Gloria Romero: Remembering the Queen of Philippine Cinema
Gloria Romero’s illustrious showbiz career spanned over seven decades, solidifying her status as one of Philippine cinema’s most iconic and accomplished stars—leaving an indelible mark on culture and the arts.
PHOTO/S: File
The phrase “end of an era” is often used when a beloved celebrity or public figure passes away.
When news broke of veteran actress Gloria Romero’s passing, it truly felt like a monumental chapter in Philippine entertainment had come to a close.
After all, Gloria was one of the last remaining icons from what is widely regarded as the Golden Age of Philippine cinema—a period that produced legendary actors, such as Nida Blanca, Dolphy, Eddie Garcia, and Fernando Poe Jr., among others.
She was dubbed the “Queen of Philippine Cinema” for a reason.
Gloria Romero entered showbiz at the age of 16, but she bagged her first lead role at the age of 19.
Photo/s: File
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Her films, especially at the height of her fame in the 1950s and 1960s, were consistent box-office successes.
Her enduring success in a cutthroat industry that prioritizes youth and constantly evolves with shifting audience preferences was nothing short of remarkable.
Even more admirable, Gloria didn’t remain in the industry merely for longevity’s sake—she consistently delivered outstanding performances for decades, well into her later years.
Her work left a lasting impact on audiences across multiple generations, including those who weren’t even born during the peak of her stardom.
PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) looks back at the extraordinary life and career of one of Philippine cinema’s brightest and most accomplished stars—whose impact on culture and the arts is unparalleled.
GLORIA ROMERO: FAMILY BACKGROUND
BORN IN THE USA
Gloria, born Gloria Galla on December 16, 1933, in Denver, Colorado, U.S.A., was the daughter of Pedro Galla, a Filipino, and Mary Borrego, an American of Spanish descent.
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Pedro met Mary when he went to the U.S. to pursue his studies.
Gloria, her elder sister Louise, and her brother Tito were all born in the USA.
The youngest among siblings, Gilbert, was born in Mabini, Pangasinan, where Gloria spent her childhood.
Gloria Romero was born in the U.S., but grew up in Mabini, Pangasinan.
Photo/s: File
SAILING TO THE PHILIPPINES
In an article published on the website of ABS-CBN, Leah Salterio wrote that four-year-old Gloria first came to the Philippines in 1937.
Her family travelled by sea for around two months.
When their ship docked in Manila, Mary was immediately captivated by its beauty.
Pre-World War II Manila resembled a European city, its architecture and culture deeply influenced by over 300 years of Spanish colonial rule.
Mary was disheartened upon learning they were actually moving to the countryside.
Her disappointment grew as they traveled farther from Manila, watching the grand buildings gradually disappear, replaced by trees, open fields, and farm animals.
The family’s return to America was repeatedly postponed—largely due to Pedro’s desire to extend their stay—much to the frustration of Mary, who persistently urged her husband to take them back home.
However, they never got the chance to leave.
When World War II broke out, the Japanese occupation of the Philippines forced them to remain indefinitely.
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EXPERIENCing THE HORRORS OF WWII
The family sought refuge in the mountains as Japanese troops expanded their control over the provinces, tightening their grip on the country.
While no one was safe from the scrutiny of the Japanese army, the family had an even greater concern—Mary was a pure American.
With tensions between Japan and the U.S. at an all-time high, her presence posed a significant risk. If discovered, she would undoubtedly attract the attention of the invading forces.
Pedro’s worst fears became reality one night when a large group of Japanese soldiers surrounded their home just as the family was about to have dinner.
Gloria vividly recalled the terrifying moment in a 2004 interview with entertainment columnist Butch Francisco, tearfully saying, “Nakaturo ang mga bayoneta nila sa amin.”
Both Pedro and Mary were taken into custody by Japanese soldiers but were later released.
It was said that Mary deliberately refrained from speaking English during the interrogation in an effort to mislead the authorities and convince them she was not American.
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However, the hardships of war would soon take their toll on Mary.
One night, she had an accident, falling down the stairs without realizing she had sustained rib injuries, which later caused severe pain and discomfort.
