# Gloria Romero on screen and stage

Gloria Romero was a Filipino actress who has had an extensive career in film and television. She began her career as a background actor in the late 1940s before landing a supporting role in Madame X (1952). She rose to stardom the same year with leading roles in Monghita and Palasig. Having achieved box-office successes in the Philippines and all over Asia, the films she appeared in have grossed over ₱1 billion (equivalent to ₱2.1 billion in 2024), making her one of the highest-grossing Filipino box-office stars of all time.
From 1950s to 1960s, Romero achieved great success at the box-office through her starring roles in romantic comedies, films based on comic strips and remakes of pre-war musical films: Cofradia (1953), Pilya (1954), Musikong Bumbong (1954), Dalagang Ilocana, where she won the FAMAS Award for Best Actress, Kurdapya (both in 1954), Despatsodora (1955), Mariposa (1955), Vacacionista (1956), Miss Tilapya (1956), Hongkong Holiday (1957), Sino ang Maysala?, which was the highest grossing film of 1957 in the Philippines, Paru-parong Bukid (1957), Alaalang Banal (1958) and Ikaw Ang Aking Buhay (1959) for which she earned FAMAS Award for Best Actress nominations, Hani-hanimun (1961), Iginuhit ng Tadhana (1965), and Pinagbuklod ng Langit (1969).
She continued playing lead and supporting roles of varying genres in the following years: For You, Mama (1970), Lumuha Pati Mga Anghel, Nardong Putik (both in 1972), Lipad, Darna, Lipad!, Pepeng Agimat (both in 1973), Karugtong ang Kahapon (1975), Sakada (1976), Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan? (1982) and Exploitation (1983). She received critical praise for her performances in Condemned (1984), Saan Nagtatago ang Pag-ibig? (1987), Nagbabagang Luha (1988) and Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit (1989). In 1987, she ventured television through the sitcom Palibhasa Lalake and simultaneously appeared in a number of film and television productions in the 1990s, such as Familia Zaragoza (1996) and Labs Ko Si Babe (1999).
Romero's career saw a resurgence in the early 2000s with starring roles in the blockbusters Tanging Yaman (2000) and Bahay ni Lola (2001). She began appearing more often in a number of television series in the succeeding years and earned recognition for her roles in I Think I'm in Love (2002), Magnifico (2003), Fuchsia (2009), Tarima (2010) and Rainbow's Sunset (2018), where she won Best Actress at the International Film Festival Manhattan and Metro Manila Film Festival. From 2017 to 2020, she presented the fantasy anthology Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko.

## Film
### 1940s

Gloria Romero's film credits :
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref(s) |
| 1944 | Liwayway ng Kalayaan | Background actor | | |
| 1949 | Ang Lumang Bahay sa Gulod | Background actor | | |

