Chanda Romero Reflects on 50-Year Career and Sigabo Role on ABS-CBNs Kuan On One

When the 72‑year‑old Chanda Romero stepped onto the stage of ABS‑CBN Studios’ Bisaya‑language talk show Kuan On One on July 20, 2026, she carried a lifetime of stories. The episode opened with Romero recalling the first flickers of a film career that began in the early 1970s, the cultural shifts that have reshaped Philippine show business, and her current portrayal of a gold‑smuggling matriarch in the primetime series Coco Martin’s Sigabo.

Romero was born in Cebu to a mother who hailed from the island itself and a father from Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental. As the eldest of seven siblings, she grew up in a household that struggled with marital discord. Rumors that branded her a “bad influence” tainted the family’s reputation in Cebu, prompting the young actress to leave the province in search of better prospects.

With a modest sum of ₱50—roughly ₱5,000 in today’s terms—Romero set off for Manila with a friend. The money covered her travel and a few days of lodging while she waited for a break in the bustling capital’s entertainment scene.

Her first screen opportunity came without formal training or an audition. In 1972, Atty. Espridion Laxa, the lawyer who founded Tagalog Ilang Ilang Productions, cast her in the film Ang Kundoktora. The studio had previously managed the career of Vilma Santos, and the film pitted Romero against Santos and Jay Ilagan in a love triangle. Romero later reflected that working beside the established star did not intimidate her; instead, she stayed confident, followed direction, and embraced the chance to take risks.

When asked how the industry has evolved, Romero noted that modern productions benefit from advanced technology, better equipment, and on‑set amenities such as tents for rest. She contrasted this with the 1970s, when actors had to make do with limited resources and often spent downtime conversing to refine their performances. The current generation, she observed, juggles content creation and social‑media obligations between takes, which erodes the informal collaboration that once defined set life.

In Sigabo, Romero portrays Deborah Zafra, a formidable antagonist who leads a gold‑smuggling syndicate. She has played numerous villain roles throughout her career, and the part offers her a broader emotional range. Romero described the Sigabo character as more challenging than previous ones, citing the complexity of the motivations and the intensity of the storyline.

Romero also spoke about her experience working with Coco Martin, who directs, produces, and stars in the series. She praised Martin’s “old soul” attitude, his devotion to family, and his private generosity toward the elderly, under‑privileged, and patients. Romero highlighted Martin’s respect for veteran actors and his habit of giving credit to those who have contributed to the industry over the decades.

The Kuan On One episode is part of the show’s fifth season, which streams fresh episodes every Tuesday at 8 AM on the ABS‑CBN Entertainment YouTube channel and on iWant. Sigabo continues to air on ABS‑CBN’s primetime lineup, with Romero’s performance drawing attention from viewers who appreciate her seasoned talent.

The interview offers a rare glimpse into Romero’s early life, her unplanned entry into film, and her reflections on the shifting landscape of Philippine entertainment. It also underscores her ongoing relevance in contemporary television through her work on Sigabo and her candid discussion of industry changes.