Senate president pro tempore Jinggoy Estrada has filed a resolution honoring the life and legacy of the late actress Gloria Romero for her significant contribution to Philippine cinema and culture.
Estrada said Senate Resolution No. 1290 also expresses the Senate’s sympathies and condolences on the death of Romero, whose real name is Gloria Anne Borrego Galla.
A copy of the resolution will be handed to Romero’s family as a gesture of gratitude and respect for her unparalleled contributions to the arts.
“The Senate, along with the entire Filipino nation, mourns the loss of a cinematic legend whose legacy will continue to inspire generations to come,” he said. “She was also known as the ‘First Lady of Philippine Cinema’ for starring as the on-screen partners of major actors of her time. My father, former President Joseph Estrada, was fortunate to be among them as she was his leading lady in the film Patria Adorada which was named best picture in the 4th Manila Film Festival held in 1969,” Estrada said.
Estrada said it is only proper to honor Romero for her contributions to Philippine cinema and TV. “Hindi maitatanggi na nakaukit na ang pangalang Gloria Romero sa mundo ng pelikulang Pilipino, maging sa daigdig ng telebisyon. Mahirap tumbasan ang higit dalawang daan at limampung pelikula at TV shows na nagawa siya sa loob ng mahigit anim na dekada at tumatak sa mga manonood (It cannot be denied that the name Gloria Romero is already etched in the TV and movie industry. The more than 250 films and TV shows she has made in more than six decades in the industry is unmatched),” he said.
Romero started her acting career in 1949 with a role as an extra in “Ang Bahay sa Lumang Gulod.” Over time, she rose to prominence, starring in over 250 films and TV shows. Her breakthrough role in the 1954 romantic comedy film “Dalagang Ilocana” earned her the first FAMAS Best Actress Award at just 21 years old. Notable films like “Tanging Yaman” (2000) and “Magnifico” (2004) showcased her timeless acting prowess, while her portrayal in “Rainbow’s Sunset” (2018) garnered her the Best Actress Award at the Metro Manila Film Festival at the age of 85. She was a respected talent of Sampaguita Pictures, appearing in classic films such as “Prinsesa at Pulubi,” “Dugong Bughaw,” and “Bernardo Carpio.” Her partnerships with major actors of her era further cemented her legacy in Philippine cinema. Romero earned numerous accolades, including the Ulirang Artista Award from the Philippine Movie Press Club (1995), the Iconic Movie Queens of Philippine Cinema citation from FAMAS (2015), and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Film Development Council’s Parangal ng Sining (2024). Romero died on Jan. 25 at the age of 91.
