Gloria Romero | Images: YouTube/ABS-CBN News, TV Patrol
Gloria Romero, 90, was given the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) Special Citation award, which was received by her daughter Maritess Gutierrez at the awarding ceremony.
The veteran actress was recognized for her “exemplary achievements in the performing arts and the motion picture industry,” as per the award-giving body.
It further recognized her “75 years in showbiz industry—from being a movie extra to becoming one of the biggest stars and icons of Philippine Cinema,” as well as her “unparalleled loyalty, hard work, and professionalism that sets great example to future generations of actors and movie stars.”
In her acceptance speech, Gutierrez thanked FAMAS and said her mom holds them in high regard.
“Mama would have wanted to be here tonight but at 90, I hope you understand that she has to be more careful with her health,” said Gutierrez, who was holding a copy of her speech.
“She tries not to stay up late even for wonderful events like this one, but she specifically instructed me to be here tonight because she holds this award-giving body in high regard,” she added.
Gutierrez then looked back at when Romero won her first-ever FAMAS award 70 years ago for her film “Dalagang Ilocana.”
“It was a huge surprise for her because she won for a comedy role, which rarely gets recognized,” she said of that time.
“This trophy is a wonderful gift for her and she will treasure it in the same way she had been holding her first FAMAS close to her heart these past 70 years,” she continued.
Meanwhile, other Special Citation awardees were veteran actors Greg Martin and Pilar Padilla.
Last February, celebrities paid tribute to Romero in a gathering initiated by her good friend and fellow actress Daisy Romualdez.
The event was attended by Vina Morales, Christian Bautista, Mark Bautista, Marisa Sanchez, Jeffrey Hidalgo, Carol Banawa, Dulce, Divina Valencia, Marissa Delgado, Liza Lorena, Nova Villa, Boots Anson Roa-Rodrigo and Boy Abunda, among many others.
