Boots Anson-Roa Rodrigo marks 80th birthday with benefit concert for Mowelfund

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Veteran actress Boots Anson-Roa Rodrigo, long admired for her work since debuting under Sampaguita Pictures in 1968, has earned equal recognition for her unwavering dedication to the welfare of the Philippine movie industry's unsung heroes.

For nearly two decades, Rodrigo has been serving as president of the Movie Workers Welfare Foundation (Mowelfund), a non-profit organization that provides health benefits and educational opportunities for marginalized workers in the entertainment industry.

"Mowelfund has been part of my life. We're thankful for the opportunity to serve marginalized workers in the industry since it was created 50 years ago by former President Erap [Joseph Estrada]," Anson-Roa Rodrigo said at a media conference at Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan.

Rodrigo explained that Mowelfund's two primary mandates are to provide health and welfare benefits and to offer subsidized film education through the Mowelfund Film Institute. These benefits afford the members medical reimbursements, hospitalization assistance, surgical support and a death benefit of ₱35,000 for their families.

"We also have an existing livelihood project and a small low-cost housing project in San Jose, Del Monte, and we hope to find additional sites for expansion. This effort continues despite Mowelfund's financial challenges — it never stops. One of our dreams is to establish a hospital for our workers," she explained.

True to her character, Anson-Roa Rodrigo has made it a tradition to turn her personal achievements into fundraising opportunities for Mowelfund.

Her milestone 80th birthday is no different as she and her friends in the industry will be holding a benefit concert titled "Groovin' Boots," whose proceeds will go straight to the foundation's ongoing initiatives.

Scheduled for January 31 at the Music Museum, the benefit birthday concert will feature performances from veteran OPM artists Mitch Valdez, Ding Mercado, Ray-an Fuentes, Leah Navarro, Pat Castillo and Nanette Inventor.

"Almost all my birthday celebrations are like that. I request my guests that instead of giving gifts, they donate to Mowelfund because we are constantly raising funds [for the members]. In fact, I will also be launching my biography book in March, and the proceeds will also go to Mowelfund. The theme of the concert is gratitude, which is also the theme of my book," added the highly respected and longtime pillar of the entertainment industry.

OPM veterans unite to mount a concert for showbiz icon and advocate Boots Anson Roa-Rodrigo (third from left). They are (from left) Ding Mercado, Mitch Valdez, Leah Navarro, Nanette Inventor, Ray-an Fuentes and Pat Castillo.

The well-deserved tributes for Anson-Roa Rodrigo already began as early as the media conference, with the performers praising their friend and colleague, not just for her successful career but for her well-known kindness and generosity.

Castillo expressed, "When she enters a room, it feels like it lights up, and she brings that light in. I think it's because it's her inherent character to be a light to everyone. So, my wish is for her to continue to stay and be that light for the rest of her years with Mowelfund."

Navarro next shared, "I've known Tita Boots since I was three years old. I always wish her the best and hope that she continues to smile because the smile she shares with us is truly inspirational."

"From the moment I first saw Tita Boots, she has always been the perfect role model for women. She exudes purity and beauty. In every role she has played, none has ever gone to waste. Every single one is remarkable, and we've never seen her in a role that doesn't suit her because she brings every character to life so effortlessly," Mercado added.

Indeed, more than her talent and all the work she does for the industry, Anson-Roa Rodrigo is admired by many because of her pure heart.

Respected by all, The Manila Times Entertainment asked the veteran actress and showbiz advocate how she has always gotten everyone in the industry to listen every time she speaks, Anson-Roa Rodrigo humbly replied, "I'm grateful that there is trust. I would like to think that if there is trust, I hope I earned it through my track record. It also helped that I extended a lot of goodwill. It comes back to you."

The actress also shared plans for a quieter celebration of her actual birthday on January 30, which will serve as a family reunion. Relatives will be flying in from the United States to join her.

"My children, cousins, and siblings are coming, so it will be a grand reunion. I'm the matriarch of our generation now," she chuckled, poking fun at her age.

Of course, her husband, lawyer King Rodrigo, will be the loving and eager host of the party and will also give her his full support at the benefit concert the next day.

"Bless his soul," said the happy wife of the birthday celebrant. He is one of our regular donors (in Mowelfund), and he understands the time that I have to devote to it to keep things going."

Indeed, Rodrigo's presence remains vital to Mowelfund's mission, but as she begins a new decade in life, she is also reflective about its future.

"I've already given a heads-up [to the foundation] because I don't think anyone should stay in a position forever. We can always train people, and succession can be planned and worked upon."

Finally, when asked about the secret to her enduring beauty inside and out, Boots Anson-Roa Rodrigo, who has no hint of turning 80 in a few days, graciously said, "God is good, and I hope I deserve it. I believe it has to do with one's inner life. When push comes to shove and problems pile up, if you don't have that inner strength, it's easy to lose yourself. And prayer is also important."