Rosa Mia (Rosita Manuel Quinto de Asis offcam) appeared in more than 80 films, mostly in sorrowful mother roles. The late writer-TV host Joe Quirino dubbed Rosa the ‘Mater Dolorosa’ of Philippine cinema.
Her starrers included Inang Mahal, Tatlong Ilaw sa Dambana, Pitong Pagsisi, Ipagdarasal Kita, Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang and Ginang Hukom, Tumbando Cana, all for Sampaguita Pictures, her home studio.
Rosa starred in theater during the Japanese Occupation in the early ‘40s and switched to movies in the mid-‘40s, starting with Palaris’ Dugo ng Bayan.
Dubber and character actress Lucy Quinto is Rosa’s younger sister.
But the ‘Mater Dolorosa’ also ventured into directing. Rosa megged, among others, Pagdating ng Takip Silim, Debutante, Octavia, June Bride, Sa Linggo ang Bola, Class Reunion, Leron Leron Sinta and Let’s Do the Psychedelic.
Rosa won two Best Supporting Actress awards: Roberta from Maria Clara and Tumbando Cana from FAMAS.
In the late ‘60s, Rosa Mia migrated to the US. She returned to the Philippines some years back and died in Cavite. — RKC