Maria Elisa Cristobal-Anson or Boots Anson-Roa (born January 30, 1945) is an award-winning actress, columnist, editor, and lecturer.

Early life

She was born on January 30, 1945. Anson-Roa, a Bicolana, is the eldest daughter of post-war matinee idol the late Oscar Moreno, then known as the Robert Taylor of the Philippines, and Belen Cristobal, a descendant of Epifanio de los Santos

Epifanio de los Santos

Epifanio de los Santos y Cristóbal, sometimes known as Don Pañong or Don Panyong was a noted Filipino historian, literary critic, art critic, jurist, prosecutor, antiquarian, archivist, scholar, painter, poet, musician, musicologist, philosopher, philologist, bibliographer, translator,...

. Her younger brother, Alvin Anson (born October 20, 1962; Manila

Manila

Manila is the capital of the Philippines. It is one of the sixteen cities forming Metro Manila.Manila is located on the eastern shores of Manila Bay and is bordered by Navotas and Caloocan to the north, Quezon City to the northeast, San Juan and Mandaluyong to the east, Makati on the southeast,...

) was also a lead actor and model.

Personal life

Anson-Roa was married to the late Pete Roa, her co-host in the series Dance-o-Rama from 1964 until his death in 2007. They have four children: Leah Cuevas, Joey, Chiqui Roa-Puno, and Ben from whom they have 9 grandchildren.

Educational Background

• A.B. Speech and Drama: University of the Philippines
  University of the Philippines
  The ' is the national university of the Philippines. Founded in 1908 through Act No...
  
  , 1960-1964 (thesis incomplete)
• Basic Journalism: Georgetown University
  Georgetown University
  Georgetown University is a private, Jesuit, research university whose main campus is in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Founded in 1789, it is the oldest Catholic university in the United States...
  
  , Washington D.C. - 1983
• Public and Media Relations: Georgetown University
  Georgetown University
  Georgetown University is a private, Jesuit, research university whose main campus is in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Founded in 1789, it is the oldest Catholic university in the United States...
  
  , Washington D.C. - 1984
• Television Production: Media General Cable Network, Virginia
  Virginia
  The Commonwealth of Virginia , is a U.S. state on the Atlantic Coast of the Southern United States. Virginia is nicknamed the "Old Dominion" and sometimes the "Mother of Presidents" after the eight U.S. presidents born there...
  
   - 1993

Acting career

Anson-Roa began acting in 1968, appearing opposite prestigious names of her generation like Dante Rivero

Dante Rivero

Dante Rivero is a FAMAS award-winning and Gawad Urian Award-nominated Filipino film and television actor.-Television :-Movies:*2002 Bro.....

, Joseph Estrada

Joseph Estrada

Joseph "Erap" Ejercito Estrada was the 13th President of the Philippines, serving from 1998 until 2001. Estrada was the first person in the Post-EDSA era to be elected both to the presidency and vice-presidency.Estrada gained popularity as a film actor, playing the lead role in over 100 films in...

 and the late Fernando Poe, Jr.

Fernando Poe, Jr.

Ronald Allan Poe y Kelley , better known as Fernando Poe, Jr. and colloquially known as FPJ and Da King, was a Filipino actor and cultural icon. From the 1950s, Poe played steadfast film heroes who fight for the common man, which won him respect and admiration...

 under Sampaguita Pictures

Sampaguita Pictures

Sampaguita Pictures was a Philippine film production company. It was named for the Philippine National Flower, Sampaguita. The company has been long-defunct since the 1980s with Mike de Leon's classic "Batch '81" being the last film released...

. She was also given Lifetime Achievement Awards by FAMAS and Star Awards, for all her contributions to the media industry.

Awards, Honors and Distinctions Received

• Outstanding Movie Personality: PMPC - 1979
• FAMAS Award for Uplifting the Movie Industry: FAMAS Awards - 1976
• Best Emcee ALIW Awards: - 1979-1981
• Ten Outstanding Women in the Nation's Service Award: TOWNS Foundation - 1974
• Gintong Ina Awardee: Guillermo Mendoza Foundation - 1994
• Outstanding Parents of the Year: Gintong Ina Foundation - 1994-1998
• Women Who Make a Difference: Soroptimist International - 1995
• Outstanding Women in Media: Philippine Women's University - 1995
• Outstanding Media Practitioner: Eastern Telecommunications - 1997
• Outstanding Alumna: University of the Philippines - June 2000
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Star Awards for Movies - March 2001
• Lifetime Achievement Award: FAMAS Awards - March 2003

