Eddie Romero, a renowned Filipino film director, was born on July 7, 1924, in Dumaguete City. He is the son of Pilar Cinco, a school teacher, and José E. Romero, a former congressman, Secretary of Education, and Philippine Ambassador to London. Romero studied at various institutions, including Dumaguete Elementary School, Ateneo de Manila, University of the Philippines (UP) High School, and Siliman University High School in Dumaguete City. He earned his bachelor's degree in UP, completed the associate in arts (pre-law) program at Siliman University, and was conferred the honorary degree, Doctor of Humane Letters, by the Foundation University in Dumaguete City.
Romero's early career in film began when he wrote the script for Gerardo de Leon's "Ang maestra" (1941). He later joined Sampaguita Pictures as a scriptwriter and director, producing films such as "Ang kamay ng Diyos" (1947),"Hindi kita malimot" (1948),and "Selosa" (1948). In the 1950s, Romero became a producer-director with the film "Buhay alamang" (1952),which was adapted from a stage play by Gerardo de Leon.
Romero's international films include "Day of the Trumpet" (1957),"The Kidnappers" (1958),"Terror Is a Man" (1959),"Escape to Paradise" (1960),"The Passionate Strangers" (1966),"The Raiders of Leyte Gulf" (1962),and "Manila, Open City" (1968). He collaborated with Hollywood-based actors, including John Ashley, Pam Grier, and Richard Derr.
Romero's local films include "This Is How We Were Before, How Are You Doing Now?" (1976),"Sinong kapiling? Sinong kasiping?" (1977),"Banta ng kahapon" (1977),"Durugin si Totoy Bato" (1979),"Aguila" (1980),and "Faces of Love" (2007). He has received numerous awards, including 22 awards from the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts & Sciences (FAMAS),the FAMAS Hall of Fame, the FAMAS Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Presidential Award.
Romero has also received recognition from other organizations, including the Gawad Urian Awards, the Dekada Award, and the Papal Award as Film Director of the Decade. He was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Cinemanil International Film Festival in 2000.
Eddie Romero passed away on May 28, 2013, at the age of 88, due to blood clot and prostate cancer. He is survived by his children, including film director Joey Romero and actors Ancel and Leo Romero, who live in the United States with their wives.
