Gloria Romero (actress)

Gloria Anne Borrego Galla (born December 16, 1933), known professionally as Gloria Romero, is a Filipino actress. With a career spanning 70 years, she has appeared in over 250 motion pictures and television productions. Referred to as the "Queen of Philippine Cinema", she is known for her sophisticated and demure image. She is one of the major stars of the Golden Age of Philippine Cinema in the 1950s to mid 1960s, becoming the country's highest paid movie actress and one of the top box-office draws of the era.

Romero began appearing as a background actor in films at age 16. After playing minor roles in the early 1950s, she was first introduced by her stage name in a supporting role in Madame X (1952). She won the FAMAS Award for Best Actress for playing a wacky tobacco-smoking maiden in Dalagang Ilocana (1954). She continued to gain commercial success for her starring roles in romantic comedies, played characters popularized in comic strips and remakes of pre-war musical films. She also played a number of antagonist roles in the ensuing decades and ventured television in the 1990s and was cast in the sitcom Palibhasa Lalake, for which she won the Star Award for Best Comedy Actress.

Romero had commercial and critical resurgence in the early 2000s for playing the matriarch in the family drama Tanging Yaman (2000). She won the Metro Manila Film Festival for Best Supporting Actress for her role in I Think I'm in Love (2002), followed by the Gawad Urian for Best Supporting Actress for playing a grandmother in Magnifico (2003). She also won the Golden Screen Award for Best Actress for her role in Fuchsia (2009), a Star Award for Movie Actress of the Year for her role in Tarima (2010) and a Metro Manila Film Festival for Best Actress for her role in Rainbow's Sunset (2018). From 2017 to 2020, she starred and presented the fantasy anthology Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko.

Romero has been the recipient of numerous honorary accolades. She was presented with the PAMA-AS Gintong Bai in 2005 by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts for her significant contributions to the preservation and development of Philippine arts and culture. In 2009, she became the first recipient of MTRCB's Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2024, the Film Development Council of the Philippines, alongside FAMAS (2004), Gawad Urian (2004) and Luna Awards (2002) have each awarded her the Lifetime Achievement Award. The Philippine Postal Corporation also honored her with a commemorative stamp in 2022 for dedicating her life and talent to the Filipino people. She received a star on the Eastwood City Walk of Fame in 2005.

1933-1948: Early life and background
Gloria Romero was born as Gloria Anne Borrego Galla on December 16, 1933, in Denver, Colorado, to Pedro Galla and May Borrego. Her father was a Filipino who went to the United States to pursue his education. There he met Romero's mother Mary Borrego of Spanish-American descent. In 1937, they went to the Philippines to visit their grandparents in Mabini, Pangasinan. The family's plan of going back to Denver was always postponed, and the supposed vacation was extended. When World War II was declared, the Gallas were trapped in the Philippines. During the war, they were taught how to farm. In 1943, a troop of Japanese soldiers stood outside their house and was after Romero's mother. Days before the war ended her mother died, and her father decided that the family will stay in the Philippines for good. Romero and her siblings became successful as they reached adulthood; the eldest sibling Louise became a nurse, her late brother Tito Galla (1935–1979) became a popular actor, and the youngest, Gilbert was a US-based doctor.

1949-1954: Early career and breakthrough
At age 11, Romero started aspiring of becoming an actress. After graduating from high school at the Riverview High, her family moved to Manila and with her father's consent, she tried her luck in the show business. She first appeared as an extra in the 1949 film Ang Bahay sa Lumang Gulod, as well as in two other films under Premiere Productions Prinsipe Don Juan (1951) and Bahay na Tisa (1951). She was eventually dismissed from the film production company and transferred to Sampaguita Pictures with the help of her distant uncle, Nardo Rosales, who was the studio's chief editor. She appeared in more films as an extra in Kasintahan sa Pangarap (1951), Bernardo Carpio (1951), Barbaro (1952), Dugong Bughaw (1951) and Prinsesa at Pulubi (1950).

