Boots Anson-Roa

Maria Elisa Cristobal Anson-Rodrigo (née Anson; born January 30, 1945), better known as Boots Anson-Roa, is a Filipina actress, columnist, editor, and lecturer.

Early life and education
Anson-Roa, a Bicolana, is the eldest daughter of post-war matinee idol Oscar Moreno, then known as the Robert Taylor of the Philippines, and Belen Cristobal, a descendant of Epifanio de los Santos.

She finished her primary and secondary education at the posh Assumption Convent, Manila. From 1960 to 1964 she studied for an A.B. in Speech and Drama at the University of the Philippines, but did not graduate. From 1983 to 1984 she studied journalism and Public and Media Relations at Georgetown University, Washington D.C.

Acting career
Anson-Roa began acting in 1968, appearing opposite actors including like Dante Rivero, Joseph Estrada and Fernando Poe Jr. under Sampaguita Pictures and with Ramon Revilla Sr. She was given Lifetime Achievement awards by FAMAS and Star Awards.

Awards, honors and distinctions received

 * Outstanding Movie Personality: PMPC – 1979
 * FAMAS Award for Uplifting the Movie Industry: FAMAS Awards – 1976
 * Best Emcee ALIW Awards: – 1979–1981
 * Ten Outstanding Women in the Nation's Service Award: TOWNS Foundation – 1974
 * Gintong Ina Awardee: Guillermo Mendoza Foundation – 1994
 * Outstanding Parents of the Year: Gintong Ina Foundation – 1994-1998
 * Women Who Make a Difference: Soroptimist International – 1995
 * Outstanding Women in Media: Philippine Women's University – 1995
 * Outstanding Media Practitioner: Eastern Telecommunications – 1997
 * Outstanding Alumna: University of the Philippines – June 2000
 * Lifetime Achievement Award: Star Awards for Movies – March 2001
 * Lifetime Achievement Award: FAMAS Awards – March 2003
 * Best TV Actress (MMK:Kamison – 22nd Golden Dove Awards – 2014
 * Outstanding Manilan Award – 2017

Publications

 * Columnist/ Feature Writer: Manila–U.S. Mail – 1992–1993
 * Editor-in-Chief: Balikatan Herald – 1994
 * Columnist: Isyu (broadsheet) – 1998
 * Contributor: Philippine Daily Inquirer – 1995–present

Workshops/ seminars/ lectures conducted

 * Lecturer/Trainer on Media, Communications, Culture, Performing Arts, Public and Human Relations, Women, Family and Values

Conference/ conventions

 * RP-China Film Exchange Program: Beijing, China – March 2002
 * 20th UNESCO International Media Conference: UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, France – March 1999
 * International Congress on Communications: Mariapolis Center, Rome, Italy – June 2000

Community involvement

 * Public Relations Officer: Assumption Alumnae – 1987–1993
 * Director for Philippine National Red Cross from 1980 to 1982
 * Director for U.P.-PGH Medical Foundation from 1979 to 1981
 * Director/ Board Member: National Commission on the Rehabilitation of the Disabled – 1979
 * Director/ Resource Person: Philippine Mental Health Association, Quezon City Chapter – 1979–1980
 * Director for DARE (Anti-Drug Foundation)
 * Adviser: Philippine Association for the Deaf – 1977–1982

Civil service
Anson-Roa unsuccessfully ran for a seat in the Senate of the Philippines in 2004 under the Koalisyon ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino (KNP). She was the President of MOWELFUND, Inc. from 2002 to 2020. In 1982, she was appointed as Press Attaché and Cultural Officer as well as Special Assistant to the Ambassador at the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC.

