Gloria Romero died at the age of 91 on Saturday, January 25. Images: FILE PHOTOS
The death of screen veteran Gloria Romero was met with heartwarming messages from her colleagues and fellow celebrities in the Philippine entertainment industry, with many expressing gratitude for her kindness and professionalism on- and off-camera.
Romero died at the age of 91 on Saturday, January 25, as confirmed by her daughter Maritess Gutierrez on the same day. She is survived by her only child and her grandson, Chris Gutierrez.
Dubbed the “Queen of Philippine Cinema,” the late film actress appeared in over a hundred films and TV productions, leaving behind a nearly eight-decade-long career in showbiz. Among her most notable works include “Dalagang Ilocana,” “Madame X,” “Hongkong Holiday,” “Tanging Yaman,” “Magnifico,” and “Rainbow’s Sunset,” to name a few.
On her Instagram page, former ABS-CBN CEO Charo Santos-Concio expressed her love for the late film star — whom she lovingly called “Tita Glo — saying she is still in disbelief that she had the opportunity to work with Romero.
“When I became a producer for ‘Kapag Langit ang Humatol,’ I saw firsthand how dedicated and professional she was. Tita Glo had this remarkable way of making everyone around her feel valued and respected,” she said.
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“She treated every role with the same reverence, from her award-winning performance in ‘Dalagang Ilocana,’ her unforgettable portrayal in ‘Tanging Yaman,’ to the heartwarming comedy of ‘Palibhasa Lalake,’ where she became our ever-charming Tita Minerva,” Santos-Concio continued. “On-screen, she brought laughter, joy, and wisdom as the lovable grandmother. Off-screen, she was just as warm and nurturing, always ready with kind words or a gentle smile that could brighten even the most difficult days.”
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Santos-Concio added that Romero is a reminder for many celebrities to treat success with “humility” and navigate challenges with “grace.”
“Thank you, Tita Glo, for the laughter, the lessons, and the love you shared with all of us. You will forever live on in our hearts, a shining star whose brilliance will never fade. Rest in peace and power, Tita Glo. You are deeply loved and will be sorely missed,” she said.
Meanwhile, Barbie Forteza took to her X (formerly Twitter) page to share a behind-the-scenes photo of herself with the screen veteran.
“Buong buhay ko pong ipagmamalaki na nakatrabaho ko po kayo (I will forever revel in the fact that I had the opportunity to work with you). Rest in paradise, Ms. Gloria Romero,” she wrote.
This is so heartbreaking 💔
Buong buhay ko pong ipagmamalaki na nakatrabaho ko po kayo.
Rest in paradise, Ms. Gloria Romero 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/lzVAQnrFeL
— Barbie Forteza (@dealwithBARBIE) January 25, 2025
Melissa Mendez looked back at Romero’s life by sharing a photo of the latter holding a flower bouquet on her Instagram account.
“It is with great sadness to hear the passing of our beloved Tita Gloria Romero. During this difficult time, may I humbly ask for prayers for strength and comfort to be upon our friend Maritess Gutierrez. Rest now Tita Glo in the loving arms of Jesus,” she said.
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‘Mommy Minerva’
Addressing the late actress as “Mommy,” Amy Perez said she will love Romero “forever” on her Instagram page. Romero’s Minerva played mother to Perez who used her own name in the defunct sitcom.
“Mommy, I will miss you. Thank you for everything. Rest now in the loving arms of our Lord Jesus Christ. Love you forever,” she wrote.
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Perez also shared an old scene of herself with Romero in the 1987 sitcom “Palibhase Lalake” in which they worked together.
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Actor-turned-senator Bong Revilla said Romero’s death is a massive loss to the entertainment industry, saying she served as an inspiration to celebrities, industry workers, and audiences.
“Ang kanyang paglisan ay kawalan ng industriya ng pelikula at telebisyon. Ang kanyang husay, dedikasyon, at walang kupas na ganda ay nagsilbing inspirasyon sa maraming henerasyon ng mga artista at manonood. Bilang bahagi rin ng industriya, lubos kong ikinalulungkot ang kanyang pagpanaw. Maraming salamat at paalam, Ms. Gloria,” he said.
(Her death is a massive loss to the film and TV industries. Her greatness, dedication, and timeless beauty is an inspiration to generations of actors and viewers. As part of the industry, I’m heartbroken over her death. Thank you very much and goodbye, Ms. Gloria.)
Anne Curtis, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Jugs Jugueta, and Arlene Muhlach also expressed their condolences in separate social media posts and comments
Walk of Fame, film groups pay respect to Romero
Candles, a black-and-white photo, and a bouquet of flowers were placed on Romero’s star on the Quezon City-based Walk of Fame to honor her life and legacy, as seen on Eastwood City’s Facebook page.
“A heartfelt farewell to the Queen of Philippine Cinema — Ms. Gloria Romero,” the post read. “From her unforgettable performances to her radiant presence, Ms. Gloria Romero will forever be a symbol of excellence and inspiration. Her star will shine forever.”
The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) expressed condolences to the screen veteran on its Facebook page, saying her contributions to local film will be remembered.
“Lubos na nakikiramay ang Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) sa pamilya at mahal sa buhay ni Ms. Gloria Romero – Beteranang Aktres at Reyna ng Pelikulang Pilipino. Ang iyong kontribusyon sa industriya ng Pelikulang Pilipino ay mananatili nakatatak sa aming puso,” its post read.
(The FDCP joins the family and loved ones of Ms. Gloria Romero, a veteran actress and the queen of Philippine cinema. Her contributions to the local film industry will be etched on our hearts forever.)
Meanwhile, the non-profit, nonstock organization AKTOR paid its respects to Romero on its Instagram account.
“AKTOR bids farewell to a legend. An icon of true beauty, talent, and grace. You will be missed,” its post read.
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Romero’s wake will be held at the Arlington Memorial Chapel in Quezon City, although it will be mostly kept exclusive to her family and friends. A public viewing will be held on the mornings of January 27 and 28, before it will be closed to her loved ones.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source entertainment.inquirer.net ’