### 1950s

Gloria Romero's film credits :
| Year | Title | Role |
| 1951 | Prinsipe Don Juan | |
| 1951 | Bahay na Tisa | |
| 1951 | Bernardo Carpio | |
| 1951 | Kasintahan sa Pangarap | |
| 1951 | Kasaysayan ni Dr. Ramon Selga | |
| 1951 | Prinsesa at ang Pulubi | |
| 1951 | Dugong Bughaw | |
| 1951 | Anghel ng Pag-ibig | |
| 1952 | Rebecca | |
| 1952 | Kerubin | |
| 1952 | Tulisang Pugot | |
| 1952 | Barbaro | |
| 1952 | Madame X | |
| 1952 | Palasig | Florinda |
| 1952 | Monghita | |
| 1952 | Siklab sa Batangas | |
| 1953 | Cofradia | Cofradia |
| 1953 | Apat na Taga | |
| 1953 | Mister Kasintahan | |
| 1953 | Recuerdo | |
| 1954 | Musikong Bumbong | |
| 1954 | Pilya | |
| 1954 | Dalagang Ilocana | Biday |
| 1954 | Ang Biyenang Hindi Tumatawa | Trining |
| 1954 | Anak sa Panalangin | Nita/Lita |
| 1954 | Kurdapya | |
| 1955 | Artista | |
| 1955 | Mariposa | Mariposa |
| 1955 | Despatsodora | |
| 1955 | Hindi Basta-basta | |
| 1955 | Hootsy Kootsy | |
| 1955 | Bim Bam Bum | |
| 1956 | Vacacionista | |
| 1956 | Teresa | Teresa |
| 1956 | Señorita | |
| 1956 | Miss Tilapia | |
| 1956 | Pagdating ng Takipsilim | |
| 1957 | Hongkong Holiday | Ana |
| 1957 | Sino ang Maysala? | Gloria |
| 1957 | Colegiala | |
| 1957 | Eternally | |
| 1957 | Paru-parong Bukid | |
| 1958 | Mga Reyna ng Vicks | Luisa Estrella |
| 1958 | Beloved | |
| 1958 | Mga Kwento ni Lola Basyang | |
| 1958 | Alaalang Banal | |
| 1959 | Kahapon Lamang | |
| 1959 | Wedding Bells | |
| 1959 | Ikaw ang Aking Buhay | |
| 1959 | Pangarap Ko'y Sa'yo Lamang | |
| 1959 | Pitong Pagsisisi | |
| 1959 | Vicky | |

### 1960s

Gloria Romero's film credits :
| Year | Title | Role |
| 1960 | Lawiswis Kawayan | |
| 1960 | Lupa sa Lupa | |
| 1961 | Alyas Sakay | |
| 1961 | Apat Na Yugto ng Buhay | |
| 1961 | Hani-hanimun | |
| 1962 | Mga Anak ng Diyos | |
| 1962 | Tugtuging Bukid | |
| 1962 | Hampaslupang Anghel | |
| 1963 | Esperanza at Caridad | |
| 1963 | Haliging Bato | |
| 1963 | Dance-O-Rama | |
| 1963 | Sinisinta Kita | |
| 1964 | Ang Rosaryo at ang Tabak | |
| 1964 | Fighting Warays sa Ilokos | |
| 1964 | Jukebox Jamboree | |
| 1964 | Show of Shows | |
| 1965 | Iginuhit ng Tadhana (The Ferdinand E. Marcos Story) | Imelda Marcos |
| 1965 | Eskuwelahang Munti | |
| 1965 | Paano Kita Lilimutin | |
| 1965 | Alaala ng Lumipas | |
| 1965 | Hamon sa Kampeon | |
| 1966 | Miranda: Ang Lagalag na Sirena | |
| 1966 | Pitong Gabi sa Hong Kong | |
| 1966 | Bakit Pa Ako Isinilang? | |
| 1967 | Hinango Kita sa Lusak | |
| 1967 | Anong Ganda Mo | |
| 1968 | De Colores | |
| 1968 | Liku-likong Landas | |
| 1968 | Kamatayan Ko ang Ibigin Ka | |
| 1969 | Paula | |
| 1969 | Patria Adorada: Dugo ng Bayani | |
| 1969 | Pinagbuklod ng Langit | Imelda Marcos |

### 1970s

Gloria Romero's film credits :
| Year | Title | Role |
| 1970 | Haydee | |
| 1970 | For You, Mama | |
| 1971 | Robina | Auring |
| 1971 | Lumuha Pati Mga Anghel | Tinay |
| 1971 | Pagdating sa Dulo | |
| 1971 | Daluyong | |
| 1972 | Nardong Putik | |
| 1972 | My Blue Hawaii | |
| 1972 | Just Married, Do Not Disturb | |
| 1973 | Lipad, Darna, Lipad! | |
| 1973 | Pepeng Agimat | |
| 1973 | Fight Batman Fight! | |
| 1973 | Anak ng Aswang | |
| 1974 | Shazam Boom | |
| 1975 | Karugtong ang Kahapon | |
| 1975 | Niño Valiente | |
| 1975 | Happy Days Are Here Again | |
| 1976 | Sakada | Doña Consuelo Montemayor |
| 1976 | Ganito Kami Noon... Paano Kayo Ngayon? | |
| 1976 | Makahiya at Talahib | Aling Idad |
| 1976 | Daigdig ng Lagim | |
| 1978 | Nasa Lupa ang Langit at Imperyno | |
| 1979 | Bakit May Putik ang Bulaklak? | |

