Blanca Gomez: 1966 Miss Movie Starlet
On Jan. 6, 1966, Daisy Romualdez was proclaimed 1966 Miss Philippines Movies at the Rizal Theater in Makati amid pomp and circumstances. Daisy was the picture of elegance in an all-white Ramon Valera gown.
Daisy was crowned by the Miss RP Movies the previous year, Josephine Estrada, assisted by J. Antonio Araneta, president of Graphic Publishing, Inc., and E.A. Griffith, president of Philippine Refining Company.
Weekly Graphic conducted the popularity contests wherein readers voted for their favorite actresses by sending ballots printed in the magazine.
The 1966 event marked a first in the history of the local movie world. A sister team was crowned Miss RP Movies and Miss Movie Starlet, Blanca Gomez, Daisy’s very own younger sister. Blanca, wearing a Pitoy Moreno gown, was crowned by 1965 Miss Movie Starlet Nemia Velasco, assisted by Sen. Eva Estrada Kalaw and Pepito Vera Perez.
Rosemarie Sonora and Ruby Regala won second and third honors, respectively, in the Miss RP Movies category. Gina Pareño and Teresita Sonora were second and third honors, respectively, in the Miss Movie Starlet category.
Daisy, who remains beautiful to date, no longer appears in movies. She produces concerts and other special events. Her sister Blanca is a long-time US resident.
Rosemarie and Ruby are also based in the US. Gina remains active onscreen (movie and television). Teresita, sister of Rosemarie, quit showbiz after doing a few movies. — RKC
Left: Daisy Romualdez as 1966 MissPhilippine Movies. Clockwise from upper left: Rosemarie Sonora: Second honors, Miss RP Movies. Ruby Regala: Third honors, Miss RP Movies. Teresita Sonora: Third honors, Miss Movie Starlet. Gina Pareño: Second honors, Miss Movie Starlet