THE Philippine cinema is mourning the passing of its queen: movie and television icon Gloria Romero. She was 91.
Several celebrities paid tribute to the late veteran actress on social media, including Gen Z Kapuso actress Barbie Forteza.
The “Pulang Araw” star said she was heartbroken by Romero’s passing, as she shared a photo of them on X (formerly Twitter).
“Buong buhay ko pong ipagmamalaki na nakatrabaho ko po kayo,” Forteza wrote. “Rest in paradise, Ms. Gloria Romero.”
On Facebook, actress Rhian Ramos shared a heartfelt scene between her and Romero’s character in the 2015 drama series“The Rich Man’s Daughter.” Romero portrayed Ama Cecilia Tanchingco, the grandmother of Ramos’s character, Jade Tanchingco.
“Rest in Peace, Ms. Gloria Romero. It was a privilege to have worked with you,” the 34-year-old actress said.
“It’s Showtime” host Amy Perez also remembered Romero in an Instagram post.
“Mommy, I will miss you,” she wrote. “Thank you for everything. Rest now in the loving arms of our Lord Jesus Christ. Love you forever.”
Meanwhile, Kapamilya executive Charo Santos-Concio expressed her earnest admiration for Romero since she was young. She shared how she went from admiring her on the screen to having the honor of working with Romero when she became a producer for the 1990 revenge drama film, “Kapag Langit ang Humatol.”
Santos-Concio narrated her experience working with Romero, who, she said, valued and respected everyone around her.
“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,” she wrote.
“Tita Glo wasn’t just an icon; she was a guiding light for so many of us. She showed us how to carry success with humility, how to navigate challenges with grace, and how to leave a legacy that transcends time,” she continued.
Santos-Concio thanked Romero for impacting their lives positively and said that she will “forever live” in their hearts, like “a shining star whose brilliance will never fade.”
Confirmation
Romero’s niece, Lovely Rivero II, first announced the actress’ passing on Saturday, January 25.
“Rest well, our movie queen, Tita Gloria Romero. Praying for the repose of your soul [and] for your strength for Maritess Gutierrez, Chris [and] the whole family during this very difficult time,” Rivero wrote in a Facebook post.
Romero’s daughter, Maritess, also confirmed the news, saying her mom “peacefully joined our Creator” on January 25 and that she will be “missed dearly” by her loved ones.
“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 said, as quoted by local news reports.
Romero’s wake will be held at the Arlington Memorial Chapel in Quezon City.
About Gloria Romero
Known as the “Queen of Philippine Cinema,” Romero had a show business career spanning over seven decades. It began in the 1940s when she appeared as an extra in the film “Ang Bahay sa Lumang Gulod.”
She eventually rose to fame in the 1950s—thanks to her leading roles in the movies “Palasig” and “Monghita.”
Romero starred in over 250 big and small-screen projects, but one of her remarkable roles was in the 1954 film “Dalagang Ilocana” which earned her her first FAMAS Best Actress award.
Fast forward, the award-winning actress landed grandmother roles in movies and television shows, including the 2003 Filipino drama film “Magnifico.” In the movie, Romero starred alongside former child actor Jiro Manio.
In 2024, Romero became one of the lifetime achievement honorees of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) “for being more than just a movie queen immortalized by landmark Filipino films cutting through decades of our popular culture and history.”