### 1980s

Gloria Romero's film credits :
| Year | Title | Role |
| 1980 | Kasal? | Elisa |
| 1982 | Mother Dear | Elena |
| 1982 | Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan? | |
| 1983 | To Mama with Love | Amelia |
| 1983 | Exploitation | Virginia |
| 1984 | Condemned | Connie |
| 1984 | Teenage Marriage | Mrs. Alonzo |
| 1984 | Kung Mahawi Man ang Ulap | Minda Acuesta |
| 1984 | Bulaklak sa City Jail | Patricia's mother |
| 1984 | Anak ni Waray vs. Anak ni Biday | Ilocano Manang Biday |
| 1984 | Dear Mama | |
| 1984 | Sinner or Saint | |
| 1985 | Hindi Nahahati ang Langit | Agnes Grivas |
| 1985 | Inday Bote | Mrs. Salameda |
| 1985 | Miguelito: Batang Rebelde | |
| 1985 | Kay Dali ng Kahapon, Kay Bagal ng Bukas | |
| 1985 | Mga Kwento Ni Lola Basyang | |
| 1986 | Payaso | |
| 1987 | Alabok sa Ulap | Mona Abad |
| 1987 | Once Upon a Time | Reyna Kamkam |
| 1987 | Saan Nagtatago ang Pag-ibig? | Carmen |
| 1988 | Paano Tatakasan ang Bukas? | Rodora Garcia |
| 1988 | Mirror, Mirror on the Wall | Esperanza / Panchang |
| 1988 | Nagbabagang Luha | Mrs. Imelda Montaire |
| 1988 | Kapag Napagod ang Puso | |
| 1988 | Sandakot na Bala | Elena |
| 1988 | Lord, Bakit Ako Pa? | |
| 1988 | Nasaan Ka, Inay | Mrs. Isabel Villarama |
| 1989 | Huwag Kang Hahalik sa Diablo | |
| 1989 | Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit | Doña Martina Santos |
| 1989 | Kung Maibabalik Ko Lang | Gemma |
| 1989 | Impaktita | Roselia |
| 1989 | Oras-oras, Araw-araw | |
| 1989 | Si Aida, si Lorna, o si Fe | Tita Chuchi |
| 1989 | Lady L. | Doña Amanda |

### 1990s

Gloria Romero's film credits :
| Year | Title | Role |
| 1990 | Bakit Ikaw Pa Rin? | Cora |
| 1990 | Tayo Na sa Dilim | Fe Vallejo |
| 1990 | Kapag Langit ang Humatol | Doña Octavia |
| 1990 | I Have 3 Eggs | Doña Concha |
| 1990 | Kahit Isumpa Mo Ako | |
| 1990 | Atorni Agaton: Abogadong de Kampanilya | |
| 1990 | My Other Woman | |
| 1991 | Kislap sa Dilim | Adela |
| 1991 | Dinampot Ka Lang sa Putik | |
| 1991 | Joey Boy Munti, 15 Anyos Ka sa Muntilupa | |
| 1991 | Makiusap Ka sa Diyos | Doña Encarnacion Aguirre vda. de Leveriza |
| 1992 | Alabang Girls | Doña Consuelo |
| 1992 | Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal | |
| 1993 | Pulis Patola | |
| 1993 | Ayaw Ko Ng Mangarap | Azul |
| 1994 | Kadenang Bulaklak | Mrs. Doctolero |
| 1994 | Forever | |
| 1994 | Sana'y Laging Magkapiling | |
| 1995 | Ikaw Pa... Eh Love Kita! | Mrs. Samonte |
| 1995 | Rollerboys | Lola Martha |
| 1995 | Araw-araw, Gabi-gabi | Mrs. Carillo |
| 1995 | Sana Dalawa ang Puso Ko | Rose |
| 1996 | A. E. I. O. U. | Lola Julia |
| 1996 | Ang Misis Kong Hoodlum | Olympia |
| 1996 | Rubberman | Madam Rita |
| 1997 | Takot Ako sa Darling Ko! | Doña Medusa |
| 1997 | Laging Naroon Ka | |
| 1997 | DoReMi | Reggie's grandma |
| 1999 | Dahil May Isang Ikaw | Lola Amor |
| 1999 | Maldita | Letty |

