From Macho to Mahinhin to Tatay Figures: The Ronaldo Valdez Roles We Remember Most

(SPOT.ph) The country is mourning the loss of Ronaldo Valdez, one of the most revered figures in Philippine entertainment industry whose career spanned more than five decades. 

A thorough investigation is ongoing to find out the cause of Valdez's death, according to the Quezon City Police District (QCPD). He is survived by his children, actor-comedian Janno Gibbs and actress Melissa Gibbs.

Following Ronaldo Valdez’s death, we take a look at his most memorable roles:

Valdez has an extensive filmography under his belt. What started as a chance encounter with the late King of Comedy Dolphy in the mid-1960s brought us one of the most enduring stars of the industry. Audiences today likely know him for roles like Martin Dionisio in Ang Munting Paraiso to Lolo Sir in 2 Good 2 Be True, with Valdez bringing to life the complexities of fatherhood (and grandfatherhood!) with every furrowed brow and tender smile. 

Before all that, though, you might be in for a surprise thanks to the roles he picked up in his earlier years in Philippine television and cinema. Valdez knew range. And having started out more than 50 years ago, we went through his filmography to remind you of some of his most memorable roles. Valdez won't be forgotten anytime soon.

Mahinhin vs Mahinhin (1981)

Valdez is the flamboyant Peter, the rich gay rival of the still-closeted Billie played by Dindo Fernando. Few can match the pleasure of watching these two veteran actors throw snarky remarks at each other. In one scene, Peter tells Billie that the first time he saw his picture, he was alarmed: “Meron na yata akong kakumpitensiya sa pagiging Miss Universe…Pero now that I see you there’s nothing really extraordinary about you, except your hair na malapit nang mag-bah-bye.” But from fighting over a young and handsome Edu Manzano, the two eventually become true friends—as captured in a charming, funny ending against the iconic al fresco setting of Cafe Adriatico in Malate.

May Daga Sa Labas ng Lungga (1984)

The actor is a hoot and a half as Adora the Adorable in this Danny Zialcita sex comedy. Here, Valdez plays the witty, born-to-privilege son upset over losing a battle with his gay father over a young man. He flees the family home and answers an ad for a “female maid, cook, lavandera,” ending up inside the riotous household of Eddie Garcia and Gloria Diaz, in the process getting entangled in the couple’s cat-and-mouse routine as Gloria stops Eddie from his philandering ways.

“Ano ka ba talaga, karatista? Tagahanga ni Michael Jackson? San ka ba talaga nanggaling?” Gloria asks Adora, who is wearing an electric blue kimono jacket. His answer: “Sa planeta ho naming magaganda.”

Lalakwe (1985)

If he plays exuberant gay men to the hilt, Ronaldo plays the Pinoy macho so effortlessly you’d think he invented the stereotype. Women will be infuriated with him in this dramedy where he plays the charismatic, middle-aged cheating husband of Gloria Diaz. His life changes when he fools around with a 17-year old and encounters her brother, a surgeon (played by a high-strung Tommy Abuel) who specializes in sexual reassignment. Let’s just say that after big bro abducts our bemoustached lothario, the latter is forced to start living life without the sex organ he was born with. 

May Minamahal (1993)

Valdez is Cenon, the hardworking widowed father of the female protagonist Monica Fernandez and other two sons. He works as a jeepney driver and mechanic in Star Cinema’s first ever romantic drama.

His screen time might be brief, but the impact he brought to the movie does not go unnoticed. Valdez adapted into the role with a natural ease that would eventually earn him a Best Supporting Actor in the Metro Manila Film Festival, Gawad Urian Awards, FAMAS Awards for his performance.

Cedie: Ang Munting Prinsipe (1996)

The success of Cedie wouldn’t have been possible without Don Carlos, the grandfather of titular character who discovers he is the lone heir to an earldom. 

Don Carlos is initially presented as a stern, distant, and cold-hearted aristocrat, whose personality is shaped by years of privilege. He softens under Cedie’s influence—a complex transformation that is masterfully portrayed by Valdez. This marked the beginning of Valdez's knack (and talent) for paternal roles.

Ang Munting Paraiso (1999)

Martin Dionisio was the father figure on Philippine television for a long time. A loving husband and a good parent, Valdez’s character was seen as a pillar of strength and stability in his household with the support of Coney Reyes. 

Throughout the series, Valdez offers the ideal portrayal of a Filipino father—one who balances the demands of his career with the needs of his family, while also dealing with personal and societal expectations. You can't help but side with his frustrations at raising children at very turn.

The Mistress (2012)

The actor is the wall that separates John Llyod Cruz and Bea Alonzo’s love affair from blooming in The Mistress.

JD wants to court Sari. The only problem? Sari is his father’s mistress. Here, Valdez plays Rico Torres Sr., a married man who maintains a long-term extramarital affair with Sari that puts a strain on his already distant relationship with his son. Debt is what keeps Sari chained to her ever generous benefactor.

With the help of Valdez, The Mistress went on to become the highest grossing non-MMFF film of 2012 with a box office record of P260 million.

FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano (2015)

That’s right. Cementing one's name in Philippine television isn't complete without starring in FPJ's Ang Probinsyano. This time, Valdez is introduced as one of Cardo’s many enemies.

He goes by many names: Leonardo Demetrio, Conrado Villegas, and of course, “Ninong.” He is the leader of a robbing syndicate and the boss of Victor, Marta, Isabel, Raymond, and Brad. 

Seven Sundays (2017)

One of Valdez’s most memorable roles in recent years is Manuel Bonifacio. The film's narrative revolves around Manuel's health condition, which serves as a catalyst for reuniting his estranged children for the next…well, seven Sundays, until his supposed passing. No other figurehead could have brought Aga Muhlach, Dingdong Dantes, Enrique Gil, and Cristine Reyes together in one film.

Seven Sundays was well-received for its emotional depth and the strong performances of its cast, in large part due to Valdez's standout role as the family patriarch.

Also read: WATCH: The First Trailer of Aga Muhlach's Comeback Movie Is Finally Here

2 Good 2 Be True (2022)

Valdez's last project was the romantic comedy series “2 Good 2 Be True,” where he played as the charismatic Lolo Sir alongside Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla's Ali and Eloy. It was this role that put his name out to younger audiences.

Most viewers might have tuned in for KathNiel’s teleserye comeback but what got them to keep watching was Valdez's characer. To others, he is Hugo Agcaoili, a stern and scary business tycoon; to Ali and Eloy, he is Lolo Sir, an elderly gentleman with a secret. It didn’t take long for Lolo Sir to become a household name following the success of the show.

Last but not the least is this fun fact: Valdez is also the first Filipino to portray Colonel Sanders in a series of KFC commercials in 2017, beating other veterans Pen Medina and Leo Martinez to get the role.

Also read: Want to Know How Ronaldo Valdez Became the First Filipino Colonel?