Veteran director and Chairperson of the Film Development Council of the Philippines, Jose Javier "Joey" Reyes, suggested that Gloria Romero, the late actress, should be considered as a National Artist.
Romero died on January 25 at the age of 91, after appearing in films from the 1960s, including "Tanging Yaman," "Magnifico," and "Rainbow's Sunset."
The burial of the actress was held at the Arlington Memorial Chapels & Crematory in Quezon City, where she was also cremated on January 29.
Among those who paid their respects were personalities like Charo Santos, Tirso Cruz III, John Estrada, Barbie Forteza, Iza Calzado, Amy Perez, Jamie Rivera, Michael de Mesa, Joel Lamangan, Philip Salvador, Snooky Serna, and couple Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez.
In a video shot by entertainment reporter MJ Marfori, veteran actress and politician Vilma Santos described "Tita Glo" as "the queenest of them all."
"Tita Glo is a perfect example of a queen, that's what a queen is," added Santos. "I mean, the way she speaks, how to lead her life, there were challenges but she was strong."
The two actresses are together in many projects such as "When Heaven Judges" and "How Often Does It Happen?"
Reyes — who directed Romero in the movies "Araw-Araw, Gabi-Gabi" and "I Wanna Be Happy" — said in another video that Gloria Romero should be considered as a National Artist along with the late comedian Dolphy.
Romero and Dolphy also starred together in many movies such as "Ilocana Maiden," "Vacacionista," "Daddy O, Baby O!," "Despatsadora," "Hongkong Holiday," and their last movie together, "Nobody, Nobody But... Juan."
"I hope that the people involved in the selection of the National Student of the Arts will see that Gloria Romero is not only a symbol of Filipino film, but she represents an entire history," concluded Reyes.
