Boots turns 80 with concert to benefit MOWELFUND
MANILA, Philippines — Boots Anson-Roa Rodrigo is celebrating her 80th birthday with a benefit concert on Jan. 31 at the Music Museum.
The event titled “Groovin’ Boots” aims to support the group that she’s been part of for several decades now, which is the Movie Workers Welfare Foundation (Mowelfund), a non-profit organization offering services that serve, in particular, the marginalized workers in the Philippine film industry.
The show will feature OPM artists Ding Mercado, Ray-An Fuentes, Leah Navarro, Pat Castillo, Mitch Valdez and Nanette Inventor.
“I’ve used my goodwill for all the time I’ve been in MOWELFUND because I believe in the cause. The reason for the existence of MOWELFUND, pinapatotohanan lang natin, and I believe that it is something we can aspire for, which we’ve been doing for the last 50 years. Na ‘di mo basta-basta iiwanan yan. You develop a love for it, allow a passion for it because MOWELFUND reflects the state of the workers,” Boots, whose actual birthday is Jan. 30, explained.
The veteran actress, educator and philanthropist shared how her journey with the foundation started in 1974, as a host and emcee during its early years. When she returned to the Philippines in 1993 after living in the US for 11 years, she joined MOWELFUND’s board and took on various leadership roles, including executive director, president and chairman.
For Boots, the most rewarding part of her role is knowing the foundation makes a difference in the lives of ordinary movie workers.
“Yung malaman mo na kahit na katiting lang, na-alleviate mo yung pangangailangan ng mga marginalized workers. I mean, we’re no SSS or GSIS, but we have benefits that have been there for years,” she said.
“Kahit kulang kami ng pondo, hindi nawawala yung benefits na yun — medical and health welfare benefits, regular yan no matter what happens. Maaasahan yan ng mga marginalized workers.”
Beyond providing material support, Boots emphasized how MOWELFUND gives workers a sense of belonging. “It’s not only the material or temporal help that we provide, but also giving these marginalized workers a sense of belonging. Alam nila na bahagi sila noon, na kahit anong mangyari, pwede silang lumapit, claim their membership benefits, and be in camaraderie with the other workers,” she said.
As MOWELFUND enters its 51st year, Boots acknowledged the importance of sustainable development and leadership succession.
“We’ve reached 50 years, we’re going on our 51st year. We have survived, and we hope to survive the next coming years. We try to work on our budget, extend it hanggang makakaya, reduce costs hanggang makakaya. We’re also very fortunate to have the MMFF (Metro Manila Film Festival), which provides about 69 percent of our annual operations requirements.”
Boots also highlighted the involvement of younger board members like Alden Richards and Dingdong Dantes. “They’re a breath of fresh air because they’re not only young and gung-ho in their work, but they also have strong social consciences. Talagang may social conscience yung dalawa,” she said.
While she has already retired from the MOWELFUND presidency after 18 years, she continues to serve as chairman. However, Boots hinted at plans to pass the baton to the next generation. “I don’t intend to be chairman forever. Sayang naman yung mga mas bata na nandyan, na mas marami pang pwedeng gawin because of their youth, energy and outreach capabilities. Retirement is in the pipeline, so to speak. Nasa plano yan, oo,” she revealed.
When asked how she maintains her strong presence professionally and personally, Boots attributed it to her faith, family and love for the industry.
“It’s a gift of faith. It really helps a lot — prayer, meditation, contemplative action, constant studying and reflection on how to be a person for others,” said Boots, who previously taught at the Jesuit-run Ateneo de Manila University, citing Ignatian spirituality.
Lastly, she credited her 10-year marriage to lawyer King Rodrigo, saying, “It’s also the very sound marriage that I have with Attorney Rodrigo.”
“Sabi ko nga, parang bait ng Diyos eh, meron akong second chance at love and marriage. It’s almost like a marriage made in heaven.”
In terms of her career, Boots said that she still gets offers to star in films.
“It’s just that now, I’m so fortunate that, with Atty. Rodrigo at my side, I can afford to choose the roles and work on a timetable that we can discuss with the producers. I’m blessed in that respect,” she said.
“And I think the love for the industry, as well as the love for (the movie workers) in the industry... I grew up with them when my father was in the movies, and I sustained relationships with them in my own career.”
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