The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
The death of Gloria Romero, Queen of Philippine Movies is an end to an era.
Gloria, Gloria Anne Borrego Galla in real life, was the symbol of classic beauty in her time—pretty face, elusive, typical mestiza actress molded in Hollywood tradition of a star, magnetic personality, enigmatic character, among other features of a timeless screen muse.
She was synonymous to refinement if not old school.
In her prime, Gloria was the ideal contract star of Sampaguita Pictures–serene, obedient, respectable, clean image, pure heart, establishment celeb, one-man woman etc.
Although we were not privy to her personal life, Gloria ir simply, Tita (a term of endearment to an older woman or aunt by blood or by affinity) Glo, she was spared by the media of scandalous stories.
Even separation from husband Juancho Gutierrez after twelve long years was discreet if not secretive.
At the time, the movie press was too timid about revelations of controversies or hot items from the private affairs of movie stars at the time television, particularly free TV, was just second fiddle media playground for celebrities from any fields of the socio-cultural facets.
Tita Glo or her home studio defied the commonplace stature of movie people as ordinary mortals.
For the Big Four–Sampaguita, LVN Pictures, Premiere Productions and Lebran Films—their stars were constellations, heavenly, demi-gods.
Any faux pas was a sin and had to be reprimanded.
Gloria was “submissive” to her makers, the producers, the capitalists, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) who had to impose rules and regulations to talents and other stakeholders on the commercial and consumerist requirements of an “idol.”
“Idols” must be placed on a pedestal and they were not supposed to roam around just like that, especially in public places or to get involved in bad press.
They were expected not to break social norms otherwise their image will be tarnished.
Even if they were caught with their pants down, indiscretion was a no-no.
Romero didn’t disappoint her star builders for her sake.
She was well-loved because of toeing the line of the existing order—to be friendly to all no matter her “reserved look” (that was only her appearance but deep inside her, she was indeed, easy to please to please everyone).
Aside from her giant name, Gloria was magnanimous.
Look at the attendance of mourners and admirers during her wake at the Arlington Memorial Chapels.
Not only the big stars like Vilma Santos, Sharon Cuneta, Tirso Cruz III, Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr., Phillip Salvador, Snooky Serna, Boots Anson Roa, Lani Mercado, Angelu de Leon, Jackie Aquino, Sen. Grace Poe, Regine Velasquez, Maria Isabel Lopez, Lyn Ynchausti, Celia Rodriguez, Nova Villa, Azenith Briones, Perla Bautista, Daisy Romualdez, Patricia Javier, Ai Ai de las Alas, Michael de Mesa, Amy Perez, Nino Muhlach, Roderick Paulate, Martin Nievera, Ogie Alcasid, among many others, were there.
Even the common folks who love Gloria were also around not only because her only daughter, only child Maritess Gutierrez and grandson Chris invited the public on cam and in social media to view their dearly departed but the sincere sympathies stemmed from them.
Tita Glo was the perfect emblem of glitz and glam not usually seen in many of her colleagues, past and present.
Gloria Romero was the STAR.
To wit, even President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. singled out Tita Glo as a “fine lady” in his official statement on her passing.
Who could be truer than that impression?
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Before Tita Glo passed on, one of her producers in GMA Network died untimely.
Marivin Arayata, better known as Avin, one of the most outstanding Kapuso executives, kicked the bucket due to complications.
Tita Glo was Marivin’s star in the TV show “Spooky Nights,” among other programs.
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While award-winning sexy actress and beauty queen Maria Isabel Lopez is still in the country after the wedding of her only daughter Mara Lopez to young American businessman Chandler Booth and guesting a cameo appearance in one of GMA Network’s top-rating shows, “Widows War” top billed by Bea Alonzo and Carla Abellana, she made courtesy calls to fellow actor and now Senator Robin Padilla and his ally and colleague Bato de la Rosa.
Maria Isabel also paid an official visit to Sen. Bong Revilla, Jr.
It was a productive meeting between Robin and Maria Isabel as they recalled their past movies and TV shows together.
Azenith Briones tagged along Maribel to the Senate to meet friends and public servants.
Lopez also talked about some important national issues to Padilla, Revilla and de la Rosa who could get their hands on to like the current sorry state of the Philippine movie industry.