GOODBYE, Lola Igna. 

THE entertainment industry has lost yet another gem as screen veteran and theater legend Angie Ferro, known for her effective portrayals of spooky characters in horror movies, passed away on Thursday, August 17. She was 86. 

The news was confirmed on social media by friends of the actress in the industry. 

Screenwriter Suzzette Doctolero dedicated a farewell post for the actress who had been her mentor on screen and on stage. 

Doctolero’s post made reference to two of Ferro’s late career roles: Uray Hilway in GMA’s Amaya and Lola Igna, her first film lead role in six decades that gave her a Best Actress win at the 2019 Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino (PPP). 

On Facebook, Doctolero wrote: “Patay na si Uray Hilway ng Amaya at Lola Igna. My teacher, a friend, in ng aming teatro. Rest in Peace, Bb. Angie Ferro.” 

The exact cause of the actress’ death was not mentioned, but Ferro was reported to have suffered a stroke in 2022. 

Ferro’s good friend Noel Estonilo Miralles told the media that the actress was never able to recover from her stroke, but received help from her colleagues in the entertainment industry when news of her condition came out. 

The Film Development Council of the Philippines also extended its sympathies to the family and loved ones of Ferro. 

The agency also paid tribute to the actress’ remarkable body of work. 

Life and career 

Ferro was born in Baleno, Masbate on August 4, 1937 to peasant parents. It was in 1969 when she discovered acting through Cecille Guidote-Alvarez’ Philippine Educational Theater Association. 

She made her theater debut as Hecuba in Trojan Women, which was directed by the late Tony Mabesa. She would reprise the role years later under the helm of Greek director Nicos Shiafkalis for Balintataw Film and Theater.

She later did more notable theater performances, such as the mother in Federico Garcia Lorca’s Blood Wedding and Inang Bayan in Aurelio Tolentino’s Kahapon, Ngayon at Bukas. 

She also took lead roles in Teatro Pilipino productions such as Ang Butihing Babae ng Setsuan and Ang Reyna at Mga Rebelde directed by National Artist Rolando Tinio.

In 1971, she founded a theater community called Dulaang Bonifacio Foundation, Inc.

She also played roles off-stage. She directed the play Ang Paglilitis. She also adapted Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere for stage.

As a film actress, she showcased masterful performances as the villain or supporting character. 

She is best remembered for her spooky roles as a ghost, the mysterious grandmother or  healer, among many others. 

Some of her most notable movies include Atsay (1978), Pagputi ng Uwak… Pagitim ng Tagak (1978), Darna at Ding (1980), Magdusa Ka (1986), Bulong (2011), The Trial (2014) Patayin sa Sindak si Barbara (1995), The Trial (2014), Da Possessed (2014) Moonlight Over Baler (2017) and Etiquette for Mistresses (2015). 

Her last movie was the 2023 suspense-horror flick Ang Mga Kaibigan ni Mama Susan where she played the titular Mama Susan. 

Lola Igna 

However, it was the 2019 dramedy Lola Igna that earned her the most prestigious acting award. 

Her compelling performance won her not only a PPP Best Actress award but also a nomination at the Gawad Urian for the same category. 

The film tells the story of a 118-year-old woman whose life is disrupted upon being tagged as the “Oldest Grandmother in the Philippines.” She is forced to be the world record holder for the same title for a chance to win millions of pesos. Ironically, Lola Igna had wanted to pass away until her newfound fame changed her life.