Film

 * El perro gancho (1968)
 * Siete Dolores (1968)
 * Ang Kawatan (1969)
 * Adriana (1969)
 * Rowena (1969) Sonya
 * Si Darna at ang Planetman (1969) – Cynthia
 * Wanted: Perfect Mother (1970)
 * Santiago! (1970) – Rowena
 * "Ang Uliran: Imelda" (1970)
 * I Love Mama, I Love Papa (1971)
 * The Wonderful World of Music (1971)
 * Living Doll (1971)
 * Ang Kampana sa Santa Quiteria (1971)
 * Liezl at Ang 7 Hoods (1971)
 * El Vibora (1972) Cecilia
 * Tatay Na Si Erap (1972)
 * Santo Domingo (1972)
 * Villa Miranda (1972)
 * Ang Agila At Ang Araw (1973)
 * Zoom, Zoom, Superman! (1973) – Superman's Creator
 * Tanikalang Dugo (1973)
 * Ander Di Saya Si Erap (1973)
 * James Wong (1973)
 * Paruparong Itim (1973)
 * May Isang Tsuper ng Taksi (1974)
 * Dalawa Ang Nagdalantao Sa Akin (1974)
 * Bawal: Asawa Mo, Asawa Ko (1974)
 * Sumigaw Ka Hanggang Ibig Mo! (1974)
 * Lulubog Lilitaw Sa Ilalim Ng Tulay (1974) – Sister Elisa
 * Ang Manika Ay Takot sa Krus (1975)
 * Pagsapit ng Dilim (1975)
 * Anak ng Araw (1975)
 * Anino ng Araw (1975)
 * Saan Ka Pupunta Ms. Lutgarda Nicolas? (1975) – Lutgarda Nicolas
 * Ang Pag-Ibig Ko'y Huwag Mong Sukatin (1975)
 * Mga Uhaw na Bulaklak (1975)
 * Isang Gabi, Tatlong Babae (1975)
 * Isinumpa (1975)
 * Postcards From China (1975)
 * The Goodfather (1975)
 * Ang Lihim ni Rosa Henson Sa Buhay ni Kumander Lawin (1976) – Rosa Henson Averion
 * Tatlong Kasalanan (1976)
 * Daigdig ng Lagim (1976)
 * Hubad na Bayani (1977)
 * Hatiin Natin ang Gabi (1978)
 * Malabanan: Kilabot Hunter ng Cavite (1978)
 * Mga Mata ni Angelita (1978) – Mother Superior
 * Camerino (1978)
 * Hermano Puli (1979)
 * Warrant of Arrest (1979)
 * Tonyong Bayawak (1979)
 * Angelita... Ako ang Iyong Ina (1980) – Mother Superior
 * Hiwaga (1980)
 * Tembong (1980)
 * P.S. I Love You (1981) – Isabel
 * Jack en Jill sa Amerika (1988)
 * Doring Dorobo (1993)
 * The Myrna Diones Story: Lord, Have Mercy! (1993)
 * Kadenang Bulaklak (1993) – Mrs. Hidalgo
 * May Minamahal (1993) – Becky
 * Mayor Cesar Climaco (1994) – Julia Floreta-Climaco
 * Bawal Na Gamot (1994)
 * The Grepor Butch Belgica Story (1994)
 * The Maggie dela Riva Story: God... Why Me? (1994)
 * The Anabelle Huggins Story – Ruben Ablaza Tragedy: Mea Culpa (1995)
 * Kahit Harangan ng Bala (1995) – Aling Cedes
 * The Lilian Velez Story: Till Death Do Us Part (1995)
 * Mangarap Ka (1995) – Belen
 * Kay Pait ng Bukas (1996)
 * Ama, Ina, Anak (1996) – Cita Nolasco
 * Ibulong Mo Sa Diyos 2 (1997)
 * Nagmumurang Kamatis (1997)
 * Flames: The Movie (1997) – Amparo (segment "Pangako")
 * Adarna: The Mythical Bird (1997) – Narrator
 * May Isang Pamilya (1999) – Isabel
 * Hinahanap-Hanap Kita (1999) – Mrs. Matias
 * Ganito Ako Magmahal (1999)
 * Kapalit? (2002)
 * Mano Po (2002) – Elisa Go
 * The Cory Quirino Kidnap: NBI Files (2003)
 * Bridal Shower (2004) – Doña Vergie
 * Mano Po III: My Love (2004) – Maria
 * Ilusyon (2005) Doktor
 * Ang Anak ni Brocka (2005)
 * Pepot Artista (2005) Richter
 * Blue Moon (2005) Cora
 * Ang Huling Araw ng Linggo (2006) Aling Tess (segment "Martes")
 * White Lady (2006) Lola Tasya
 * Sukob (2006) Tessie
 * Rekados (2006) Josefina
 * Mano Po 5: Gua Ai Di (2006) Ama
 * Angels (2007) Lola Conching (segment "Angel of Love")
 * Shake, Rattle & Roll 9 (2007) Lola Susana (segment "Christmas Tree")
 * When Love Begins (2008) Marietta Caballero
 * Caregiver (2008) Marissa Gonzales
 * One True Love (2008) Lola
 * Lovebirds (2008)
 * Tutok (2009) Lydia
 * Mano Po 6: A Mother's Love (2009) Jin Feng
 * Till My Heartaches End (2010) Tita Baby
 * Ang Babae Sa Sementeryo (2010) Sister Sol
 * Ika-Sampu (2010) Mrs. Amada dela Vega
 * Shake, Rattle & Roll 13 (2011) Marites
 * My House Husband: Ikaw Na! (2011) Lilia
 * Unfriend (2014) Grandma Ester
 * Third Eye (2014) Gloria

Radio shows

 * Boots Talk (DZMM)
 * Music and Memories (DZMM)

Personal life
In 1964, Boots Anson married Pedro "Pete" Roa who was her co-host in the television show Dance-o-Rama. They had four children. Pete Roa died in 2007.

On November 30, 2013, she was engaged to lawyer Francisco "King" Rodrigo Jr., son of Senator Francisco "Soc" Rodrigo. They married on June 14, 2014.