Hard work pays off for Gloria and Susan

ROMERO AND ROCES. Portray pivotal roles on “Munting Heredera” and “Babaeng Hampaslupa,” respectively.

Two of the longest-reigning movie queens in local show biz are Sampaguita Pictures’ Gloria Romero and Susan Roces, whose wholesome image – thanks to the morality clause in their studio contracts – remains untarnished.

In the ’50s, Gloria Romero had the distinction of playing the Virgin Mary in “Martir sa Golgota,” a Lenten presentation at the Manila Grand Opera House in Avenida. In “Iginuhit ng Tadhana,” Gloria portrayed the former First Lady, Imelda Marcos.

Known for her professionalism, Gloria never allows herself to be a shoot’s cause of delay. Maryo J. delos Reyes, her director in “Munting Heredera,” confirms, “Gloria is a dream to work with. She’s always on time and comes to work prepared.” At 77, the actress still possesses a sharp mind and can memorize her lines without difficulty.

First team-up

Like Gloria, hard work has beautifully paid off for Susan Roces. At age 16, Susan was described by the late Doc Perez as “the face that refreshes.” When she began freelancing, FPJ Productions sought her services for “Ang Daigdig Ko’y Ikaw,” her first team-up with Fernando Poe Jr. Another landmark movie they did together was “Perlas ng Silangan,” co-starring Vic Vargas. Her wedding to FPJ was hailed as the Wedding of the Century.

Susan returns to acting in “Babaeng Hampaslupa,” in which she plays the vengeful Helena Wong. She also welcomes the opportunity of working with Amalia Fuentes, her arch rival during their Sampaguita heydays.