Yes! It’s the ’50s queen of the Philippine movies Gloria Romero, looking ever so glorious as she leaps off her motorbike and bounces down the stage, esquired by near-naked hunks doing an erotic dance at the recent launch of Ganda ng Lola Mo ’Noh?, part of a series of beauty campaigns spearheaded by top hairstylist Ricky Reyes. The launch was a glorious success!
"It wasn’t easy convincing her to do it," says Ricky. "In the beginning, she did not like it. She said she was already 69 years old (Gloria turned 69 last Dec. 16), di nya kaya yon. But I’m a very persistent person so I even got Daisy Romualdez (Gloria’s best friend) to convince her. Finally, she agreed to do a pictorial and she enjoyed it a lot. She said she felt like a new star who was being launched."
Now, you see Gloria leaping out of billboards as you cruise along EDSA, South Superhighway or C5. Yes, that’s Gloria Romero wearing Jackie O shades and a hip black leather jacket. "Superganda ng lola mo, ’noh," gushes Ricky with a twinkle in his eyes.
As beauty ambassadress for the elderly, Gloria will be reaching out to our less fortunate senior citizens and visiting homes for the aged like Ricky Reyes’ favorite charities Luwalhati ng Maynila and the Philippine United Senior Citizens Association.
Why Gloria?
"Why not?" Ricky quickly counters. "She’s beautiful inside out. She epitomizes great character, good values, everything that makes a woman beautiful not just physically but spiritually as well. Her reputation is unblemished. At her age, she hasn’t lost her energy and passion for work. She’s been working nonstop, doing one movie after another, one TV sitcom or drama after another. This goes to prove that you don’t have to be an excess baggage because you’re old. Or that you will just lie there and wait for death to come. Fact is, you can still be very productive and make a difference in this world even if you’re already a lola (or lolo)."
A starstruck Ricky confesses, "I’ve always been a great fan of Gloria Romero. When I was younger, I wanted to be like her, I was Rica Romero. I remember that in the fashion shows back then, she was always the bridal finale. Most of the models then were from high society and she was one of few actresses who became a much sought after fashion model. She also did a lot of commercials."
It’s a glorious day, and Gloria Romero is ready for her close-up as The STAR photographer takes shots of Gloria posing in different parts of Ricky Reyes’ palatial home in Valle Verde, Pasig.
"Ang hirap pala maging model," sighs this near-exhausted but still very game lola, smiling and clowning around all through the four-hour pictorial.
Excerpts from the STAR interview:
Philippine STAR: How did you feel when Ricky Reyes made this offer to you?
Gloria Romero: I said yes because they said I would just have one pictorial for this campaign. I’m a grandma – yes, I’m turning 70 this year – and I’m still having this pictorial. We did it one afternoon. And then Ricky said I was needed for a Feb. 14 event.
But you were modeling before.
I haven’t done this in ages.
How old were you when you modeled?
I don’t remember, but I modeled for Ramon Valera, Aureo Alonzo, Pitoy Moreno, Ben Farrales. I did shows with Karilagan. Most of the time, I would do the finale. Maybe because ako yong bagay na naka wedding gown. I weighed only 115 pounds at 5’6". Karilagan wanted me to be thinner. We went around, Honolulu, California. I was with Chona Kasten, Mary Prieto, Conchitina Sevilla, and Joji Felix Velarde. Most of them were socialites. The other actresses who also modeled were Shirley Gorospe, Barbara Perez, Amalia Fuentes, and Susan Roces.
What did your apo say about your billboard ad?
Christopher said, "Oh, my lola! I hope she doesn’t get her vertigo tonight." So I drank my medication before I rode the bike and I was praying all throughout. The audience was so shocked when I came in on a motorbike and then there was wild applause.
How’s your daughter Marites?
Marites is a chef, she’ll cook anything that you ask her – paella, pasta, etc. She studied at the Center for Culinary Arts. It’s always been her dream.
What about you?
No, I don’t cook. I just want to eat.
They live with you?
Yes, in the same old house I’ve lived in since 1956. Kasalukuyang nagpupukpukan, nagpipinturahan, tinatanggal ang mga anay. It’s in New Manila, about 10 minutes away from Gilmore, where the Sampaguita Pictures compound used to be.
How old were you when you started in the movies?
Fifteen.
How were you discovered?
