying the magical fairy and caring grandmother Lola Goreng in the children's fantasy series 'Daig Kayo Ng Lola Ko.'