Rosa Rosal, 97, passes away

Beloved humanitarian and veteran actress Rosa Rosal has passed away at the age of 97, the Philippine Red Cross announced on social media on Nov. 15. 

"With deepest sadness, the Philippine Red Cross announces the passing of Governor Rosa Rosal," the humanitarian organization wrote. 

"For over 7 decades, Gov. Rosal devoted her life to the service of the Red Cross. She championed voluntary blood donation across the country, strengthened PRC's welfare services, and used every platform she had to promote compassion, volunteerism, and the protection of the most vulnerable," PRC continued. 

The organization added that Rosal's legacy lies in genuine service, dignity, and love for humanity. 

Details of the wake are still being finalized. 

Tributes to an icon

Broadcast journalist Korina Sanchez-Roxas posted a tribute to Rosal on Facebook, recalling their many charity projects.

"Tita Rose Rosal and I collaborated on many charity projects together for blood donations to the Red Cross. And in her life story, I found an inspiration every woman must have. Widowed early. Never remarried. Dedicated the rest of life to public service."

Sanchez-Roxas recalled Rosal telling her, "'Kahit hindi mayaman, Korina, pwedeng magmukhang mayaman, laluna kung nanlilimos ka ng tulong sa mayayaman.'"

The journalist added, "When my Mom passed away too early at 64, I had no mother to see me through my wedding...[Rosal] became my mom that day I married and till her last breath she fought like the warrior I'd always known her to be. We lost yet another big one today. Goodbye for now Tita Rose."

Philippine Red Cross chairman and chief executive officer Richard "Dick" Gordon gave a tribute, as well. On Facebook, he mentioned the distinctions granted to Rosal for her public service: "For her humanitarian work, outstanding leadership, and lifelong commitment to public service, she was bestowed the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award—Asia’s highest honor. She was also awarded the Order of the Golden Heart (Grand Cross) in 2006, a civilian distinction conferred by the President of the Philippines for a lifetime dedicated to public service."

Gwen Pang, secretary general of the Philippine Red Cross, posted a homage for Rosal on social media, as well. 

"Love you, Tita Rose," she began. "She was an inspiring leader whose tireless advocacy built and strengthened our national blood program, ensuring that every Filipino—especially the poorest and most vulnerable—could access adequate, safe and voluntary blood when they needed it the most. Her life's work saved countless lives and inspired generations of volunteer blood donors."

Pang wrote that Rosal's greatest wish was "that no Filipino should ever die because blood was not available."

Remembering Rosal as "like [a] mother to many of us," Pang added that Rosal's "strength, grace, and enduring love for people" was deeply inspirational. 

Historian and academic Xiao Chua likewise shared his thoughts on Rosal's passing: "Salamat po at naging daluyan kayo ng ginhawa ng bayan bilang aktres at sa pagpapdaloy ng DAMAYAN ng bayan sa kapos-palad sa inyong mahabang buhay."

In addition to her humanitarian work, Rosal hosted Damayan and Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko, two public-service TV shows that helped give the less fortunate access to medical services and financial aid. 

Who was Rosa Rosal? 

Born Florence Lansang Danon on Oct. 16, 1928, Rosal grew up in Manila.

Prior to joining show business, where she would eventually become known as the Queen of Philippine Movies for her huge box-office draw, Rosal worked as a newsreader during the Japanese occupation, a doctor's secretary, and an X-ray machine operator. 

She was discovered by film producer Luis Nolasco as she was walking down the street. After lengthy negotiations, during which Rosal displayed her fiercely independent streak, Rosal joined the Nolasco Brothers Studio as one of their talents. 

Her screen name—Rosa Rosal—was inspired by an arrangement of white gardenias and red roses that captivated Rosal at a party. 

She eventually moved to LVN Pictures, where, at 21 in 1949, she was given her first starring role in the satirical film Biglang Yaman. Rosal's bankability brought on a slew of other films, including Anak Dalita, Badjao: The Sea Gypsies, and Prinsipe Amante sa Rubitanya.

She was partial to playing villains because, according to her, unlike sweet characters, villains usually got their redemption in the end. Already a liberal thinker in the conservative 1950s, Rosal had no qualms about kissing scenes or wearing skimpy swimsuits in films. 

In 1955, she won the FAMAS Best Actress award for the movie Sonny Boy. But it would be her first visit to a blood donation drive organized by the Philippine Red Cross in 1948 that would leave a mark on Rosal.

She visited numerous hospitals, sat with patients, and saw firsthand how blood donations could save lives. Rosal realized she could use her star power to campaign for blood donation drives, and she did. 

The actress stayed on as a volunteer for the Philippine Red Cross, eventually being appointed to the organization's board of governors in 1965.

In 1957, Rosal married American-Polish pilot Walter Gayda, to whom she got engaged after only three months of knowing him. They flew to Hawaii for their honeymoon, but Rosal's celebrity wattage even in Hawaii proved too much for Gayda. After five days, he left Rosal without even a note. 

The experience was devastating for her. But back home in the Philippines, she leaned on her mother for strength, raised the daughter who was born out of that brief marriage, and went on to become a pillar of compassion and public service in the country. 

Rosal is survived by her daughter, actress and TV personality Toni Rose Gayda.