After playing several minor roles, she finally bagged her first supporting role in Madame X (1952) and as leading lady in the film Palasig opposite Cesar Ramirez. Her breakthrough came with Monghita (1952) opposite Oscar Moreno and started to gain massive following. In 1953, she starred in another blockbuster film Cofradia opposite Ramon Revilla. Her films were used as launching vehicles for actors like Lolita Rodriguez, including first-time leading men Ric Rodrigo and Luis Gonzales for the films Pilya (1954) and Despachadora (1955). She received her first acting award in 1954 at the FAMAS Awards as Best Actress for the film Dalagang Ilocana. It was the first time an actress from a comedy film won the award. The same year, she starred in another blockbuster film Kurdapya and won the title Miss Visayas during the Boys Town Carnival and was styled by national artist Ramon Valera.

1955-1964: Superstardom
Romero also became a bankable commercial model and was one of the pioneering endorsers of Coca-Cola in the Philippines. She was the second personality (next to General Douglas MacArthur) after war to endorse the soft drink brand. Among the other consumer products she endorsed include Talon Zipper for radio, Dari-Crème, Sanka, Swans Down cake flour, Calumet baking power, Johnsons Medicated Talcum powder and Camay and Gloco beauty soaps on print ads. By 1957, she had starred in 24 films which all became box-office successes not just in the Philippines but also across Asia. According to Graphic Kislap Magazine, three of her movies were among the highest-grossing films of 1957. Sino Ang May Sala placed at No. 1 with earnings of ₱83,154, Hongkong Holiday placed at No. 2 with ₱82,793 while Paru-Parong Bukid secured the third spot with total earnings of ₱78,070 at the box-office. In September 1960, Romero and Juancho Gutierrez tied the knot and were married at the Santuario de San Antonio in Forbes Park, Makati. Dubbed as the "Wedding of the Year", the event was covered by the radios and all the leading newspapers and magazine publications.

1980-1998: Matriarch roles and television debut
Romero considers her 1984 film Condemned with Nora Aunor as a turning point in her career. After the film, she had no fear of bringing in real bad and cunning characters. Her portrayal earned her a Best Supporting Actress nomination at the FAMAS Awards. In 1987, she played as an infidel wife in the film Saan Nagtatago ang Pag-ibig?. Her portrayal earned her a Best Supporting Actress win at the PMPC Star Awards for Movies. The following year, she became one of the ensemble cast of Ishmael Bernal's Nagbabagang Luha. Her performance was met with praises from the critics, winning her second FAMAS Award for Best Supporting Actress. Romero also ventured television in the late 1980s. One of her earliest television show is the ABS-CBN sitcom Palibhasa Lalake. It was a consistent top-rater and marked the first time she took on an offbeat role. Her performance earned her a Best Comedy Actress win at the 1988 PMPC Star Awards for Television.

In 1989, she appeared in another Nora Aunor starrer Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit. Her portrayal earned her another FAMAS Best Supporting Actress nomination. Romero continued acting in various films while taking roles in television. In 1990, she played the matriarch Octavia in the revenge-drama film Kapag Langit ang Humatol top billed by Vilma Santos. In 1996, she starred on the television series Familia Zaragoza. It was followed by the series Labs Ko si Babe (1999). The series was the first Filipino romantic-comedy drama in television and one of the longest-running shows of ABS-CBN.

1999-2010: Resurgence
In 1999, Romero played the role of Lola Amor in the film Dahil May Isang Ikaw starring Aga Muhlach and Regine Velasquez. Her portrayal earned her an award at the Young Critics Circle for Best Performance. In 2000, Romero was tapped to lead the film Tanging Yaman. Her performance as the Alzheimers disease stricken matriarch was met with praises from critics, calling her portrayal "credible" and "competent". She won "Best Actress" at the FAMAS Awards, Luna Awards, Gawad Urian Awards and Metro Manila Film Festival, including Best Performance at the Young Critics Circle. The film was also a big success at the box-office, grossing ₱167 million throughout its run. Following the success of Tanging Yaman, it was followed by another MMFF entry Bahay ni Lola (2001). The film earned ₱8.5 million within its first day at the cinemas and grossed ₱100 million throughout its run at the MMFF, becoming the highest-grossing film of 2001 at the festival. In 2002, she top billed the film Singsing ni Lola under Regal Films. It reportedly had a total production budget of ₱40 million, listing it among the most expensive horror films in the country. The film opened with ₱5 million in its first day.

