Seasoned movie and TV actress Caridad Sanchez is a gem of the Philippine entertainment industry. She is a towering figure in showbiz, since many of her colleagues consider her as a brilliant talent!
In 2008, showbiz entertainment site PEP.Ph, even included her on their list of underrated actors and actresses.
Caridad started her career in the late 50's and carved her own path in showbiz through her own blood, sweat, and tears.
What's more, Tita Caridad is well-loved by many, even Asia's Multimedia star Alden Richards, who had the great pleasure of working with her in the soap One True Love.
Former Startalk host Manay Lolit Solis is forever indebted to Caridad Sanchez, too. According to the entertainment columnist, Caridad supported her after the Manila Film Festival fiasco, which she described as the darkest moment in her life.
Get to know more about this highly-respected actress and some of her career highlights in this gallery.
The veteran TV-movie star Caridad Sanchez began her career in the late 50's and worked in at least 70 movies.
Caridad is proud of her Cebuana roots because she was born in Mandaue City in January 1936. Caridad is the youngest of 15 siblings and before becoming an actress, she wanted to become a lawyer.
Caridad was part of the popular TV drama 'Gulong ng Palad' in 1977. According to the 'Fun Fare' column of Ricky Lo, the show was based on the radio soap opera heard on dzRH from 1949 to 1956 and it was written by Loida Viriña.
Tita Caridad is a highly-respected figure in showbiz. In fact, she won two Best Supporting Actress trophies from FAMAS for the movies 'Maalaala Mo Kaya: The Movie' (1994) and 'Bagong Buwan (2001)'. In addition, Sanchez had the distinct honor in 1999 to be given the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Star Awards for Movies.
Caridad Sanchez received her star in the Eastwood City Walk of Fame in 2011
Kids who grew up in the '90s will remember Tita Caridad Sanchez for her educational television series 'Bayani.'
Caridad Sancez was also part of some of the biggest TV series on GMA Network like 'Darna' (2005), 'MariMar' (2007) and 'One True Love' starring Kapuso primetime star Alden Richards.
In an interview with GMA Network.com, Alden expressed how much it means to him that he got the chance to work with Tita Caridad in their soap 'One True Love.' Alden told GMA Network.com then, “Hindi niya ako binibigyan ng feedback na gusto kong marinig. She gives me the feedback kung ano ang nakikita niya talaga. I thank her for that, parang I'm her unofficial grandson. Kapag nasa set, kapag we're doing scenes, acting coach ko si Tita Caridad,”
Caridad Sanchez revealed during her interview with PEP.Ph in 2007 that she has a fear of flying. She unfortunately developed this when she was in a domestic flight with Helen Gamboa who saw her trembling in fear.
More throwback photos of Caridad Sanchez
Caridad's daughter, Cathy Babao opens up about her mother's battle with dementia on her blog 'Still Mom'. She poured her heart out talking about this heartbreaking situation they are in. She wrote, “It is the most difficult challenge of my adult life, next to losing my son. Anticipatory grief. This is what this is all over again.”
Veteran entertainment columnist Lolit Solis shares her fondest memories with Caridad Sanchez, who became a shoulder to cry on and motivator, when the Manila Film Festival scam in 1994 exploded.
The former Startalk host is praying that Caridad can overcome her bout with dementia. She posted on Instagram, “I owe my second wind to Caridad Sanchez, she gave me hope and light at my darkest time, she showed me love and trust at my lowest. She started my love for dogs, and I will never ever forget that. I will always pray for her, and wish that she will overcome this dementia standing tall, with pride.”
On a separate Instagram post on October 7, Manay Lolit recalled her emotional phone call with Tita Caridad.
She shared, “Ewan ko pero habang nag-uusap kami sa telepono, at masaya akong marinig ang boses niya na sounding strong and happy, tumutulo ang luha ko.
“Parang overwhelming feeling ang nadama ko, nagkaroon ako ng lump sa throat, at basta tuloy-tuloy ang tulo ng iyak ko.”
Another child of Caridad Sanchez, Alexander Joseph Babao also released another statement contradicting the information given by his sister Cathy Babao about the condition of their mom.
Alexander also strongly denounced what his sister did saying, “was shocked by the article published by my sister which was done without permission, violating the privacy, legacy, and honor of my Mother,”
Meanwhile, Cathy responded to his brother's Instagram post and expressed that she only wants the best for their mom.
Cathy posted, “I cannot overemphasize the importance of early diagnosis and acceptance.
“In families where there is no total acceptance, where family members are not on the same page, discord and misunderstanding are most likely to occur. Denial is only to the detriment of the person with dementia.”