Gloria, Jess’ one and only team-up

When Gloria Romero freelanced in the mid-’60s, one of her first films teamed her up with Jess Lapid, then a very popular action star. The film was Batang Muntinglupa (1966). It turned out to be their one and only movie together as Jess in 1968, at the peak of his popularity, was killed in a nightclub brawl.

The Lapid name lives on as the actor’s junior followed in his acting footsteps. Ditto his nephew, Lito Lapid, who starred in his film bio.

Lito also entered politics, becoming Pampanga vice governor and governor and two-term senator (incumbent). When his term as senator expires in 2016, Lito is reportedly running for mayor of Angeles.

Gloria, movie queen of the ’50s and beyond, was a contract artist of Sampaguita for more than 10 years. Her daughter Marites and grandson Chris briefly joined showbiz, but opted to pursue careers in the culinary arts. Her brother, the late Tito Galla, joined Gloria at Sampaguita and then freelanced.

Lea produced Batang Muntinglupa. — RKC