### 2000s

Gloria Romero's film credits :
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 2000 | Tanging Yaman | Dolores "Lola Loleng" Rosales | The film has reportedly grossed ₱167 million at the box-office. |
| 2000 | Daddy O, Baby O! | Brenda | |
| 2001 | Bahay Ni Lola | Lola | With ₱100 million total earnings, Bahay ni Lola was the highest-grossing entry at the 2001 Metro Manila Film Festival. |
| 2001 | American Adobo | Gerry's Mom | |
| 2001 | Bakit 'Di Totohanin | Lola Eping | |
| 2002 | Singsing ni Lola | Lola | |
| 2002 | I Think I'm In Love | Amor | |
| 2002 | Cass & Cary: Who Wants to Be a Billionaire? | Donya Gracia Imperial | |
| 2003 | Magnifico | Lola Magda | |
| 2003 | Spirit Warriors: The Shortcut | Red's grandmother | |
| 2004 | Beautiful Life | Magda | |
| 2004 | Annie B.: Bida ng Ukay-ukay, Bongga Siya 'Day! | Lola Karay | |
| 2005 | Bahay ni Lola 2 | Amelia Go | |
| 2005 | Let the Love Begin | Lola | |
| 2005 | Shake, Rattle & Roll 2k5 | Lola | Episode: "Poso" |
| 2006 | Moments of Love | Rosa Santos/Old Divina | |
| 2006 | Tulay | | |
| 2006 | I Wanna Be Happy | Mameng Domingo | |
| 2007 | Bahay Kubo: A Pinoy Mano Po! | Lola Ida | |
| 2007 | M.O.N.A.Y (Misteyks obda neyson address Yata) ni Mr. Shooli | | |
| 2008 | Paupahan | Gloria | |
| 2009 | Nobody, Nobody But... Juan | Aida | |
| 2009 | Tarot | Lola Auring | |
| 2009 | Kamoteng Kahoy | Lola Idang | |
| 2009 | Fuchsia | Mameng | |

### 2010s

Gloria Romero's film credits :
| Year | Title | Role |
| 2010 | Petrang Kabayo | Lola Idang |
| 2010 | Tarima | Lola Imang |
| 2012 | Just One Summer | Lola Meding Reyes |
| 2013 | Alfredo S. Lim (The Untold Story) | Lola Flora |
| 2017 | Ang Panday | Rosa Batungbakal |
| 2018 | Rainbow's Sunset | Sylvia Estrella |