Membership in Professional Organizations

• Member, Board: Balikatan sa Kaunlaran - 1997–present
• Vice-Chairman for Television: Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas, Metro Manila Chapter - 1998–present
• Chairman: Friends of PHSA (Philippine High School for the Arts, CCP) - 1995–present
• Vice-Chairman: National Commission for Culture and the Arts - Film Committee
• Director: U.P. Arts and Letters Alumni Foundation - 1995
• Trustee: MOWELFUND - 1994–present

Publications

• Columnist/ Feature Writer: Manila-U.S. Mail - 1992-1993
• Editor-in-Chief: Balikatan Herald - 1994
• Columnist: Isyu (broadsheet) - 1998
• Contributor: Philippine Daily Inquirer
  Philippine Daily Inquirer
  The Philippine Daily Inquirer, popularly known as the Inquirer, is the most widely read broadsheet newspaper in the Philippines, with a daily circulation of 260,000 copies. It is one of the Philippines' newspapers of record...
  
   - 1995–present

Workshops/ Seminars/ Lectures Conducted

• Lecturer/Trainer on Media, Communications, Culture, Performing Arts, Public and Human Relations, Women, Family and Values

Conference/ Conventions

• RP-China Film Exchange Program: Beijing, China - March 2002
• 20th UNESCO International Media Conference: UNESCO
  UNESCO
  The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations...
  
   Headquarters, Paris, France - March 1999
• International Congress on Communications: Mariapolis Center, Rome, Italy - June 2000

Community involvement

• Public Relations Officer: Assumption Alumnae - 1987-1993
• Governor: Philippine National Red Cross
  Philippine National Red Cross
  Born officially in 1947, Philippine Red Cross , a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, has roots that trace back to the revolutionary days...
  
   - 1980-1982
• Director/ PRO: U.P.-PGH Medical Foundation - 1979-1981
• Director/ Board Member: National Commission on the Rehabilitation of the Disabled - 1979
• Director/ Resource Person: Philippine Mental Health Association, Quezon City
  Quezon City
  Quezon City is the former capital and the most populous city in the Philippines. Located on the island of Luzon, Quezon City is one of the cities and municipalities that make up Metro Manila, the National Capital Region. The city was named after Manuel L...
  
   Chapter - 1979-1980
• Benefactor/ Advisor: DARE (Anti-Drug Foundation)
• Adviser: Philippine Association for the Deaf - 1977-1982

Civil Service

Anson-Roa ran for a seat in the Senate of the Philippines in 2004 under the Koalisyon ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino (KNP). She has held a variety of positions, including Executive Director of MOWELFUND, Inc; Governor of the Philippine Red Cross; Marketing Director of the Association of Philippine Physicians in America and Mass Communications Professor at the University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University and the De la Salle State University. Her work in government includes serving as Press Attaché and Cultural Officer of the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC and Commissioner of the Commission on Population.

