Veteran actress Daisy Romualdez has expressed her deep sorrow over the passing of Philippine cinema icon Gloria Romero. As former contract stars of the once-dominant Sampaguita Pictures, Daisy and Gloria shared a decades-long friendship that Daisy described as one of the closest bonds in her life.
Daisy was present on the second night of Gloria’s wake at Arlington Memorial Chapel on Sunday, January 27, 2025, where she spoke with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) about their final moments together.
Daisy Romualdez’s Last Visit to Gloria Romero
Daisy recalled her last visit to Gloria’s home on December 16, 2024, during Gloria’s 91st birthday. That moment left a lasting impression on Daisy, especially when Gloria struggled to recognize her at first.
“Nung December 16 birthday niya, nagpunta ako, pumasok ako, sabi niya, ‘Sino ka?’ Sabi ko, ‘Ateng, di mo ako kilala.’ Sabi niya, ‘Ay, si Daisy.'”
Despite Gloria’s condition, they still managed to share lighthearted moments.
“Nandun ang mga nurse niya. Sabi niya, ‘Alam mo si Daisy malandi yan.’ Sabi ko, ‘Bakit?’ Ang sabi niya, ‘May mga burlo-burloloy yan, di kagaya ko wala.’
“Sabi ko, ‘Magkaiba tayo, ako ang kontrabida, ikaw ang bida.’ Tawa nang tawa.
“That was the last time I saw her.”
Daisy even posted photos from that day, showing Gloria with a smile, unaware that it would be their final meeting.
Gloria Romero’s Final Days
A few days before Gloria’s passing, her daughter, Maritess Gutierrez, informed Daisy about her mother’s worsening condition.
“Tapos three days ago, sabi ni Maritess sa akin, ‘Tita, parang masama ang lagay ni Mommy.’
“‘Maritess, magdasal na lang tayo para sa kanya.’
“Nagpunta ako ng Baclaran, nagpunta ako sa Nazareno. Dasal ako nang dasal.”
On January 25, while at the Manila Hotel for a Valentine’s event, Daisy received the heartbreaking news from Maritess: “Mom is gone.”
Overcome with grief, Daisy spent the night in tears, mourning the loss of her best friend.
Remembering Gloria Romero
Daisy described Gloria as an exceptional friend with unparalleled kindness.
“Ibang klaseng kaibigan yan, walang kaaway yan, sobrang bait.
“I lost a best friend, a sister, everything I lost.”
In her final message to Gloria, Daisy said, “Wherever you are, Glo, nandiyan ako lagi sa iyo, nagdarasal. Ipagdasal mo rin kami diyan.”
She ended with heartfelt words: “I love you so much Glo and I will miss you. Glo, I will miss you.”