## Television

Angel Aquino's television credits with year of release, title(s) and role :
| Year | Title | Role | Network |
| 1986 | Mansyon | | IBC |
| 1987–1998 | Palibhasa Lalake | Minerva Chavez | ABS-CBN |
| 1992 | 50 Carats, O Di Ba? | | IBC |
| 1996–1997 | Familia Zaragoza | Doña Amparo Zaragoza | ABS-CBN |
| 1997 | Maalaala Mo Kaya: Agiw | Polly | ABS-CBN |
| 1999–2001 | Labs Ko Si Babe | Aurora Mabuenas | ABS-CBN |
| 2001–2003 | Sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan | Carmela Estocapio | ABS-CBN |
| 2002–2006 | OK Fine, 'To Ang Gusto Nyo! | Lola Barbie | ABS-CBN |
| 2003–2004 | Sana'y Wala Nang Wakas | Doña Valeria Valencia | ABS-CBN |
| 2005–2006 | Mga Anghel na Walang Langit | Doña Elena | ABS-CBN |
| 2006 | Crazy for You | | ABS-CBN |
| 2006 | Star Magic Presents: Tender Loving Care | Lola Coring | ABS-CBN |
| 2006 | Komiks Presents: Momay | Ana | ABS-CBN |
| 2006–2007 | Da Adventures of Pedro Penduko | Lola Maria Penduko | ABS-CBN |
| 2007 | Pedro Penduko at ang mga Engkantao | Lola Maria Penduko | ABS-CBN |
| 2007–2008 | Lastikman | Amon Labao | ABS-CBN |
| 2008 | Maalaala Mo Kaya (Singsing Episode) | Etrona | ABS-CBN |
| 2008 | Palos | Alfonsina Riviera | ABS-CBN |
| 2008–2009 | I Love Betty La Fea | Doray | ABS-CBN |
| 2009 | Nasaan Ka Maruja? | Lola Rosing Rivera | ABS-CBN |
| 2009 | May Bukas Pa | Aling Soledad | ABS-CBN |
| 2010 | Kokey @ Ako | Barbara "Madam Barbra" Reyes | ABS-CBN |
| 2010 | Kung Tayo'y Magkakalayo | Barbara De Jesus | ABS-CBN |
| 2010 | Your Song Presents: My Last Romance | Rose Suarez | ABS-CBN |
| 2011 | 100 Days to Heaven | Lola Pilar Salviejo | ABS-CBN |
| 2011 | Spooky Nights: Singil | Linda Rodriguez | GMA Network |
| 2011 | Andres de Saya | Coring "Mama Coring" Golpe de Oro | GMA Network |
| 2011–2012 | Munting Heredera | Doña Anastacia "Ana" Montereal-Lobregat | GMA Network |
| 2012–2013 | Cielo de Angelina | Sor Margaret | GMA Network |
| 2012 | Makapiling Kang Muli | Señora Soledad Vda. de Silvestre-Caballero | GMA Network |
| 2013 | Akin Pa Rin ang Bukas | Doña Cristina Alperos | GMA Network |
| 2013 | Sarap Diva | Herself | GMA Network |
| 2013 | One Day Isang Araw | Grandma Gracia | GMA Network |
| 2013 | Forever | Doña Adora Del Prado | GMA Network |
| 2014 | The Half Sisters | Elizabeth McBride | GMA Network |
| 2014 | Niño | Lola "V" Violeta | GMA Network |
| 2015 | Kalyeserye | Doña Paquita Beveliana Zobeyala / Tiya Bebeng | GMA Network |
| 2015 | The Rich Man's Daughter | Cecilia "Ama" Tanchingco | GMA Network |
| 2016 | Juan Happy Love Story | Imelda "Mameng" Valencia-Dela Costa | GMA Network |
| 2017 | Meant to Be | Madonna 'Lola Madj' Sta. Maria | GMA Network |
| 2017–2020, 2022 | Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko | Gloria "Lola Goreng" Espino | GMA Network |
| 2017–2018 | Kambal, Karibal | Anicia Enriquez | GMA Network |
| 2017 | Paskong Kapuso: The GMA Christmas Special | Herself | GMA Network |

## Stage

| Year | Production | Role | Venue | Ref(s) |
| 1955 | Martir sa Golgota | The Blessed Virgin Mary | Manila Grand Opera House | |

## Music video

| Year | Title | Performer(s) | Album | Ref(s) |
| 2012 | "Bakit Miss Kita" | Ray "Dr. G" Gapuz | Whispers From The Heart | |