I was brought to the Sampaguita studios by my uncle and I applied. There were so many stars: Linda Estrella, Pancho Magalona, Oscar Moreno, Fred Montilla, Tessie Agana, Myrna Delgado, etc. So they said, "Hija, mag-extra extra ka muna. That’s how everybody here starts. It helps, it’s like you’re training in a workshop." I did a lot of movies as an extra:Dugong Bughaw with Oscar Moreno and after that, he became my leading man naman; Kasintahan sa Pangarap with Tita Duran and Pancho Magalona; Ang Prinsesa at ang Pulubi with Tessie Agana. Prinsesa si Tessie don, taga dala lang ako ng kapa nya.
Who were your biggest idols?
I used to love Tessie Quintana, Tita Duran, Pancho Magalona, Carmen Rosales, Rogelio de la Rosa. I did more of comedy, ugly duckling, light roles.
And what was your first starring role?
Palasid with Cesar Ramirez. I played a Muslim princess. I did that after almost a year of playing extra. Then I was introduced as Gloria Romero.
That’s your screen name. What’s your real name?
I’m a Galla, from Mabini, Pangasinan. My father, Pedro Galla, is Filipino. My mother is Mary Borrego. We – parents and siblings Louise, Tito who became an actor and Gilbert who became a doctor – came from the States to visit our grandparents and relatives here. My father kept on postponing – one more year, one more year – and then, the war broke out.Hindi na kami makabalik. We were caught here. My mother died in 1945, I was about 12.
Were you studying when you became an actress?
Yes, but I had to stop. One of my biggest regrets is not having gone to college. I did not have time anymore because I was doing one movie after another.
And was it in one of those movies where you met your future husband Juancho Gutierrez?
Yes, on the set of Hindi Basta-Basta. I needed to have an escort for the coronation. It just developed, it happened.
Was Juancho your first love?
Yes.
But you had a lot of suitors?
Meron naman sigurong ilan. (Laughter)
Who was Juancho’s closest rival?
Wala. I was so busy even to go out dating.
Did you get married right away?
No. It took a while because we were both busy with our careers. And we were enjoying our time at Sampaguita. We got married in 1960. I was 27. A year after, I had Marites.
How long did the marriage last?
Do we have to talk about that again? (Laughs)
Did you close the door on love after you and Juancho separated?
Well, not exactly. Once in a while, I would go out but I was scared to venture into another marriage because it might not also work.
You must have had a lot of suitors after you separated.
Takot silang lumigaw sa mga artista. No, I don’t remember any politician courting me.
You and Juancho are back together.
Yes, when he had a stroke five years ago, we got back together. (STAR entertainment editor Ricky Lo wrote about the details of the reconciliation as far back as 1998.)
And you’ve been together since?
We go back, and then ’pag di magkasundo ... But when he had a stroke about five years ago, we decided to stay together.
And you’re taking care of him. How is he now?
He’s still bedridden. He has diabetes. He stopped doing movies long before he had a stroke. Ayaw na nya; di tulad ko, matigas ang ulo, gusto pa rin ... I think it’s the long hours of work and memorizing volumes and volumes of script. And they give you the script only the night before.
Would you say you’re a martyr wife?
No, I don’t like that word.
If you were to live your life all over again, would you marry somebody else?
No, I’d marry the same guy. Otherwise, I won’t have a daughter like Marites whom I love dearly, and a grandson like Christopher. But let’s not talk about that, tahimik na ang buhay ko. Let’s talk about my stomach, it’s sticking out. When you’re my age, you just can’t help it, you just grow and grow.
Do you diet?
I eat vegetables. But I love chocolates. And I clean the house to sweat.
And your beauty secrets?
Beauty? Ano bang beauty yan? I’m just trying to age gracefully. I’ve been using the same makeup through the years: Max Factor. I always clean my face before I go to sleep. I use albolene cream, it’s the only thing that Katy de la Cruz used. You can only buy it in the States, it comes in a can. My dermatologist also told me to use a lot of skin freshener especially when I’m shooting. Makeup and constant exposure to the klieg lights can dry your skin, if only my skin could complain! I also sleep eight hours – without that, I’m useless.
What do you like most about your features?
Once upon a time, somebody suggested to have my nose cut so I’d look better. I said isn’t it a bit too late to change my nose? From my shadow alone, people already know si Gloria Romero yon, baluktot ang ilong, parang loro.
Have you ever considered a face-lift?
No, I don’t think so, takot ako dyan. I saw it in a documentary – they flip this thing, then they vacuum it, then cut it, ah, nakakatakot!
How often do you go to the beauty parlor?
Once in a while, I treat myself to the works.
What do you think makes a woman beautiful?
I think it’s her attitude, outlook, disposition in life. And try to feel young when you’re with young people. You learn so much from the young. Take it one step at a time. Be strong-willed. Don’t worry too much. Don’t have negative thoughts.
