Lubao’s Golden Boy of Philippine Cinema

Nov. 12, 1916. Born as Regidor “Roger” de la Rosa in barrio San Jose de Gumi, to Feliciano de la Rosa and Rosario Lim. Paternal grandfather was Francisco de la Rosa, a Spanish surveyor, who married Marciana Dariano of La Union.

Siblings: Africa (actress, writer, director), Purita (first wife of President Diosdado Macapagal), Jaime (Tomas, also an actor).

Education: Lubao Elementary School, Lubao Institute, Far Eastern University (Liberal Arts).
1932. Discovered for the movies by Dr. Gregorio Fernandez, his uncle who is also a noted film director. Launch movie: Ligaw na Bulaklak, with Rosa del Rosario, a fellow Kapampangan from Bacolor.

Most famous leading lady: Carmen Rosales, who starred with him in blockbuster films like Senorita, Colegiala, Lambingan, Irisan. Other love teams: Elsa Oria, Mila del Sol, Lilia Dizon, Tessie Quintana, Corazon Noble, Emma Alegre, Cecilia Lopez, Norma Blancaflor.

Worked with the most renowned directors of Philippine movies: Vicente Salumbides, Lamberto Avellana, Gregorio Fernandez, Carlos Vander Tolosa and Susana de Guzman.

Family: Married to actress Lota Delgado of Angeles City. Children: Ramon, Rudolph, Reynaldo, Roberto, Rocky and Ruby.

1939. Established RDR Productions, a coventure with Placido Mapa and J. Amado Araneta. Its initial offering was Ang Maestra, with Rosa del Rosario.

De la Rosa’s films spawned memorable theme songs: “Sarung Banggi,” “Ang Tangi Kong Pag-ibig,” “Katakataka,” “Bituing Marikit,” “Tayo Na Sa Antipolo” and “Maalaala Mo Kaya?”

1955. Starred in Higit sa Lahat, directed by Gregorio Fernandez. Won Famas Best Actor Award for his role, 1956 Asian Film Fest Best Actor Award in Hong Kong.

1957. Elected senator of the Philippines

1961. Ran for presidency, but withdrew to give way to his brother-in-law, Diosdado Macapagal, who subsequently was elected president.

1985. Named ambassador to Sri Lanka and Cambodia. His last assignment was in the The Hague, the Netherlands.

Nov. 26, 1986. Dies of heart attack.

Source: Holy Angel University Center for Kapampangan Studies