Gina Pareno, who began her acting career in the 1960s, casually came out during a YouTube interview with comedian Ogie Diaz.
When questioned on her sexuality, the 72-year-old replied, “Yes [I am an LGBTQ+ member] – why, is there a problem?” She went on to talk about her love for the late Filipina actor Nenita Vidal, who was a star in the 50s for films such as Puppy Love (1956).
Affectionately referring to Vidal as “Doctor Bong”, Pareno said: “She loved me so much. She watched my projects, she really liked my acting and I grew close to her.” The pair were so close that after Vidal died her home was entrusted to Pareno, who also started to carry her urn around as a lucky charm. “It’s not like I don’t want to let go.
It’s just that I owe her a lot,” the actor reflected, saying she was done with love for now. Pareno also opened up about how Vidal supported her during her drug addiction.