With the war still raging, medical assistance was unavailable, and Mary had no choice but to endure her injuries for months.
The Americans’ return to the Philippines in January 1945, to liberate the country from Japanese occupation, came too late for Mary.
Gloria told Butch that she and her siblings crossed rivers to reach the location where relief goods from the Americans were being distributed, hoping to get food and medicine for their ailing mother.
They managed to get apples and chocolates, but were unable to find medicine for Mary.
Gloria recalled how her mother’s face lit up when she saw the apples and chocolates—perhaps they reminded Mary of her homeland, which she missed dearly.
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According to Gloria, Mary ate some of the chocolate shortly before she passed away on January 18, 1945, at just 28 years old.
Years later, Gloria would reflect that her mother’s death was, more than anything, a result of deep loneliness.
“She was always longing for her family in the States. She died on January 18, the day after the Americans came,” Gloria mused.
GLORIA ROMERO ON BECOMING AN ACTRESS
Gloria, who attended Mabini Elementary School and Riverview High School, started dreaming of becoming an actress when she was 11 years old.
She recalled visiting a nearby town to watch movies whenever time and money permitted, as there were no cinemas in Mabini.
Oftentimes, Gloria would ask friends who were heading to Manila to watch movies, saying, “Pagkatapos, ikuwento ninyo sa akin.”
As her friends shared the details with her, Gloria would listen intently, her curiosity piqued.
She would imagine the scenes they described, dreaming of the day when she, too, would be acting out those very sequences on the big screen.
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Fortunately for Gloria, her family decided to move from Pangasinan to Manila soon after.
JOINING PREMIERE PRODUCTIONS
Determined to enter showbiz, the 16-year-old mestiza visited the office of Premiere Productions, one of the country’s leading film companies at the time, alongside LVN Pictures, Sampaguita Pictures, and Lea Productions.
Some of the big-name talents associated with Premiere Productions were Anita Linda, Celia Rodriguez, Rosemarie Gil, Eddie Fernandez, and Fernando Poe Jr.
Like many newcomers then and now, Gloria got her start as an actress by playing bit roles.
She was first seen in the 1949 movie Ang Bahay sa Lumang Gulod, followed by Prinsipe Don Juan and Bahay na Tisa in 1951.
Despite Gloria’s dedication to learning the craft, the Premiere executives deemed her too raw and ultimately decided to let her go.
In a 2000 interview with the late entertainment columnist Ricky Lo, Gloria recalled the advice of Premiere Productions matriarch Adela Santiago: “Magpataba ka muna” and “Improve my Tagalog.”
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She was told, “Come back when you are ready,” to which Gloria politely replied, “Sige po.”
TRANSFERRING TO SAMPAGUITA PICTURES
Gloria, though, never came back, and she jumped ship to rival Sampaguita Pictures with the help of her uncle and film editor Nardo Rosales.
Her first visit to Sampaguita Pictures took place on Christmas Day, at a party attended by the studio’s roster of talents.
For a devoted cinema fan, the sight of so many movie stars in one room was both thrilling and overwhelming.
It’s easy to imagine a young, wide-eyed Gloria, completely starstruck as she found herself among the very icons she had only seen on the big screen.
“Ang daming artista doon!” exclaimed Gloria, recalling that day.
“My idol, Tita Duran, was there. Then I was brought to Mommy Vera (Azucena “Nene” Vera-Perez, Sampaguita Pictures matriarch). Sabi niya, ‘Mag-extra ka muna, iha, dahil ang dami naming artista ngayon.
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“Nandoon din sina Myrna Delgado, Norma Vales, Oscar Moreno, Pancho Magalona, Tessie Agana, at Linda Estrella. Wow, para akong nasa heaven! All those stars in person!”
Gloria’s first project with Sampaguita Pictures was Kasintahan sa Pangarap starring Tita Duran and Pancho Magalona.
Gloria was still limited to minor roles, but it wasn’t until the film Ramon Selga that she delivered her first on-screen line—”Yes, doctor!”—a moment made possible by Nene Vera-Perez’s request to the director to give the Pangasinense newcomer even a brief dialogue.
