Gloria Romero: ‘Queen of our hearts’
A devout Catholic, Gloria never forgot to call on the Almighty. Her constant prayer: ‘Lord, please take me’
When movie queen Gloria Romero turned 90 on 16 December 2023, she was already quite frail and weak. Although daughter Maritess Gutierrez didn’t want her mother exposed to whatever virus that may be flying in the air in that post-pandemic period, there was no choice but to throw a party to celebrate Romero’s 90th birthday.
It was a thanksgiving for all the good years she had, especially in her showbiz career. Besides, how many people get to reach 90?
Maritess and son Christopher Balbin therefore arranged a party in her honor at the Sampaguita events place in Valencia, Quezon City. It was the perfect venue since it was Sampaguita Pictures that gave Gloria her big break in the movies.
VETERAN actress Gloria Romero, 1933-2025.
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF FB.COM/GLORIA ROMERO, GMA NETWORK
The party was held on 15 December, the eve of her birthday. Gloria recognized her well-wishers and went home very happy. During her actual birthday, she stayed home in her favorite Kamuning “duster.” She had no other visitor, except for Sampaguita colleague Daisy Romualdez.
Two months later, Daisy thought of giving Gloria a tribute at the Manila Hotel. Maritess was hesitant at first because she felt her mother was safest at home — away from the contaminants of this world. But she couldn’t say no to Daisy Romualdez — and so the tribute went as planned. It was a huge affair with friends from showbiz and politics in attendance.
When the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) gave Gloria Romero a special award the following month, Maritess asked this writer to accept the trophy on her mother’s behalf. It was a major film event (at the Seda Hotel) attended by important personalities in the film industry.
Gloria Romero has always been the epitome of class, beauty and grace.
Another award was given to Romero by the FAMAS last May. It was Maritess who went to receive the award this time — at the Manila Hotel. Yes, it was the same night when organizers of the FAMAS were unable to locate Eva Darren.
Maritess will always be grateful for all the honors given to Gloria Romero. However, she didn’t want to tire her mother, whose health kept deteriorating by the day.
By the last quarter of 2024, Gloria Romero had become the favorite patient of St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City. Thankfully, the hospital is only a few minutes-drive away from the actress’ New Manila home.