The same year, she starred in another sitcom OK Fine, 'To Ang Gusto Nyo! where she played the role of Lola Barbie. In 2003, Romero was handpicked by Ricky Reyes as one of the endorser of the launch of his beauty campaign "Ganda 2003" at the AFP Theater. The same year, she starred with Jiro Manio, Lorna Tolentino and Albert Martinez in the indie film Magnifico. It received positive reviews from critics and won her "Best Supporting Actress" at the 27th Gawad Urian Awards. At the event, she was also bestowed with the a lifetime achievement award for "her contributions to Philippine cinema as an actress for more than half a century." The film was endorsed by the Department of Education and was listed by the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino as one of the Top ten best films of the decade (2000-2009). In 2004, she worked with director Gil Portes in the film Beautiful Life. Her performance earned her a "Best Supporting Actress" nomination at the Luna Awards.

In 2006, she appeared in the film Moments of Love under GMA Pictures where she played the older version of Iza Calzado's character. She also made several participations in other films such as Bahay Kubo: A Pinoy Mano Po! (2007) and Paupahan (2008), earning a Star Award nomination for the latter. In 2009, she starred in the film Fuchsia with Eddie Garcia and Robert Arevalo. She won Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role-Musical or Comedy at the 6th Golden Screen Awards for her performance and received a nomination for "Movie Actress of the Year" at the PMPC Star Awards for Movies. The same year, she reunited with Dolphy and Eddie Garcia in the film Nobody, Nobody But... Juan. Under ABS-CBN, Romero remained active on television in the succeeding years by making special appearances and supporting roles such as May Bukas Pa (2009) and Kung Tayo'y Magkakalayo (2010) and Kokey @ Ako (2010).

Later years (2011–present)
After 15 years with ABS-CBN, she transferred to GMA Network and worked on her first show Munting Heredera (2011). The series drew high viewership, garnering 49.5% peak ratings in Mega Manila households and was extended for ten more weeks due to its success. In 2012, she was honored with an Ading Fernando Lifetime Achievement at the 26th PMPC Star Awards for Television. The following year, she starred alongside Heart Evangelista and Geoff Eigenmann in the series Forever. The series debuted with high viewership, attaining 15.3% ratings in Mega Manila households. In 2014, she was cast in the series Niño starring Miguel Tanfelix and David Remo. According to AGB Neilsen, the series attained 30.4% TV ratings on Mega Manila households. She also played supporting roles in several television series such as The Rich Man's Daughter (2015), Juan Happy Love Story (2016) and Meant to Be (2017). In 2017, she played a supporting role as Rosa Batungbakal in the film Ang Panday starring Coco Martin.

The same year, she top billed the drama fantasy anthology Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko. The series won numerous accolades throughout its run including three PMPC Star Awards for Television as "Best Horror/Fantasy Program". Following the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, Romero took a break from the series. She made a special appearance in 2022 for the fifth anniversary of the anthology series. In 2018, she starred with Eddie Garcia and Tony Mabesa in the family drama LGBT-themed film Rainbow's Sunset. It was an official entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival and grossed an estimated 50 million at the box-office. Romero's performance was also met with praises from critics and audiences, winning "Best Actress" at the International Film Festival Manhattan and MMFF, including nominations at The EDDYS and PMPC Star Awards for Movies. In 2019, she was honored with the "Mga Natatanging Bituin ng Siglo" award at the PMPC Star Awards for Movies, recognizing her significant contributions to Philippine cinema.

In celebration of her 90th birthday, Romero made her first public appearance at the Sampaguita Studios in Quezon City since the global pandemic in 2020. The event was attended by Barbara Perez, Celia Rodriguez, Helen Gamboa, Liza Lorena and Gina Alajar among others. Romero was bestowed a two-hour Manila Hotel tribute on February 28, 2024, organized by Daisy Romualdez.