Sampaguita Pictures recognized Gloria’s potential and rewarded her hard work by including her more in its projects—Bernardo Carpio, Barbaro, Dugong Bughaw, and Prinsesa at Pulubi.
GLORIA ROMERO ACHIEVING SUPERSTARDOM
Gloria’s patience finally paid off when in 1952 she was entrusted a supporting role in Madame X, headlined by Alicia Vergel and Cesar Ramirez.
Madame X played a pivotal role in Gloria’s acting career.
Before starring in the film, she was credited under her real name, Gloria Galla, in movie credits and promotional materials.
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Now that she was being groomed for more substantial roles, Sampaguita Pictures executive Dr. Jose R. Perez—affectionately addressed as Doc Perez by the company’s staff and talents—felt the need to change Gloria’s screen name for easy recall.
Gloria, who was assigned a mentor on set to coach her with the dialogues for Madame X, was initially opposed to the idea, pleading with the film executive and explaining that her father might disapprove of the name change.
“Don’t worry, we’ll retain your first name,” Doc Perez assured the hesitant young actress.
Doc Perez then asked Gloria, “Sino ba ang first director mo dito sa Sampaguita, iha?”
Gloria replied, “Si Direktor Eddie Romero po sa Kasintahan sa Pangarap.”
Said Gloria, looking back, “Doc Perez’s eyes lit up. He said, ‘Gloria Romero. Sounds good!’
“So since then, I became known na as Gloria Romero.”
It marked the beginning of Gloria’s rise from an extra to a supporting actress, and, eventually, to a lead star.
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Gloria’s first leading role was in the movie Palasig (1952) opposite Cesar Ramirez.
Just some of the memorable movies that Gloria did after Madame X were Monghita, which critics said was Gloria’s breakthrough film, Cofradia, Dalagang Ilocana, Kurdapya, Sino Ang May Sala, Hongkong Holiday, Paru-Parong Bukid, to name only a few.
Gloria’s bankability and popularity were evident in her rise as the highest-paid movie actress of the 1950s, with her films generating big profits for her home studio.
Gloria Romero with her Best Actress trophy for her portrayal in 1954 film Dalagang Ilocana.
Photo/s: File
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Indeed, Sampaguita’s gamble in giving her a break paid off big time.
In an era when celebrity endorsements were still a novelty, Gloria emerged as a trailblazer.
Brands such as Coca-Cola, Dari Crème, Calumet baking powder, and Camay, among others, sought her out, leveraging her charisma and star power to captivate consumers and drive sales.
Gloria Romero as Coke endorser
Photo/s: https://isamunangpatalastas.blogspot.com/
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In total, Gloria impressively starred in 84 films throughout the 1950s and 1960s.
The veteran actress also brought to life several unforgettable television characters, including Lola Auring in Labs Ko Si Babes, Lola Barbie in Okay Fine! Whatever, Doña Amparo in Familia Zaragoza, Doña Valeria in Sana’y Wala Nang Wakas, Aling Soledad in May Bukas Pa, and, of course, the iconic Tita Minerva in the classic sitcom Palibhasa Lalake.
A CAREER THAT NEVER FADED
Gloria’s star continued to shine bright during the 70s and succeeding decades, further cementing her reputation as the “Queen of Philippine Cinema.”
Her filmography continued to expand as she took on more memorable roles in a diverse range of films, including Nardong Putik, Lipad, Darna, Lipad!, Sakada, and Ganito Kami Noon… Paano Kayo Ngayon?.
The quality of films that Gloria did was remarkable as she aged, with movies like Condemned (1984), where Gloria portrayed a gang leader; Anak ni Waray vs. Anak ni Biday (1984), where she played the Ilocana and Nida played the Waray; Tanging Yaman (2000) and Rainbow Sunset (2018).
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Photo/s: File
Gloria’s stellar performances in Beautiful Life, Fuchsia, and the LGBTQ-themed drama Rainbow’s Sunset showcased her timeless talent, earning her prestigious accolades from various award-giving bodies—even in the later years of her life and career.
By the time of her passing, her long list of recognitions included seven FAMAS Awards, four Luna Awards, five Metro Manila Film Festival awards, three Gawad Urian Awards, two International Film Festival Manhattan awards, and three Box Office Entertainment Awards.
