By Darryl John Esguerra

(Photo from Bongbong Marcos Facebook)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed deep sorrow following the death of Philippine cinema legend and veteran actress Gloria Romero, describing her as “one of the great icons” of the industry.

In a statement Monday, Marcos said he was “deeply saddened to hear of the passing of one of Philippine cinema’s great icons.”

Reflecting on their first meeting, Marcos shared, “I first met Gloria Romero on the set while filming Iginuhit ng Tadhana, and have been an admirer of her work as an actress ever since.”

‘Iginuhit ng Tadhana’ is a 1965 biographical film about former President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., where Romero portrayed the former First Lady Imelda Marcos.

The President, then an eight-year-old, portrayed himself.

The Chief Executive also praised Romero not only for her talent but also for her character.

“She was always a great lady with the dignity of a true star,” he said.

He concluded by acknowledging Romero’s lasting impact on the entertainment industry.

“Not just a brilliant artist but a very fine person, the world of Filipino cinema and all of entertainment will never forget her,” he said.

Romero was widely regarded as the “Queen of Philippine Cinema.”

She received numerous awards including Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress awards from FAMAS, Film Academy of the Philippines, Gawad Urian Awards, among others.

Romero passed away on Saturday. She was 91.(PNA)