Legacy
The Manila Times described Romero as "one of the most iconic figures in the Philippine film industry." She is one of the major stars of Philippine cinema's Golden Age and is one of the longest working Filipino actors in the industry. Her critically acclaimed performances and lasting commercial appeal have led her to be hailed the longest reigning Philippine movie queen. She has been named the most successful leading actress of the 1950s by publications. American newspaper St. Petersburg Times named her the highest paid movie actress in the Philippines, with total annual earnings of $45,000 in 1956 (or nearly ₱30 million in 2024 Philippine peso). FDCP chairperson Jose Javier Reyes praised Romero after being awarded by the national film agency with a Lifetime Achievement Award, saying: "There is absolutely no better way of defining the Filipino movie queen than Gloria Romero. In her 90s right now, [she] has become the epitome not only of professionalism but everything that Filipino cinema was before in the past decades."

Romero is one of the most celebrated Filipino actresses and has been described by various critics and journalists as one of the greatest actresses of all time. Behn Cervantes of Philippine Daily Inquirer named her as one of the actresses who set high standards in acting saying: "Gloria would quietly listen and deliver her lines with ease and surprising depth." Filipino writer Nestor Torre also praised her portrayal in the film Tanging Yaman (2000), saying: "Clearly, only an actress of Gloria's experience, sensitivity and age could have come up to the role's rigorous demands." Filmmaker Laurice Guillen praised Romero during her speech at the 49th FAMAS Awards saying: "I always looked forward to Gloria Romero's movies. She's truly a great actress but this is seldom noticed because her style is light and restrained."

Fred Hawson of ABS-CBN News praised her performance in Rainbow's Sunset (2018) saying: "Romero had such a powerful screen presence that a mere sad look or crack in her voice could already make tears well in my eyes", further adding: "Anne Curtis and Kim Chiu still have miles to go to even hope to reach Romero's level of acting for the big screen." A number of Romero's films have become classics of Philippine cinema. When in Manila ranked Bahay ni Lola at No. 2 on their list of "10 Most Unforgettable Pinoy Horror Films". Spot PH included her scene with Nora Aunor in the 1984 film Condemned as one of the "Top 10 Most Epic Dramatic Showdowns in Pinoy Movies."

Public image
Romero has been described as the Grace Kelly of the Philippines for her "modest", "quiet and gentle gestures". The Philippine Star described her as one of the most revered and recognizable actresses in the Philippines. Filipino hairdresser Ricky Reyes noted that Romero "epitomizes great character, good values, everything that makes a woman beautiful not just physically but spiritually as well". Romero has been referred as a "fashion icon". She was Ramon Valera's signature model and has appeared in numerous fashion shows including the Calendar of Stars fashion show at Rizal Memorial Stadium, the Oka-Valera fashion show at Fiesta Pavilion of the Manila Hotel and the first Kariligan fashion show at PhilamLife Theater among many others. Amrie Cruz of Preen PH also named her one of the most stylish actresses of the classical Philippine cinema. She was also featured three times on Yes! Magazine 's annual list of 100 Most Beautiful Stars in 2007, 2009 & 2016. Filipino actor Dingdong Dantes named Romero among the most beautiful women in Philippine entertainment. In 2004, The Philippine Daily Inquirer commented on Romero's career longevity and dedication to her craft:

"Gloria serves as an important beacon of abiding love and resolute hope for the current beleaguered Filipino movie industry...May we all learn to be as lovingly committed and passionate as she has been."

Romero has been an influential figure to generations of actors and actresses in the industry. Iza Calzado expressed her desire to emulate Romero, saying: "I like to be like Ms Gloria Romero who started young but look at her now—still energetic and very much around", further adding: "Actually, it's not just about her aging, it's how people respect her. You know when people talk about Gloria Romero, they talk about how nice she is." Film producer Violetta Sevilla also revealed that she has been a long-time fan of Romero, saying: "I like Gloria because of her enduring beauty, timeless, and her being a queenly lady, nice at respectable. A role model of everything." Susan Roces revealed that Romero is her favorite actress. At age 15, Roces stated that she would travel to Quezon City in hopes of seeing her at the compound of Sampaguita Pictures and getting her autograph. Vilma Santos cited Romero's longevity during her speech at the Gawad Urian Awards, expressing her desire to continue acting until she becomes a grandmother like her.

