Boots Anson-Rodrigo is celebrated for her advocacy work and for her contributions to Philippine cinema, family and faith.
Maria Elisa Cristobal Anson-Rodrigo, better known as Boots 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 Assumption Convent Manila. From 1960 to 1964, she studied for an A.B. in Speech and Drama at the University of the Philippines. She studied Journalism and Public and Media Relations at Georgetown University, Washington DC from 1983 to 1984.
She was previously married to Pete Roa with whom she had four children. Her daughter Chiqui is a television host and son Alvin is an actor. After being a widow for many years, she married Atty. Francisco Rodrigo Jr. in 2014.

Anson-Roa began acting in 1968, appearing opposite actors 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.
She was the director of the UP-PGH Medical Foundation from 1979 to 1981, and the Philippine National Red Cross from 1980 to 1982. 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, D.C.
Through all her advocacies, the one that she will be most remembered for is being the president of the Movie Workers Welfare Association, Inc. (Mowelfund) for the longest time — 2002 to 2020 — and where she now serves as the chairman of the board.
In her three-fold 80th birthday celebration, she will have a grand family reunion on January 30. All of her siblings and children from around the world will be in attendance. In lieu of gifts, she has asked people to donate to MOWELFUND.
Second, there will be a retro concert on January 31 at the Music Museum featuring OPM greats Leah Navarro, Ding Mercado, Ray An Fuentes, and Pat Castillo, with special guests Mitch Valdes and Nanette Inventor, called “Grovvin’ Boots.” The event will be line-produced by Anna Ylagan and Jackie Aquino. Proceeds from the concert will be donated to MOWELFUND.
In March, there will be a book launch of her biography, “Grateful,” and, as you guessed it, part of the proceeds will also go to MOWELFUND.
While at it, we jumped the gun on Tita Boots’ life story and asked her, at 80, what the eight things she is most grateful for. Our “Ina ng Laging Saklolo” — as we call her — lists her most revealing and honest answers:
1. Being born — I was a wartime baby. My parents almost aborted me. They were separated by the war and its travails. By God’s grace, they persisted and got married instead when my mom was on her fourth month of pregnancy. I almost never was.
2. A Christian upbringing despite my parents’ separation.
3. A solid Christian education (Assumption Convent and then U.P.).
4. Leadership skills from childhood.
5. Academic skills — scholarships and honors from grade school to college.
6. My first marriage to Pete (RIP), which produced four beautiful, intelligent, and good children.
7. My second marriage to King at age 69. If marriages are made in heaven, ours is.
8. The gift of faith and strength of character.
Now we understand why Boots Anson Roa-Rodrigo is blessed. We continue to honor and celebrate her for a life well lived. Happy Birthday to the well loved Boots. We are eternally grateful for you!