Local celebrities pay tribute to Gloria Romero
The Philippine entertainment industry is mourning the loss of an icon.
Gloria Romero, a veteran in Filipino cinema, passed away on Jan. 25. With a career that spanned decades, the movie star was not just a celebrated actress, she was a beloved figure in the landscape of Philippine entertainment.
As the news of her passing broke, local celebrities across the entertainment scene took to social media to pay tribute to her legacy.
Kapamilya actress and former CEO of ABS-CBN Corporation Charo Santos took to Instagram to express her admiration for the late actress's dedication and professionalism.
"As a young girl, I was mesmerized by her beauty and brilliance on the silver screen. Watching her movies felt like entering a world of magic, where she brought every character to life with such authenticity, elegance and grace. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that one day, I would have the honor of working with her," she said, adding how grateful she was to Romero for being a "guiding light" to her fellow actors.
"She showed us how to carry success with humility, how to navigate challenges with grace, and how to leave a legacy that transcends time."
Santos continued, "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."
It's Showtime host Amy Perez, who worked with Romero in the 1987 sitcom Palibhasa Lalake, honored the latter with a heartwarming Instagram video. In a separate post, Perez posted one of her scenes with Romero in the said sitcom.
"Mommy, I will miss you. Thank you for everything. Rest now in the loving arms of our Lord Jesus Christ. [I] love you forever," she captioned her post.
Meanwhile, Pulang Araw star Barbie Forteza said she was "heartbroken" about Romero's passing. She expressed her pride in having had the opportunity to work with the late veteran actress.
"This is so heartbreaking. Buong buhay ko pong ipagmamalaki na nakatrabaho ko po kayo. Rest in paradise, Ms. Gloria Romero," she wrote.
Batang Quiapo star Cherry Pie Picache also paid tribute to Romero, calling the actress her "Queen of the Philippine Cinema."
"My Queen of the Philippine Cinema. Maraming maraming salamat Ms Gloria Romero. I love you Tita Glo. Rest now in the loving arms of our Father and His perpetual light shine upon you. Heaven will definitely shine brighter with one of the most beautiful soul, being home," she wrote.
Veteran actress Lovely Rivero also took to her social media to honor Romero. She featured some photos of the late actress with texts that read: "You will never be forgotten, Tita Glo. Rest well in God's loving embrace. A round of applause for a life well lived."
She added, " [I am] praying for the repose of her soul [and] for strength for [Maritess Gutierrez], Chris & the whole family during this very difficult time."
On Saturday, Jan. 35, Romero's daughter, Maritess Gutierrez, confirmed the passing of her mother.
"In this time of loss, our family deeply appreciates the support, prayers, sympathy, all the lovely messages and heartfelt condolences that we've received," Gutierrez said, according to an ABS-CBN News report.
“She will surely be missed dearly.”
Her wake will be held at the Arlington Memorial Chapel in Quezon City.
Romero became known for her acting talent that shone on television and film, for which she earned various nods and recognitions from FAMAS, Gawad Urian, among others.
Some of her notable roles in films are Madame X (1952), Dalagang Ilocana (1954), Nagbabagang Luha (1988), Tanging Yaman (2000) and Bahay na Lola (2001). She also appeared in TV series like Palibhasa Lalake. Her most recent works include Kambal Karibal and Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko.
In February 2024, a star-studded tribute was held for Romero to celebrate her contributions to local showbiz.
She was also named as one of the Lifetime Achievement Honorees by the Film Development Council of the Philippines in April of the same year.