In a 2007 interview with Philippine Daily Inquirer, Lorna Tolentino expressed her desire to emulate Romero's career durability. Cherry Pie Picache also praised Romero and Garcia in a 2006 interview, saying: "I wish I was already an actor during their time. In them you'll see the aura, elegance and diginity of being an actor." In 2024, Boy Abunda praised Romero during a special tribute saying: "Tita Glo is the longest reigning monarch of Philippine Cinema".

Other activities
In 1954, Romero won the title Miss Visayas after placing third runner-up at the National Fair Maria Teresa Larrazabal. Also in 1954, she was recommended by the theater group Dramatic Philippines to portray the Blessed Virgin Mary in the senacle play Martir Sa Golgota, which was eventually approved by then Archbishop Rufino Santos of Manila. The play was first staged at the Manila Grand Opera House during the Holy Week and was attended by then Philippine president Ramon Magsaysay. Romero reprised her role in 1955 and 1956 for the same play. In 2003, Romero, alongside Pilita Corales and Barbara Perez, was chosen as image models of Ricky Reyes' Ganda ng Lola Mo campaign for his hair salon chain. She became the only septuagenarian at that point to have billboards all over EDSA.

Marriage
On September 24, 1960, Romero married fellow Sampaguita Pictures actor Juancho Gutierrez at the Santuario de San Antonio in Forbes Park, Makati. Romero's white gown was designed by National Artist for Fashion Ramón Valera. The entourage included the biggest stars of Sampaguita Pictures. The bridesmaids were Daisy Romualdez, Barbara Perez, Susan Roces and Amalia Fuentes. The wedding was covered by all the major newspapers and magazines and radios, headlined "Wedding of the Year".

The couple have only one daughter Maritess Gutierrez, who tried acting briefly, and is now a chef. Romero has a grandson, Chris Gutierrez, a former artist of Star Magic.

Separation
The couple separated after 12 years of being married, and Gloria did not marry again. In 2000, Juancho suffered a diabetic stroke that left him paralysed and reunited him with his wife Gloria, who took care of him until Juancho's death in 2005.

Acting credits
Romero's most acclaimed and commercially successful films include Musikong Bumbong (1953), Cofradia (1953), Dalagang Ilocana (1954), Kurdapya (1954), Alaalang Banal (1958), Despatsadora (1955), Hongkong Holiday (1956), Sino Ang May Sala? (1957), Ikaw Ang Aking Buhay (1959), Iginuhit ng Tadhana (1965), Lipad, Darna, Lipad! (1973), Condemned (1984), Saan Nagtatago ang Pag-ibig? (1987), Nagbabagang Luha (1988), Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit (1989), Tanging Yaman (2000), Bahay Ni Lola (2001), I Think I'm in Love (2002), Magnifico (2003), Beautiful Life (2004), Fuchsia (2009), Tarima (2010) and Rainbow's Sunset (2018).

Awards and honors
Romero has received numerous accolades for her acting work. At age 85, she became the oldest woman to win Best Actress at the 2018 Metro Manila Film Festival. She has won three FAMAS Awards in the competitive categories: Best Actress for Dalagang Ilocana (1954) and Tanging Yaman (2000); and Best Supporting Actress for Nagbabagang Luha (1988). She has also won two competitive Gawad Urian Awards for Best Actress for Tanging Yaman (2000) and Best Supporting Actress for Magnifico (2003), as well as three competitive Metro Manila Film Festival Awards: Best Actress for Tanging Yaman (2000) and Rainbow's Sunset (2018); and Best Supporting Actress for I Think I'm in Love (2002).

Romero is the recipient of three Luna Awards from the Film Academy of the Philippines in the competitive categories, winning Best Actress for Tanging Yaman, Best Supporting Actress for Saan Nagtatago Ang Pag-ibig? and Magnifico. She has also won two competitive PMPC Star Awards for Movies for Best Supporting Actress for her roles in Saan Nagtatago ang Pag-ibig? (1987) and Tarima (2010). For her performance in the sitcom Palibhasa Lalake (1987), she won Best Comedy Actress at the PMPC Star Awards for Television. She also received international recognition for her performance in Rainbow's Sunset, winning two International Film Festival Manhattan Awards for Best Actress and Best Ensemble Acting.