The Philippine movie industry wept on Saturday, January 25, 2025, as it said farewell to one of its most enduring stars. Gloria Romero, a towering figure whose legacy illuminated the silver screen for seven decades, passed away at the age of 91.
Known for her unforgettable portrayal of the cigar-chomping maiden Biday in Dalagang Ilocana, Romero’s star first began to shine in the 1950s, and she would remain a beacon in Philippine cinema until the end.
Born Gloria Anne Borrego Galla in 1933 in Denver, Colorado, Romero embarked on her illustrious career at just 16 years old, quickly rising to prominence. Over the course of her remarkable life, she graced over 250 films and television shows, earning the beloved title “Queen of Philippine Cinema.”
Her rise to fame came swiftly. Just two years after joining Sampaguita Pictures in 1952, Romero won her first FAMAS Best Actress award for her iconic role as Manang Biday, opposite Ric Rodrigo and the legendary Dolphy. She would go on to garner numerous nominations for performances in films like Alaalang Banal, Ikaw ang Aking Buhay, and Iginuhit ng Tadhana, the 1965 film in which she portrayed Imelda Marcos—a role some say was instrumental in the rise of Ferdinand Marcos Sr. to the presidency.
For a generation raised on television, Romero became a household name through her role as Tita Minerva Chavez in Palibhasa Lalake, a sitcom that first aired in March 1987, just after the Lopez family reclaimed control of ABS-CBN. The show, which redefined television comedy, ran for more than a decade, leaving an indelible mark on Filipino pop culture.
Romero’s contributions to Philippine cinema and television were recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including Lifetime Achievement honors from FAMAS, the Film Academy of the Philippines, the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), Gawad Urian, and the Film Development Council of the Philippines.
In one of her final interviews with ABS-CBN in 2021, after receiving the Gabay ng Industriya award, Romero expressed her gratitude: “Maraming salamat at hanggang ngayon naaalala niyo pa rin ako. Salamat sa pagpapahalaga nyo sa akin.” Her humility and grace were as legendary as her talent.
Gloria Romero leaves behind a legacy that will forever resonate in the hearts of Filipinos. Truly, she was an awe-inspiring queen of Philippine cinema—a woman whose star never faded. Goodbye, Manang Biday.
