Rita Gomez before Sawa sa Lumang Simboryo

Although formally introduced in the Gerry de Leon film Sawa sa Lumang Simboryo (1952), Rita Gomez actually started in showbiz a few years earlier. She started as extra and through bit roles in movies produced and directed by Fernando Poe Sr. under Royal Productions, the first being the Carmen Rosales starrer Nanay Ko, shot in 1950 and shown early 1951.

Rita (much later called ‘Mother’ and billed ‘Miss’) joined the Paquito Bolero Stage Revue which traveled all over the Philippines, topbilling its drama acts, sharing the limelight with the likes of Victor Sevilla, Ely Roque, Dory Palacio, Pugak and Tugak, Teroy de Guzman, Elvira Reyes, Flor Bien and the ‘Bolero Birthstones Girls.’

Bolero was also a movie director.

She was actually earlier introduced in the Leila Morena starrer Salome. But then Rita is best remembered in Sawa, produced by Premiere Productions, where she played a contravida, earning a FAMAS nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

Rita was born in Marinduque on May 22, 1935 to Angel Gomez and Luciana Arce. She finished elementary in Marinduque and high school in Araullo High School in Manila. She took up journalism at the University of Sto. Tomas.

In an article titled 3 Dagok sa Buhay ni Rita Gomez, written by Mario Luis and published in Literary Song Movie (October 1952), the actress bared the three misfortunes in her life.

First, the death of her father, a meat vendor.

Second, the untimely passing away of Poe Sr., who would have launched her to stardom.

Third, the strike at Premiere, where she was the most promising newcomer. A character actress, Leonora Ruiz, introduced Rita to Premiere producer Doña Adela Santiago.

In 1953, Dr. Jose R. Perez of Sampaguita Pictures signed up Rita to an exclusive contract, where she and Lolita Rodriguez reigned as drama queens, starring in, among others, Maldita, Society Girl, Reyna Bandida, Talipandas, where she won the FAMAS Best Actress award (1958).

Rita freelanced in the late ’60s, starring in acclaimed movies like Bakit Ako Pa? (FAMAS Best Actress in 1970) and Pagdating sa Dulo, directed by Ishmael Bernal.

She also appeared on television and theater, the most memorable of which were drama anthologies Sangandaan and Balintataw, and the Nick Joaquin stage classic Larawan.

A voracious reader, prolific writer, and fluent speaker in English, Rita was a much sought-after guest in civic and professional clubs, schools, radio-TV.

A woman ahead of her time, Rita defied society’s convention, getting her share of admirers and detractors.

Rita Gomez died on May 9, 1990 in New York. — RKC