You’re so close to young people. Do you text?
I had a hard time learning. My grandson dismantled his cell phone and then put everything back again. Before, I didn’t know how to use the computer, how to e-mail. With a lot of patience, I learned.
What are your cheap thrills?
Watching movies. The last one I saw was Daredevil.
What’s your biggest indulgence?
I love shoes and bags! But I’d only pick up one or two signature items, I’m not the type who collects. I shop anywhere. But most of the time, I go to Rustan’s because it’s so convenient.
How would you describe your wardrobe?
I have everything for different occasions. I have maong, shirts, blazers. For special nights when I have to step out, I make it a point to have something made – I go to Renee Salud, Oskar Peralta, Paul Cabral. But my wardrobe is really more of casual clothes.
What do you do with old clothes?
Charity begins at home. I give to my househelp, family, relatives.
How do you start your day?
If I sleep at 9 p.m., I wake up at 5 a.m. I start my day by thanking the Lord for taking care of me for the past 69 years.
What does your breakfast consist of?
A cup of coffee and a bowl of oatmeal or pan de sal.
How are your work hours today?
I have a cutoff. If I start at 9 a.m., I end at 12; it depends on the call. Basta ’pag 12 midnight, para akong si Cinderella, pack-up na ko. I’m old already, I have to take care of myself. In between work, I nap.
Do you bring an alalay to work?
I don’t have any. I bring my own clothes to the set and bring them down when I’m done. I just have a driver. There are so many girls on the set who are nice and helpful.
How many movies have you done so far?
Ay, naku, I’ve stopped counting! Di ko na alam.
What are the most memorable?
When I was young, in 1954, I did Dalagang Ilocano where I won my first FAMAS Award. And then, I won another award – believe it or not – after 34 years, for Saan Nagtatago ang Pag-ibig with Vilma Santos and Tonton Gutierrez who played a retardate. And in the middle of my career, I think I love Hongkong Holiday with Dolphy and Ric Rodrigo. I also enjoyed making the two movies of former First Lady Imelda Romualdez-Marcos – Pinagbuklod ng Langit and Iginuhit ng Tadhana. And then Tanging Yaman for Star Cinema. I also love Magnifico. And of my off-beat roles, I like Condemned with Nora Aunor and Kapag Langit ang Humatol with Vilma Santos.
How memorable was Tanging Yaman?
I was so overwhelmed. I couldn’t believe that at my age, I would still get all the awards, except one, to score a grand slam. I thought it was a good movie.
How close to reality was the movie for you?
I think the thing that scares me most is having that kind of a disease (Alzheimer’s). Yung bang you won’t even remember who you are. Former President Ronald Reagan doesn’t even know he was once president of the greatest nation in the world. Another actor who’s starting to develop this disease is Charlton Heston. I saw him in Ten Commandments, El Cid, Ben Hur, all those monumental movies. It happened to the great actress Rita Hayworth, and they didn’t even know what it was called at that time.
Who was your biggest competitor back then?
There was no real competition, but to make the industry more exciting, they’d cook up a rivalry betwen, say Susan Roces and Amalia Fuentes. But we were all friends. Only the fans were fighting. Competition was very healthy then. There were no star wars. It’s the same now, only the faithful fans of Juday, Jolina, Kristine Hermosa, and all those young stars are fighting.
How did you feel when you first learned about Nida Blanca’s murder?
Oh, my God! You can’t imagine my shock! I made Forty Carats with Nida and Charito Solis. We were both busy with our shows at ABS-CBN, kwentuhan kami in between our tapings. My makeup room was near her makeup room. We would always talk about our children. A week before that, I saw her at Rustan’s. I was with Marites and my grandson and I even introduced Christopher to her. We talked while waiting at the gift-wrapping counter. We talked about Lita Gutierrez who was terminally ill. And what haunts me till now was what she said. She said, "Kaya Gloria, I pray to God that I’ll have a happy death. Wag naman yung masyadong malungkot." I’ll never forget that. And she was looking so beautiful that day. Samantalang ako naka ganito, naka- rugged lang. I even said, "Wow! May lakad ka yata, ang ganda-ganda mo." She was with her alalay Elena.
And then, I was dubbing for Bahay ni Lola at 10 a.m. and my director called me up and asked if I already knew about Nida. The first thing that came to my mind was if she was run over or if she got into a car accident when she was driving. Or did she have a stroke? They wouldn’t tell me at first. Then they said she was murdered. I cried and I was shaking. I didn’t know what to say, I was just talking to her.
