bitbet Gloria Romero: ‘Greatest movie queen of all time’

The Queen of Philippine Cinema Gloria Romero, a timeless icon.

Prior to Gloria Romero‘s 91st birthday last December, she was already in and out of the hospital, close family friend and designated family spokesperson Butch Francisco said.

The mood on her birthday was celebratory, but one could sense a feeling of foreboding, Francisco told INQUIRER.net in an interview. He hosted the simple celebration at her home in his usual cheerful fashion, and the family enjoyed their moment with their beloved matriarch, even though her health had greatly deteriorated last year.

Article continues after this advertisement

Come New Year’s Eve, she was rushed to the hospital anew after she refused to eat, and was obviously in pain. She spent three weeks in the hospital, and the waiting was just as painful for Francisco, who was close to Romero like a son.

FEATURED STORIES ENTERTAINMENT Mark Leviste finds new love in TikTok personality Aira Lopez ENTERTAINMENT Gloria Romero: 'Greatest movie queen of all time' ENTERTAINMENT Cassy Legaspi reveals hypothyroidism diagnosis

In fact, Francisco considered her to be his second mother, taking him under her wing when his own mother left for the United States, and then when he moved to New Manila in 2018 and lived just a few streets away. As a friend not just of the award-winning actress, but also of her lone daughter, Maritess Gutierrez, Francisco was present in almost every family gathering, and was in fact in the family’s inner circle.

“Ayaw nya ng birthday party, pero natuloy na lang yan. I hosted it. Kasama ako sa planning. Ingat na ingat kami na baka madulas (She didn’t want to have a birthday party, but it still pushed through. I hosted it, I was part of the planning. We were careful not to accidentally spill something.). Leading to her 90th birthday, it wasn’t so bad, but everything set in when she was about to turn 91. Nag-deteriorate na sya,” said Francisco.

Article continues after this advertisement

Gloria Romero gets a buss on the cheek from her daughter, Maritess Gutierrez, during the former’s 91st birthday last December. Image from Gutierrez’s Instagram

Born Gloria Anne Borrego Galla, Romero, 91, died peacefully at her home on the morning of January 25. She was survived by Gutierrez, and her grandson Christopher. Gutierrez is the actress’ daughter with her late husband, Juancho Gutierrez, who was also an actor.

Article continues after this advertisement

Her remains lie at the Arlington Memorial Chapels in Quezon City and viewing has been opened to the public so that fans could pay their respects to the Queen of Philippine Cinema.

Article continues after this advertisement

Romero’s death left behind an enduring career that spanned almost seven decades — and friends, fans and fellow artists whose lives she had touched in more ways than one.

Francisco recalled his dread when he realized that Romero had finally left them.

Article continues after this advertisement

“Alam naman naming mangyayari ‘yon. Pero iyong ayaw na ayaw ko yung makikita ko na tumatawag si Maritess, ayoko na marinig na umiiyak sya. That day, tumawag sya around 5 p.m. Hindi na ako nagulat. She was crying. Ayoko na siyang sabayan,” he said.

(We know that it was bound to happen. But I never wanted to see Maritess calling me, I don’t want to hear her crying. That day, she called me up around 5 p.m. I was no longer surprised. She was crying. I didn’t want to join her anymore.)

Afterwards, they quietly made funeral arrangements. One thing they agreed on, it was going to be a short service. “Why prolong it. She’s (Romero) tired na.”

Versatile actress, genuine friend

In his speech when he accepted, on Romero’s behalf, her Lifetime Achievement Award from the Film Development Council of the Philippines in April 2024, Francisco called her the “greatest movie queen of all time,” as he praised the actress’ wide range of talent.

And as a film critic and showbiz insider, Francisco is very much in a position to say so.

“She’s iconic for her versatility. She’s done everything, from dance to horror, to drama. The only thing she has not done was Vivamax,” he said, referring to the Filipino streaming app that features mostly mature content.

Butch Francisco is flanked by Amy Perez and FDCP chair Jose Javier Reyes when he accepted Gloria Romero’s Lifetime Achievement Award in her behalf. Image from FDCP website

In the interview with INQUIRER.net Sunday, Francisco praised Romero even more – especially her professionalism in the industry, which he described as legendary.

“There was that time, during a dance number, when she was performing onstage with an uneven flooring. Her toenail got caught in between the slats of the wooden floor. Natanggal yung isang toenail nya! (She lost a toenail!) They had to wrap her toenail in gauze so she could still dance. As soon as the director said, ‘Cut!’ hinimatay na sya (she fainted). That is the kind of professionalism that the younger generation of artists should emulate. Stop complaining, the show must go on!” Francisco said.

