Veteran actress and “Queen of Philippine Cinema”, Gloria Romero, passed away on January 25, 2025, at the age of 91. Prior to her death, she had been experiencing a period of declining health. On December 31, 2024, she was brought to St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City by her daughter, Maritess Gutierrez, after she refused to eat or drink. After 16 days of treatment, she was discharged and continued to receive 24/7 care at home by a medical team. However, on January 22, 2025, her blood pressure plummeted and she passed away at home three days later. Her funeral was held at the Arlington Memorial Chapel in Quezon City, and her ashes were placed at the Mt. Carmel Shrine, next to her late husband Juancho Gutierrez.
Following her death, many important figures paid tribute, including Philippine President Bongbong Marcos, who praised her as not only a talented artist but also a great human being. Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna declared three days of mourning to honor her contributions to Philippine arts and culture.
Gloria Romero left a huge legacy in Philippine film and television, with a career spanning over seven decades and many classics.
Legendary actress Gloria Romero dies at 91
Gloria Romero passes away peacefully on January 25, 2025.
The Philippine film and television industry is mourning the passing of the Queen of Philippine Cinema, Gloria Romero.
Gloria passed away on Saturday, January 25, 2025.
She was 91.
Gloria’s only daughter, Maritess Gutierrez, confirmed the sad news through an official statement.
It reads: “TO OUR DEAREST FAMILY, RELATIVES AND FRIENDS:
“It is with great sadness to announce the passing of my beloved Mother, Gloria Galla Gutierrez aka Gloria Romero who peacefully joined our Creator earlier today January 25, 2025.
“For those who want to visit the wake of Mama, it will be held in Arlington Memorial Chapel, Hall A, Araneta Avenue, Quezon City.
“In this time of loss, our family deeply appreciates the support, prayers, sympathy, all the lovely messages, and heartfelt condolences that we’ve received. She will surely be missed dearly.”
Maritess also shared the day and time of the funeral for her beloved mother:
January 26, 2025 (Sunday)
Exclusive for Family and Friends
5 P.M. – Novena, 6 P.M. – Mass
January 27 and 28 (Monday and Tuesday)
9 A.M. to 1 P.M. – Public viewing
1 P.M. onwards – Family and Friends.WHO IS GLORIA ROMERO?
Gloria’s real name is Gloria Anne Borrega Galla.
She was born on December 16, 1933 in Denver, Colorado.
Her parents are Filipino Pedro Galla and Spanish-American May Borrego.
Her brother is the late actor Tito Galla.
In 1937, Gloria’s family returned to Mabini, Pangasinan, to visit her parental grandparents.
What was supposed to be just a vacation was extended to extended until the outbreak of World War II, which made their permanent residence in the Philippines. Gloria married her former leading man Juancho Gutierez, who passed away in 2005.
Their only child is Maritess Gutierrez.
GLORIA ROMERO’S ILLUSTRIOUS MOVIE CAREER
Gloria’s showbiz career began, at the age of 16, in 1949 when she was an extra in the film Ang Bahay Sa Lumang Gulod, and two other films from Premiere Productions — Prinsipe Don Juan and Bahay Na Tisa, both released in 1951.
Gloria moved to Sampaguita Pictures, where she also started as an extra in several films.
In 1952, she landed her first supporting role in the film Madame X, starring Alicia Vergel and Cesar Ramirez.
That same year, she became Cesar Ramirez’s lead in the costume movie Palasig.
But what is considered Gloria’s breakthrough role was Monghita (1952), where she co-starred with Oscar Moreno, father of Boots Anson Roa-Rodrigo.
After this, Gloria’s blockbuster movies followed one after another, such as Cofradia (1953), co-starring Ramon Revilla; Pilya (1954); Kurdapya (1954); and Despachadora (1955).
Gloria won her first best actress award from the FAMAS Awards in 1954 for the comedy film Dalagang Ilocana.
Gloria reached the peak of her popularity in the mid-’50s to mid-’60s, where her films dominated the box office and she became a sought-after endorser of leading products, such as Coca-Cola, Dari Creme, and Camay beauty soap.
Gloria’s acting career spanned more than seven decades, from being a leading lady to character roles that proved her ability as one of the best actresses in the Philippines.
Other notable films include Sino Ang May Sala? (1957); Esperanza at Caridad (1963); Iginuhit ng Tadhana (1963); Pinagbuklod ng Langit (1969); Pagdating Sa Dulo (1971); Lipad, Darna, Lipad! (1973); Karugtong ang Kahapon (1975); Ganito Kami Noon… Paano Kayo Ngayon? (1975)..Gaano Kadalas Ang Minsan? (1983); Condemned (1984); When the Clouds Disappear (1984); Flowers in the City Jail (1984); Miguelito: The Young Rebel (1985); Where Is Love? (1987); Count the Stars in Heaven (1989); and When Heaven Judges (1990).
Some of his other memorable films include Makiusap Ka sa Diyos (1991); Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal (1992); Kadenang Bulaklak (1994); Dahil May Isang Ikaw (1999); Tanging Yaman (2000); Magnifico (2003), Moments of Love (2006); Bahay Kubo: A Pinoy Mano Po (2007), and Rainbow’s Sunset (2018).
Gloia also crossed over to television.
One of the memorable characters she played on television was as Minerva in the long-running sitcom Palibhasa Lalake (1987-1998).
Among the teleseryes she starred in on ABS-CBN are the following: Familia Zaragoza (1996-1997); Sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggang (2001-2003); Sana’y Wala Nang Wakas (2003); Lastikman (2007-2008); I Love Betty La Fea (2008-2009); May Bukas Pa (2009); Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo (2010); and 100 Days To Heaven (2011).
Here are some of the teleseryes she did on GMA-7: Munting Heredera (2011-2012); Cielo Angelina (2012-2013); Makapiling Kang Muli (2013); Forever (2013); The Half Sisters (2014); Niño (2014), The Rich Man’s Daughter (2015); Juan Happy Love Story (2016); Meant To Be (2017), and Kambal, Karibal (2017-2018).
Her last TV appearance was when she agreed to make a cameo in the fifth anniversary special of the weekly Kapuso fantasy series Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko in 2022.
Gloria played the role of Lola Goreng in Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko, from 2017 to 2020Gloria’s contribution to the Philippine entertainment industry is great.
She has received Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Luna Awards, FAMAS, Gawad Urian, Guillermo Mendoza Box Office Entertainment Awards, and Film Development Council of the Philippines.
Gloria has also received countless awards from various award-giving bodies for the categories of best actress and best supporting actress.
Gloria made history in 2018 as the oldest actress to win best actress at the age of 85 for Rainbow’s Sunset, the official entry in the 44th Metro Manila Film Festival.
The tribute for her held at the Manila Hotel on February 28, 2024 was the last time the public would see Gloria.
Friends and veteran actors and actresses joined together for the historic gathering.
They paid tribute to Gloria by celebrating her life, achievements, and legacy as the queen of Filipino cinema.
