MANILA, Philippines — From designer JC Buendia to well-respected TV and film actress and producer Charo Santos-Concio and even this generation’s most popular star, Barbie Forteza, they all have fond memories of working with screen icon Gloria Romero, or “Tita Glo.”
Charo, who is among the few who has transitioned from starring in movies to helming a media company as its president, recalled the days when she served as a producer of the 1990 film “Kapag Langit Ang Humatol,” starring an all-star cast of Vilma Santos, Richard Gomez, Carmina Villaroel and Gloria.
“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 treated every role with the same reverence, from her award-winning performance in ‘Dalagang Ilocana,’ her unforgettable portrayal in ‘Tanging Yaman,’ to the heartwarming comedy of ‘Palibhasa Lalake,’ where she became our ever-charming Tita Minerva.
“On-screen, she brought laughter, joy, and wisdom as the lovable grandmother. Off-screen, she was just as warm and nurturing, always ready with kind words or a gentle smile that could brighten even the most difficult days,” the former president of ABS-CBN wrote on Instagram hours after news of Gloria’s death broke.
Gloria’s daughter Maritess Gutierrez confirmed the passing of the TV and movie icon yesterday. She was 91.
Amy Perez left a short yet deeply moving message to her screen mother. Amy was one of the two daughters of Gloria’s Minerva Chavez in the ’90s sitcom “Palibhasa Lalake,” which ran for 11 years from 1987 to 1998. It also starred Richard Gomez, Joey Marquez and John Estrada.
“Mommy, I will miss you. Thank you for everything. Rest now in the loving arms of our Lord Jesus Christ,” Perez wrote on Instagram with emojis and a clip of her interaction with Gloria.