There was also that time when she was filming “Dalagang Ilocana” which was being shot at a remote area in the province. There were about 100 women using a single portalet, and she would fall in line like the rest of the women to use the portalet. She never asked for preferential treatment, knowing this kind of experience gives character to artists to make them good actors.

READ: Celebrities, colleagues honor Gloria Romero

Romero was well-respected in the industry and was hardly ever involved in any scandal or controversy, and if there were any, it would die a natural death. No one dared disrespect her.

“She reached the widest audience through a variety of genres and platforms, including drama, comedy, radio, TV, movie and theater. Magaling syang makisama sa mga tao sa showbiz, sa mga kaibigan nya (She got along with showbiz people very well),” said Francisco, adding that her animated way of conversing, delivering them so sincerely and matter-of-factly amused her friends.

But what made Romero a cut above the rest? Francisco gave a peek into the iconic actress’ personality behind the camera.

“She was not just a friend to me; she was my mom. My second mom… Our birthdays are one week apart. I was born Dec 9, and she Dec 16. She didn’t like celebrating, because she’s Ilocano, and in general, they are known for their frugality and industry, which is admirable. Although she is not kuripot (stingy),” he said.

Romero also struck a friendship with the feisty Daisy Romualdez, and her showbiz rival, the late Nida Blanca.

“Wala syang masamang tinapay maski kanino (She holds no ill will against anybody). Even with Nida Blanca, who was considered her fiercest rival back in the day. Of course when they were younger their rivalry was more evident, but when they grew older and became more mature, Tita Gloria developed a genuine friendship with her,” she said.

For someone who practically grew up and lived in showbiz circles, Romero never liked gossiping about her fellow artists. Whenever her peers would huddle to discuss someone else, she would quietly slip out of the group because she did not want to gossip about other people — a trait that spoke volumes of her character.

Queenly in her ‘duster’

Francisco claimed that despite the Filipino-Spanish-American mestiza actress’ stately demeanor, she was the type who would buy regular house dresses or “dusters” (loose, flowy dresses usually with vibrant prints) in Kamuning, Quezon City, a place known for low-priced textile and low-cost fashion.

Officials have in recent weeks unveiled a string of measures to reignite the world’s number-two economy, with an eye to achieving five percent annual growth.

“That’s what the queen wore at home. Queenly pa rin maski naka duster, very regal ang dating (She remained queenly even in her duster, she was very regal looking). That’s not a put on. The way she moved, she was very gentle, like Virgin Mary. She was often cast as Mama Mary during lenten plays or movies,” he said.

casinoslots

The well-respected actress led a quiet private life, with not much fanfare. She would go to grocery and interact with people and fans as if she was not one of the brightest stars in the local showbiz’s firmament.

“Even when she goes to the grocery or department store, she would wear inexpensive clothes. That’s just the way she was, very simple. But she never lost that air of sophistication about her, even when she was just wearing a terno. She exuded classy elegance,” Franciso said

This is why her passing made it all the more difficult for Francisco.

“She taught me how to become a good person. She taught me how to pray. Parang pag kaharap mo na si Gloria Romero, umasta ka nang tama (When you are in the presence of Gloria Romero, act appropriately). When we became close, little by little I tried to absorb everything from her. Sa kanya, wala akong nakitang bad traits, and I try to emulate that. Somehow, bumait naman ako, sa kanya ko nakuha (I never saw any bad traits, and I tried to emulate that. Somehow, I became a better person—I got that from her),” he said.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

SIGN ME UP

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

“I just feel like crying. This is something people never know. Kakaiba sya. Wala nang ibang kagaya ni Gloria Romero (She is the one and only Gloria Romero)bitbet,” he added.

READ NEXT Alex Gonzaga suffered 3rd miscarriage, says husband Mikee Morada Crazy Jhenny, January 27, 2025 EDITORS' PICK Jannik Sinner says clear mind over doping saga helped him win Jan. 27 a holiday only for Muslims – Malacañang 24 Filipinos in US deported for crimes EDITORIAL: Bigger problems in 2025 budget Fuel price watch: Gasoline, diesel down 80¢/L, 20¢/L starting Jan 28 MOST READ 24 Filipinos in US deported for crimes Marcos pardons Mabilog who was linked to illegal drugs by Duterte Darryl Yap won’t appeal court's takedown order on Pepsi Paloma trailer Teachers set national rallies to demand VP Duterte’s impeachment Follow @FMangosingINQ on Twitter --> View comments