The so-called “Queen of the Golden Age of Philippine Cinema” Mila del Sol has passed away at 97.
Mila, or Clarita Villarba Rivera, found out in real life died on Tuesday morning, November 10, at the home of her eldest son Sonny, confirmed her grandson, former Parañaque Rep. Gustavo Tambunting.
“Though we mourn her passing, we are comforted in knowing that the one who called her from this life, our Lord, loves her more than we could ever love her. She has returned home,” said Mila del Sol’s family.
Del Sol starred in more than 40 feature films.
She was blessed with six children, 17 grandchildren, and more than 30 great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
“Nakita niya ang limang henerasyon ng kanyang pamilya – ang kanyang henerasyon, ang kanyang mga anak, ang kanyang mga apo, ang kanyang mga apo sa tuhod, at ang kanyang mga apo sa talampakan. She was blessed to live a long life, a life well lived, and a life full of love. She lived a blessed and charmed life,” said Tambunting.
“All of us will forever be indebted to Lulay. Our family will surely miss Lulay’s love and affection. Throughout her life, she continued to impart wisdom and spread her zest for life to those closest to her because she was truly an image of beauty both inside and out, both on and off screen,” Tambunting added.
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Veteran actress Mila del Sol passed away at the age of 97
Clarita Villarba Rivera, better known by her screen name Mila del Sol, was a Filipina actress, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Born in Tondo, Manila, she gained fame in her very first lead role in the 1939 film Giliw Ko.
In December 2014, the Congress of the Philippines passed Resolution No. 165, honoring Mila del Sol “for her contributions to the movie industry and to Philippine society in general”.
The Resolution said in part that “Ms. Mila del Sol proved that poverty should not be a hindrance but an inspiration to improve one’s status in life” and that “her businesses and various foundations that employ and extend benefits to those who are in need and have less in life are proofs of Ms. Mila del Sol’s unwavering commitment to contribute to the improvement of Philippine society.”