You said when you last saw Nida she was so well-dressed. Is it true that movie stars then were required to dress up when they go out?
We always had to look presentable. Our boss, the late Dr. Jose Vera Perez, and Mrs. Perez would tell us we look so good on the screen so when people see their idols looking sloppy in person, they’d get disappointed. Rosa Rosal was always so well-dressed.
Who are your best friends in showbiz?
I have a lot – Lolita Rodriguez, Susan Roces, and Daisy Romualdez whom I’ve known since she was 15 years old. Imagine she even gave me a tribute at the Manila Hotel! I said wag na lang, but she wouldn’t take no for an answer. How sweet!
What do you miss most about your time?
I miss the way we treated each other, we were like a big family. Walang inggitan.
What’s the big difference between movie stars then and now in terms of professionalism?
They’re almost the same. Sometimes, they have a good reason to be late. Ako naman I accept their explanation. If you notice, they have no studio like we did to take care of them. In our time, if we’re doing two movies at the same time, it’s not our problem, it’s the problem of the company what we’ll do first. Unlike now, if you’re freelancing. Aside from that, we didn’t have TV at that time; it was only by radio that you’d hear us. Now, you see them promoting on TV, singing and dancing, they do so many things at the same time and hardly have time to sleep. And the showbiz kids nowadays know how to handle their money. They know how to invest their money, they have a business here and there. Di ba cute?
Were you also prudent with your money when you were young?
I tried.
How did you spend your first income?
I spent it on my family. I bought a car – a Studebaker costing less than P10,000. After a few years, Sampaguita built me this house in New Manila that I’m living in up to now. I love it – it’s something I worked hard for.
Where do you invest your money?
No, I spend it! Give a little – I sent my brother Gilbert to medical school.
Who among the old stars had business acumen?
Fred Montilla. I think Nida was also a good businesswoman. Also Amalia and Susan.
What was the craziest thing you did when you were young?
I grew up in Pangasinan and I used to climb duhat trees. I had a bolo and I chopped one of the branches and fell along with it. Then I almost drowned in the river. There were some young boys taking a bath who rescued me.
What has been your most embarrassing moment in showbiz?
When I nearly had a fall at the Star Awards. I missed a step. It was a good thing the director Al Quinn saw what happened so he did not focus the camera on me. From then, I didn’t want to be a presenter anymore.
Who is the Gloria that we don’t know?
When I’m mad, I just keep quiet.
What was the worst thing said or written about you?
They’ve been very kind. Sobrang bait nila. Especially when I got my Tanging Yaman award, the press even gave me a standing ovation. I was so touched. Umiyak ako sa galak.
Don’t you feel that our old stars are forgotten except perhaps you, compared to the old Hollywood stars who are still looked up to by the industry?
Maybe because Hollywood has a bigger market. Tayo konti lang so hinahabol ng producers ang box-office appeal mo. In a way, our old stars have been forgotten, but some of them have decided to retire and live in the States.
Until when do you see yourself working?
For as long as I’m needed and I’m strong enough to work because this is not an easy job. I’ll stay as long as they need a lola, konti na lang ang natitirang lola. Kami na lang nina Rosa Rosal, Anita Linda, Caridad Sanchez, Perla Bautista. Naka baston na ko at kuba na, nagtatrabaho pa.
You obviously enjoy being a grandmother.
Abroad, the children are left to the care of grandmas, di ba? They even send for the grandparents to take care of the grandchildren because they don’t trust the baby-sitters and it’s very expensive to hire one. Yes, I took care of Christopher for 10 months and I loved it! It’s the mother who disciplines the child; the grandmother spoils the child.
Have you ever considered going into politics?
No, I’m not made for politics. Acting is the only thing I know. I’m not saying I’m the greatest, but I try my best.
Do you feel fulfilled?
I think I was very happy when I got married. And when I had a child, and then again when I had a grandson. There are different levels of happiness I’d like to go back to.
What would you say has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned from life?
The learning never stops. I think if you want to succeed in this world, you have to be grateful to people because you can never do it alone. Also, never look down on other people – who knows, nandyan lang sya noon, ngayon mataas pa sya sa ’yo.
What do you think is your legacy to the industry?
That I did what I did because I loved it. The most important thing is to do what you love and love what you do.
What has been the best thing about being Gloria Romero?
Being able to help others. I share what little I have.
And the worst thing?
I can’t stop working.
What can you say to all the grandmas out there?
All you grandmas, ride a motorcycle and fly! (Roaring laughter)