Movies

• Siete Dolores (1968)
• Ang Kawatan (1969)
• Adriana (1969)
• Rowena (1969) Sonya
• Si Darna at ang Planetman (1969) Cynthia
• Wanted: Perfect Mother (1970)
• Santiago! (1970) Rowena
• I Love Mama, I Love Papa (1971)
• The Wonderful World of Music (1971)
• Living Doll (1971)
• Ang Kampana sa Santa Quiteria (1971)
• Liezl at Ang 7 Hoods (1971)
• El Vibora (1972) Cecilia
• Tatay Na Si Erap (1972)
• Santo Domingo (1972)
• Ang Agila At Ang Araw (1973)
• Zoom, Zoom, Superman! (1973) Superman's Creator
• Tanikalang Dugo (1973)
• Ander Di Saya Si Erap (1973)
• James Wong (1973)
• Paruparong Itim (1973)
• May Isang Tsuper ng Taksi (1974)
• Dalawa Ang Nagdalantao Sa Akin (1974)
• Bawal: Asawa Mo, Asawa Ko (1974)
• Sumigaw Ka Hanggang Ibig Mo! (1974)
• Lulubog Lilitaw Sa Ilalim Ng Tulay (1974) Sister Elisa
• Pagsapit ng Dilim (1975)
• Anak ng Araw (1975)
• Anino ng Araw (1975)
• Saan Ka Pupunta Ms. Lutgarda Nicolas? (1975) Lutgarda Nicolas
• Ang Pag-Ibig Ko'y Huwag Mong Sukatin (1975)
• Mga Uhaw na Bulaklak (1975)
• Isang Gabi, Tatlong Babae (1975)
• Postcards From China (1975)
• The Goodfather (1975)
• Ang Lihim ni Rosa Henson Sa Buhay ni Kumander Lawin (1976) Rosa Henson Averion
• Tatlong Kasalanan (1976)
• Daigdig ng Lagim (1976)
• Hubad na Bayani (1977)
• Mga Mata ni Angelita (1978) Mother Superior
• Camerino (1978)
• Tonyong Bayawak (1979)
• Angelita... Ako ang Iyong Ina (1980) Mother Superior
• Himala (1980)
• Tembong (1980)
• P.S. I Love You (1981) Isabel
• Jack en Jill Sa Amerika (1988)
• Doring Dorobo (1993)
• The Myrna Diones Story: Lord, Have Mercy! (1993)
• Kadenang Bulaklak (1993)
• May Minamahal (1993) Becky
• Bawal na Gamot (1994)
• Grepor Butch Belgica Story (1994)
• The Maggie dela Riva Story: God... Why Me? (1994)
• The Anabelle Huggins Story - Ruben Ablaza Tragedy: Mea Culpa (1995)
• Kahit Harangan ng Bala (1995) Aling Cedes
• The Lilian Velez Story: Till Death Do Us Part (1995)
• Mangarap Ka (1995) Belen
• Kay Pait ng Bukas (1996)
• Ama, Ina, Anak (1996) Cita Nolasco
• Ibulong Mo Sa Diyos 2 (1997)
• Nagmumurang Kamatis (1997)
• Flames: The Movie (1997) Amparo (segment "Pangako")
• May Isang Pamilya (1999) Isabel
• Hinahanap-Hanap Kita (1999) Mrs. Matias
• Ganito Ako Magmahal (1999)
• Kapalit? (2002)
• Mano Po (2002) Elisa Go
• The Cory Quirino Kidnap: NBI Files (2003)
• Bridal Shower (2004) Doña Vergie
• Mano Po 3: My Love (2004) Maria
• Ilusyon (2005) Doktor
• Ang Anak ni Brocka (2005)
• Pepot Artista (2005) Richter
• Blue Moon (2005) Cora
• Sukob (2006) Tessie
• Ang Huling Araw ng Linggo (2006) Aling Tess (segment "Martes")
• White Lady (2006) Lola Tasya
• Rekados (2006) Josefina
• Mano Po 5: Gua Ai Di (2006)
• Angels (2007) Lola Conching (segment "Angel of Love")
• Shake, Rattle & Roll 9 (2007) Lola Susana (segment "Christmas Tree")
• When Love Begins (2008)
• Caregiver (2008) Marissa Gonzales
• One True Love (2008) Lola
• Lovebirds (2008)
• Tutok (2009) Lydia
• Mano Po 6: A Mother's Love (2009)

Television series

• Two For The Road (ABS-CBN 9, 1962–1967)
• Dance-O-Rama (ABC 5 "now TV5", 1962–1972) - guest
• Sunday Sweet Sunday (ABS-CBN 9, 1966–1969)
• Elisa
  Elisa
  Elisa Toffoli is an Italian singer-songwriter, performing under the mononym Elisa. She is one of few Italian musicians to write and record mainly in English. She draws inspiration from many genres such as pop, alternative rock, electronica and trip hop...
  
   (ABS-CBN 9, 1970–1972)
• Seeing Stars With Joe Quirino (IBC 13, 1975–1979) - guest co-host
• Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko
  Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko
  Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko is a public service program aired every Saturday mornings by GMA Network. The show is recognized as the first and longest running public service program in Philippine television...
  
   (GMA 7, 1975) moderator
• Lovingly Yours, Helen
  Lovingly Yours, Helen
  Lovingly Yours, Helen is a Sunday afternoon program aired on GMA-7 from 1980 to 1996."Lovingly Yours, Helen" evolved into a television drama anthology from a daily counseling program on radio with the same title, originally aired on GMA's AM station DZBB. It was presented by the late...
  
   (GMA 7, 1983) moderator
• GMA Telecine Specials (GMA 7, 1993–1994)
• Ako....Babae (RPN 9 "now Solar TV", 1993-1995)
• Da Look-A-Layks: Pinabiyak Na Bunga (GMA 7, 1993)
• World Youth Day 1995
  World Youth Day 1995
  World Youth Day 1995 was a Catholic youth festival that took place from January 10–15, 1995 in Manila, Philippines. It was the first time for an Asian country to host the event...
  
   The Pope in Manila (GMA 7, 1995) studio host
• Maalaala Mo Kaya
  Maalaala Mo Kaya
  Maalaala Mo Kaya is a Philippine drama anthology series broadcast on ABS-CBN every Saturday evening and being hosted by Charo Santos-Concio. Currently, it became the longest-running drama anthology on Philippine television and on Asia...
  
