Some of the visitors to Gloria Romero's wake in Quezon City on January 26, 2025. Anna Cerezo, ABS-CBN News

MANILA -- Gloria Romero, the Queen of Philippine Cinema, captivated audiences with countless unforgettable roles during her illustrious seven-decade career. 

Her daughter, Maritess Gutierrez, however, was lucky to experience the one-in-a-million role cherished and treasured by the film icon — being a mother.

“For me, I think God was the one who gave my mom to me: to take care of me. I think it was really planned. It was our destiny also for Chris. It was all God’s plan,” Maritess said in an interview during the first night of the wake held in Quezon City, Sunday.

Romero died on Saturday at the age of 91.

According to Maritess, her close relationship with her mother was a gift, and there was never a dull day in their home which she shared with Romero and Maritess’ son, Chris Gutierrez.

“Kasama namin araw-araw. Malapit kami. We are really close. I tell her everything. Di siya nagkukulang magbigay advice. Most of all we will miss her jokes. Tatlo lang kami sa house, we have fun, masaya kami,” she recalled.

READ: Movie, TV icon Gloria Romero passes away

Chris also shared that until her last days, Romero remained the light of their home.

“Naalala ko last conversation she said matanda na ako, wala na ako mabigay lahat nabigay ko na. And I just said ‘Lola dami mo na nabigay, you gave so much. Until the last moment she was trying to give pa rin. She gives everything. You can see it naman that's why we love her,” he  recalled.

“She is such an amazing person. I am so happy to be her apo. I hope everyone experience that kind of love,” he added.

Chris said he believes that beyond the characters she brought to life that left a mark on Philippine entertainment, she will be remembered for the color she brought to the lives spanning from different generations that she touched beyond the big screen.

“The way she carries herself sa work ethic. She is such a skilled actress. But the things people say is she is so nice, she is always on time, she knows her lines everyone’s lines, she gives advice, she is there for everybody,” he explained.

Veteran actress Helen Gamboa, who paid her respects on the first night of the wake, agreed that the showbiz royalty was not just a remarkable presence on-screen but off-set as well.

“Talagang napakabait niya. We were very close. Pag may taping, nagda-date kami, magco-coffee. Puro kwentuhan. I enjoyed working with her. I am so honored nakasama ko siya sa isang taping. Alam ni Tita Gloria na mahal na mahal ko siya. At ganoon din siya sa akin. She is truly the Queen of Philippine cinema,” she said.

Tirso Cruz III, meanwhile, spoke with deep affection and admiration for the legendary career Gloria Romero built, a legacy that left an indelible mark on everyone touched by her work.

“She is a big loss to the industry. Although it is a line that has been abused, totoo she will be missed. She is a big loss not just for me, my wife, but for the whole industry,” Cruz explained.

READ: The incomparable Gloria Romero

Other personalities who condoled with the bereaved family on the first night of the wake was ABS-CBN executive Cory V. Vidanes, Ai-Ai delas Alas, Barbara Perez, Tirso Cruz III, Gina de Venecia, Eric Quizon, Ricky Reyes, Celia Rodriguez, Boots Anson Roa Rodrigo, among others.

Both Maritess and Chris expressed their gratitude for the friends, family, and even fans, in turn, loved their beloved matriarch.

“We are happy to share her with everyone,” Chris said.

“Thank you for taking time out na andito kayo,” Maritess said.

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