Veteran Actress Rosa Rosal Dies at 97
ROSA ROSAL – The beloved veteran Filipina actress and humanitarian, passed away at the age of 97, as announced by the Philippine Red Cross.
Known not only for her contributions to Philippine movies but also for her lifelong dedication to helping others, Rosal leaves behind a legacy of care and kindness that has inspired generations. The Red Cross highlighted her remarkable seven-decade-long service, noting how she promoted voluntary blood donation across the country, improved the organization’s welfare programs, and consistently used her influence to encourage compassion, volunteer work, and protection for those in need. Her long service with the Red Cross, where she was a member of the Board of Governors since 1965, made a lasting impact on Philippine society.
Born Florence Lansang Danon in Manila on October 16, 1928, Rosal came from a mixed heritage, with her mother from Pampanga and her father of French-Egyptian background. During the Japanese occupation, she worked as a newsreader on a Japanese-run radio station, and shortly after World War II, she began her movie career when spotted by producer Luis Nolasco. She adopted the screen name Rosa Rosal, inspired by the words “rose” and “gardenia,” and quickly became a leading figure in Philippine cinema.
Her performances in highly praised films such as Anak Dalita (1956), Badjao (1957), and Biyaya ng Lupa (1959) earned her several awards, including FAMAS Best Actress, and recognition from President Ramon Magsaysay. She was also known for her bold roles and strong onscreen presence during the Golden Age of Philippine movies, while maintaining a quiet, private life.
Beyond acting, Rosal made important contributions to television, hosting public service programs like Damayan and Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko, which helped raise money and support for poor patients. She started programs within the Red Cross to help unwed mothers, provide scholarships for deserving students, and improve blood donation campaigns nationwide. Despite her strong association with blood donation, she personally could not donate because of low blood pressure.
Her lifetime of service earned her many honors, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award, the Order of the Golden Heart, and recognition as Asia’s most trusted Filipino by Reader’s Digest in 2010.