   (ABS-CBN 2, 1999)
  • Lollipop
• Saan Ka Man Naroroon
  Saan Ka Man Naroroon
  Saan Ka Man Naroroon is a Philippine television series by ABS-CBN. It premiered April 5, 1999, on ABS-CBN.Saan Ka Man Naroroon stars Claudine Barretto as she portrays three contrasting roles—Rosario, Rosenda and Rosemarie—who are triplets and were separated at birth...
  
   (ABS-CBN 2, 1999–2001) Amparo
• Sharing In The City (RPN 9 "now Solar TV", 2000)
• Alas Dose Sa Trese (IBC 13, 2000–2001)
• Sa Dulo Ng Walang Hanggan
  Sa Dulo Ng Walang Hanggan
  Sa Dulo Ng Walang Hanggan is a Filipino primetime drama/teleserye first aired on March 26, 2001 and last aired on February 28, 2003 by ABS-CBN.It was top-billed by the love-team of Claudine Barretto and Carlos Agassi....
  
   (ABS-CBN 2, 2001–2002) Corazon Montenegro
• Ang Iibigin ay Ikaw
  Ang Iibigin Ay Ikaw
  Ang Iibigin Ay Ikaw or My One And Only Love is the first ever "cine novela" in Philippine television. It was the grandest production GMA Network ever had with budget similar to a film project. Produced by GMA Network, Inc and directed by Joyce Bernal and Lore Reyes...
  
   (GMA 7, 2002–2003) Felisa
• Love To Love (GMA 7, 2004)
  • Sweet Exchange
• Sugo
  Sugo
  Sugo, The Chosen One in English, is a fantasy Philippine drama that aired on GMA Network from July 2005 to January 2006 starring Richard Gutierrez.-Plot:...
  
   (GMA 7, 2005) Adela
• Magpakailanman
  Magpakailanman
  Magpakailanman is a weekly anthology of inspiring stories of the GMA Network . Magpakailanman features the life experiences of famous personalities and ordinary people who loved and lost on their way to success. The show is an hour-long dose of hope for today’s problem-weary viewer...
  
   (GMA 7, 2005–2007)
• Pinoy Dream Academy (season 1)
  Pinoy Dream Academy (season 1)
  The pilot season of Pinoy Dream Academy formally began on August 27, 2006 and ended on December 16 of the same year. Nikki Gil was the main host of this season, while joining her in the Saturday Gala Nights were Bianca Gonzalez, Roxanne Barcelo, and Toni Gonzaga. Sam Milby was also part of the...
  
   (ABS-CBN 2, 2006)
  • Episode #1.1: Media Ethics Teacher
• Komiks
  Komiks (TV series)
  Komiks is a Filipino fantasy-drama series that began airing on the ABS-CBN network on February 4, 2006. The series features popular local comic book stories and airs on Saturday evenings....
  
   (ABS-CBN 2, 2006)
  • Da Adventures of Pedro Penduko
    Da Adventures of Pedro Penduko
    Da Adventures of Pedro Penduko is the third and fourth season of the Filipino fantasy TV series Komiks. The third season began airing in the Philippines on September 9, 2006 and currently airs on Saturday evenings on the ABS-CBN network in the Philippines.Unlike the stories in the first two seasons...
    
     Aswang
• Kokey
  Kokey
  Kokey is an ABS-CBN fantaserye which was premiered on Primetime Bida August 6, 2007. It is a show that was greatly criticized because of its one-dimensionality and lack of educational value. Other sources of hostility include potentially harmful acts such as lying with no punishment or scolding...
  
   (ABS-CBN 2, 2007) Donya Ingrid Allegre
• Pangarap na Bituin
  Pangarap na Bituin
  Pangarap na Bituin is a Filipino primetime TV series produced by ABS-CBN, which was aired on September 3, 2007 and ended December 7 that same year...
  
   (ABS-CBN 2, 2007) Perla Ledesma
• Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin
  Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin
  Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin is a critically acclaimed Philippine family military drama series that aired on ABS CBN. It features an ensemble cast, including award-winning actor, Coco Martin.-Plot:...
  
   (ABS-CBN 2, 2011) Remedios Sebastiano/Elena
• Munting Heredera (GMA 7, 2011) Ingrid Spencer-Lobregat

Endorsements

• United Home
  United Laboratories
  United Laboratories or UNILAB - is the biggest Pharmaceutical Company in the Philippines. It was founded by Mr. J.Y. Campos in 1945 as a small corner drug store in Binondo, Manila...
  
  
• Master Sardines
• Grow Growing Up Milk
  Abbott Laboratories
  Abbott Laboratories is an American-based global, diversified pharmaceuticals and health care products company. It has 90,000 employees and operates in over 130 countries. The company headquarters are in Abbott Park, North Chicago, Illinois. The company was founded by Chicago physician, Dr....
  
  

Website

• Boots Anson-Roa's website