Arzen Rose Dulzura

Gloria Romero’s indelible Kapamilya characters—from sitcoms to drama & fantasy seryes

Article (news)

Liezel Dela Cruz

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1737868965069Gloria Romero’s indelible Kapamilya characters—from sitcoms to drama &amp; fantasy seryes-.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><br/>For over six decades, Gloria Romero graced both the small and big screen with her timeless beauty and talent that made her a true icon of Philippine entertainment. To us Kapamilyas, she will forever be remembered as the ‘tita’ and &#x27;lola&#x27; we love—wise, warm, and sometimes funny and sassy. Today, we celebrate her illustrious journey and the unforgettable stories she shared with us as a beloved Kapamilya.</div><p>Born in Denver, Colorado, on December 16, 1933, to Pedro Galla, a Filipino, and Mary Borrego, an American, Gloria Romero—or Gloria Galla in real life—spent her early years in Pangasinan, her father’s hometown.</p><p>She began her career in the 1950s as a bit player, and slowly but surely carved a name for herself in the golden era of Philippine cinema. She starred in more than 200 films, many of which became box-office hits, earning her the title Queen of Philippine Movies.</p><p>But her transition to television proved she was more than just a silver-screen icon. On TV, Gloria&#x27;s career was equally lush and formidable. As a Kapamilya, she became a familiar and comforting presence in sitcoms, drama programs, and even fantasy shows.</p><p>She played the spunky Tita Minerva in &quot;<strong><em>Palibhasa Lalake</em><em></em><u><em></em></u></strong>,&quot; which ran for 12 years. On set, she was the darling of the show&#x27;s fine gentlemen Edu Manzano, Richard Gomez, and Anjo Yllana, who treated her like their mom behind the cameras.</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="1263" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GsYlI1sR8XM" title="The cast of ‘Palibhasa Lalake’ | Biyaheng Retro" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><p>In an episode of Edu’s digital talk show, “<strong><em>Good Vibes with Edu</em></strong>,” in 2020, the trio, along with Amy Perez, reminisced about their time with Gloria and shared nothing but admiration for her brilliance. They recalled how she would show up on set with her lines memorized and keep up with their spontaneous punchlines. And while they respected her as a seasoned star, there was never a time they felt intimidated as she was so loving and approachable.</p><p>Her comedic flair extended to other memorable Kapamilya comedy shows. In &quot;<strong><em>Labs Ko Si Babe</em></strong>,&quot; starring the mega-popular loveteam of Jolina Magdangal and Marvin Agustin in 1999, she played Lola Auring, the hilariously strict grandma of Jolina&#x27;s character. In &quot;<strong><em>Okay Fine! Whatever</em></strong>,&quot; topbilled by Aga Muhlach, she portrayed the more easygoing Lola Barbie.</p><p>With her mestiza beauty and elegance, Gloria brought to life unforgettable wealthy female characters in various dramas, such as the rich and controlling Doña Amparo in &quot;<strong><em>Familia Zaragoza</em></strong>&quot; and the regal Doña Valeria in &quot;<strong><em>Sana&#x27;y Wala Nang Wakas</em></strong>.&quot;</p><p>She portrayed the affluent yet alcoholic, lonesome and sometimes harsh Doña Elena in &quot;<strong><em>Mga Anghel Na Walang Langit</em></strong>.&quot; In the iconic &quot;<strong><em>May Bukas Pa</em></strong>,&quot; she made viewers cry buckets and imparted life lessons as the grumpy and greedy Aling Soledad, who was saved by the priests and Santino (Zaijian Jaranilla).</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="1263" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7QTt5ulyJto" title="Aling Soledad refuses to befriend Santino | May Bukas Pa" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><p>But with her warmth, we also remember her as the endearing grandmother on screen. She played the mistreated Lola Carmela in the Claudine Barretto-starrer &quot;<strong><em>Sa Dulo Ng Walang Hanggan</em></strong>.&quot;</p><p>She also lent her talent to the fantasy series &quot;<strong><em>Da Adventures of Pedro Penduko</em></strong>&quot; and its sequel &quot;<strong><em>Pedro Penduko at ang mga Engkanto</em></strong>,&quot; portraying the caring Lola Maria to the titular character played by Matt Evans. In Jake Cuenca&#x27;s first lead Kapamilya series &quot;<strong><em>Palos</em></strong>,&quot; she was Giancarlo&#x27;s (Jake) trusted and kind-hearted nanny Lola Alfonsina. She also played the nanny to John Lloyd Cruz&#x27;s Armando in &quot;<strong><em>I Love Betty La Fea</em></strong>.&quot;</p><p>In her decades-long career, Gloria had the chance to explore almost everything, including portraying a fantasy character with prosthetics, costume, and all. In &quot;<strong><em>Lastikman</em></strong>,&quot; she brought to life Amon, the matriarch of the fictional planet Igbao in the Harraio Galaxy, where the superhero Lastikman, played by Vhong Navarro, originated. She reunited with Vhong in the fantasy series &quot;<strong><em>Kokey at Ako</em></strong>,&quot; portraying Madam Barbara, the sophisticated broadcasting company boss secretly yearning for her family.</p><p>She possessed psychic abilities as Kristine Hermosa&#x27;s grandma in &quot;<strong><em>Nasaan Ka Maruja</em></strong>.&quot; She also made a special appearance in &quot;<strong><em>Kung Tayo&#x27;y Magkakalayo</em></strong>&quot; as Barbara, the mother of Kris Aquino&#x27;s Celine, and in the inspirational drama &quot;<strong><em>100 Days to Heaven</em></strong>&quot; as the poor sampaguita vendor Lola Pilar.</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="1280" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/D39FuJOV8iA" title="Anna asks for Tikoy&#x27;s forgiveness for what she has done to Lola Pilar | 100 Days To Heaven" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><p>In the &quot;<em>Agiw</em>&quot; episode of &quot;<strong><em>Maalaala Mo Kaya</em></strong>&quot; (MMK) in 1997, she portrayed the real-life story of Polly, a mother who, with only three months to live, sought to make amends for the mistakes of her past, particularly with her estranged daughter.</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="1263" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kXBRsejHeGU" title="Maalaala Mo Kaya Klasiks - &quot;Agiw&quot;" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><p>And in 2011, she once again showcased her brilliance in MMK’s heartwarming &quot;<em>Singsing</em>&quot; episode as Lola Etrona, an 80-year-old woman who falls in love with her childhood sweetheart, Panyong, played by another showbiz legend, Eddie Garcia.</p><p>On January 25, the news of Gloria&#x27;s passing at the age of 91 deeply saddened audiences across generations. Her passing marks the end of an era, but we&#x27;ll always remember her for the unforgettable characters she brought to life.</p>

<p>Gloria Romero's legacy as a beloved Kapamilya will live on through her unforgettable roles.</p>

Gloria Romero's legacy as a beloved Kapamilya will live on through her unforgettable roles.