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GLORIA BEHIND THE CAMERA
To the public, Gloria, aside from her brilliance as an actress, was the epitome of timeless beauty and grace.
Gloria’s efforts to always look presentable, especially in public, stemmed from the advice of Sampaguita Pictures matriarch, Mommy Vera.
“Ang bilin sa amin ni Mrs. Vera, kapag nakikita daw kami sa pelikula, ‘Ay, ang gaganda nila,’ hindi puwedeng lumabas na hindi ka nakabihis!” Gloria told PEP in an interview published on October 9, 2018.
“Kailangang maglagay ng konting foundation to be presentable, kasi sasabihin ng fans, ‘Ay, pangit pala ito sa natural.’
“Yun ang ayaw nilang mangyari during our time.”
She also revealed that she exclusively used one cosmetic brand: Max Factor.
“For the past 65 years I’ve been working, isa lang ang make-up ko, isa lang ang foundation, isang brand lang. I never changed,” confided Gloria.
She continued, “Hindi na nila ginagamit ito, pero ako I’ve been using. I have a friend in the States who sends me.”
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Gloria was fond of praying, telling Ricky Lo that she named her daughter Maria Teresa or Maritess after St. Therese, The Little Flower of Jesus.
As a side note, Gloria portrayed the role of the Virgin Mary in the 1954 stage production Martir Sa Golgota hosted at the Manila Grand Opera House and with President Ramon Magsaysay in attendance.
Maritess is Gloria’s only child with actor and former husband Juancho Gutierrez.
Gloria Romero and Juancho Gutierrez’s wedding
Photo/s: Facebook
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The two tied the knot on September 24, 1960, at the Santuario de San Antonio in Forbes Park in Makati.
The marriage lasted for 12 years before the couple decided to separate.
Despite having suitors after their separation, Gloria never considered remarrying. She told Rciky Lo, “Para sa akin, it was enough that I got married once.”
However, when Juancho suffered a diabetic stroke in 2000 that left him paralyzed, Gloria did not hesitate to take him back and care for him.
In an article published in YES! Magazine, their daughter Maritess shared that during the separation, Juancho lived with his sister Cristeta in Mandaluyong.
But when her father fell ill, Maritess turned to her mother and said, “Ma, kunin muna natin si Daddy.”
Without a second thought, Gloria replied, “Sige, iha.”
Maritess lauded her mother’s compassion, describing her as selfless and kind-hearted.
“She does that for anyone. She’s never selfish. She extends kindness to her relatives, so how much more for my dad?”
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Gloria was 27 years old and was at the peak of her career when she got married. This did little though to dampen her popularity and her bankability as an actress.
She did think of retiring from showbiz when she settled down.
She told Ricky Lo, “Retirement did cross my mind. After all, I had already been in showbiz for 10 years,” said Gloria.
“But Doc Perez told me that as long as I still wanted to work, I could go on.
“I still had an 18-year contract with Sampaguita at that time.
“I knew that Amalia [Fuentes] and Susan [Roces] were waiting on the side and I knew that they deserved a break. Para sa akin, contented na ako doon sa 10 years kong pagiging artista.”
Gloria, of course, never walked away from showbiz and went on to enjoy an illustrious, storied career—one that will be remembered and serve as an inspiration for generations of stars to come.
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She shared with Ricky what kept her going and how she retained her passion for acting and the entertainment industry.
“I don’t dwell on the past. What should I do? Open my old album and sulk? You have to be realistic. Either you retire and wallow in memories of the past or go on working,” stressed Gloria.
“I am happy I chose to go on working. Every time I report to the set on my first shooting day, I still get excited and nervous; nagkakaroon pa ako ng butterflies in the stomach.
“You know, baka the director might be expecting too much from me and he gets disappointed. Mga ganoon. I enjoy working.”
Her final film role was in Rainbow’s Sunset (2018), which earned her Best Actress honors at both the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) and the International Film Festival Manhattan.
Even in her twilight years, she continued to shine, delivering stellar performances and leaving an enduring legacy in the industry.
