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.
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. Rest in paradise, Ms. Gloria Romero,” she wrote.
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.
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.
Anne Curtis, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Jugs Jugueta, and Arlene Muhlach also expressed their condolences in separate social media posts and comments. (Hannah Mallorca © Philippine Daily Inquirer)
