Elders, and the respect accorded to them, are an important part of Filipino culture. And when it comes to an industry with so many ups and downs like the entertainment industry, the wisdom and experience of industry veterans are certainly needed and appreciated.
There's no shortage of industry veterans that younger stars can learn from, whether it be former Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko star Gloria Romero or Stolen Life's Celia Rodriguez. Industry titans like Nora Aunor and Vilma Santos are also very active in the industry, with the Vilma Santos-Christopher de Leon starrer When I Met You in Tokyo even competing in the upcoming Metro Manila Film Festival.
CHECK OUT SOME OF THE INDUSTRY'S VETERAN ACTORS IN THE GALLERY BELOW.
Known as the First Lady of Philippine Cinema, Gloria Romero has a long and storied career that spans decades, starting as an extra in films by studios Premiere Productions and Sampaguita Pictures and most recently as Lola Goreng in GMA's Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko.
Any loyal Kapuso viewer knows Caridad Sanchez, who was part of the cast of both Darna shows and was last seen in the 2015 Kapuso show Beautiful Strangers. While she is no longer active in the industry due to her health, her decades-long career that started with 1958's Malvarosa is something that young actors can learn from.
The 85-year-old Celia Rodriguez is a recognizable figure to anyone who's ever been a fan of Darna, as she starred in both of the Darna seryes that the Kapuso Network put out in 2005 and 2009. She is now part of yet another Kapuso production, Stolen Life.
At the height of her fame, Barbara Perez was dubbed as the “Audrey Hepburn of the Philippines" because of her physical similarities to the actress. She appeared in the 1962 Hollywood movie No Man Is an Island alongside Jeffrey Hunter and was part of the cast of two Kapuso dramas, Ang Iibigin ay Ikaw at Ang Iibigin ay Ikaw Pa Rin. She was most recently seen during the birthday of Gloria Romero alongside other veteran performers like Celia Rodriguez and Helen Gamboa.
Known as Asia's Queen of Songs, Pilita Corrales not only has decades in the industry but has also given birth to other important names in the industry - Jackie Lou Blanco and Ramon Christopher Gutierrez.
Noel Trinidad began his career in radio and quickly became a mainstay in the Philippine entertainment scene. For Filipinos of a certain generation, he is best remembered as the other half of the comedy duo - the other one being Subas Herrero - that headlined Champoy in 1981. He was also part of the cast of the 2015 GMA show Let The Love Begin.
Eddie Gutierrez graduated from teenybopper films early in his career to more serious fare, even winning winning a Best Actor Award for his role in Ikaw Pa Lang Ang Minahal. He has starred in two of the Kapuso Network's most famous fantasy series: Mulawin and Encantadia. Eddie is also the father to many prominent names in showbiz, such as Tonton Gutierrez, Ramon Christopher Gutierrez, Ruffa Gutierrez, Richard Gutierrez, and Raymond Gutierrez.
Award-winning actor Tommy Abuel has won multiple acting awards for roles in movies like Maynila, Sa Kuko Ng Liwanag, Karma, and Dagsin. He is also a regular on Kapuso shows, starring in shows like Ang Dalawang Mrs. Real, MariMar, Destined to be Yours, First Yaya, and Legal Wives.
Helen Gamboa has been in the entertainment industry since the '60s, either as a singer, dancer, actress, or host. She was one of the stars that took over the hosting duties for Lovingly Yours, Helen after the passing of Helen Vela, and in 2017 played the character of Lolita Honorio in GMA Network's Super Ma'am.
The 78-year-old Boots Anson-Roa's entertainment career spans decades, with films all the way to the '60s. Boots Anson-Roa was recently seen in the Kapuso Network hits First Yaya and Mano Po Legacy: The Family Fortune.
Liza Lorena debuted in the Philippine film scene with 1962's Mga Tigreng Taga-Bukid and has only prospered since, winning a Best Supporting Actress award for her role in 1982's Oro, Plata, Mata and another one for her role in 1985's Miguelito: Batang Rebelde. She was also part of the cast of the 2013 GMA show, Akin Pa Rin ang Bukas.
Award-winning actress Gina Pareno has been in the Philippine entertainment industry since the '60s, and has won acting awards for her roles in films like Kubrador and Serbis. She isn't just someone actors and actresses can look up to, but also by the LGBTQIA+ community after her emotional coming out in 2022 as part of the community. She recently portrayed the character Merly Posadas in the Kapuso Network's Mga Lihim ni Urduja.
Pilar Pilapil started out as a beauty queen in 1967 and then went on to have a flourishing film and television career, working with legends like Dolphy and Fernando Poe. Jr. She also won two best actress awards for Imelda, Ang Uliran and Napakasakit Kuya Eddie. Kapuso viewers last saw Pilar Pilapil in the hit shows First Yaya and First Lady.
The one and only Superstar is definitely someone to look up to in the local entertainment scene, having such historic accomplishments like being the most nominated actress in the history of the Gawad Urian and a best actress nod from the Cairo International Film Festival, her first international award. In 2020, she starred in the Kapuso Network's television adaptation of Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit and in 2022, she was named a National Artist.
The Star for All Season Vilma Santos hasn't just succeeded in the entertainment industry, but has also had a political career. She has been a mayor, a governor, and a member of Congress. Her career in the entertainment industry spans decades, from the '60s up to the present.
The esteemed actor has a decade-long career and has worked with names like Nora Aunor and Vilma Santos. Christopher de Leon was also part of the cast of 2005 Kapuso Network show, Darna and was most recently part of the cast of Lolong.