Film producer Tony Gloria passes away at 79
Renowned Filipino film producer Tony Gloria has passed away. He was 79.
His niece, Anna Bigornia, confirmed his death to PhilSTAR L!fe on Wednesday, March 26.
His urn viewing will take place from March 25 to 28, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., and March 29, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Capilla Del Senor Chapel, Santuario de San Antonio Parish in Makati City.
'True titan of Philippine cinema'
In a Facebook post, director Mark Meily, known for his work including Baler, El Presidente and ABNKKBSNPLAko?! recalled his fondest memories with Gloria, describing the latter as a "man of trust, vision, and boundless generosity."
"Tony 'Mr. G.' Gloria was more than just a film producer; he was a man of trust, vision, and boundless generosity. Mr. G. was the first to say "yes" to my screenplay Crying Ladies—a simple word that changed my life forever. That one act of trust opened countless doors, giving me the chance to express my creativity in ways I never imagined."
Meily also shared some iconic accomplishments of the veteran film producer, including the discovery of a 13-year-old Sharon Cuneta, backing Pinoy disco group Hagibis, and the 1984 coming-of-age comedy film Bagets.
"Many of these achievements he would even be too embarrassed to talk about. He showed us that creativity and entrepreneurship could go hand in hand, proving that artists could build their own futures, just as he did," he continued.
Multi-awarded film editor and producer Chuck Gutierrez also penned a short tribute to Gloria.
"Tony Gloria is a true titan of Philippine cinema—visionary, generous, and unwavering in his belief in new voices. He was one of the first to believe in us, and from the very beginning, he championed our films with heart and conviction," he wrote.
"His faith meant the world to us. Thank you, Mr. G, for the inspiration, the guidance, and the legacy you leave behind. You will always be remembered with deep gratitude and love. Rest in peace," Gutierrez continued.
Gloria is the man behind the hit movies Isang Himala (2024), Mujigae (2024), Inang Yaya (2006), Crying Ladies (2003), and Si Aida, si Lorna, o si Fe (1989), among others.
In 2007, his work Inang Yaya, starring Maricel Soriano, was among the Asia Pacific Screen Awards nominees for Best Children's Feature Film.
The Association of Accredited Advertising Agencies-Philippines recognized him as one of the 25 Mavericks of the Advertising Industry in 2003. He received the 2005 Creative Guild of the Philippines Lifetime Achievement Award two years later.
Gloria was also the founder and chairman of Unitel Straight Shooters Media Inc., one of the "top multi-media and creative content and production houses in the Philippines."
The production company is behind the Metro Manila Film Festival 2024 entry Isang Himala, trailers of Prime's Last One Laughing Philippines and Comedy Island Philippines, as well as advertisements for brands such as Jollibee, Smart Communications Inc., and Nestle Philippines, to name a few.
