Veteran actress Gina Pareño reveals she's part of LGBTQ+ community: 'Nagmahal ako nang tapat'

Love wins no matter what age.

Veteran actress Gina Pareño has been proving that since she officially came out as part of the LGBTQ+ community in the vlog of entertainment reporter Ogie Diaz on Thursday, July 18.

In the video, Diaz asked Pareño how she's keeping herself preoccupied during the pandemic, her experiences in showbiz, and how her children Racquel and Michael have been her source of love and happiness through the years.

Pareño is seen shedding tears as she recalled both the joyful and depressing moments of her life. The actress continued to cry her heart out when Diaz touched on the topic of Nenita Vidal, the late actress who rose to fame in the fifties for films like Pagtutuus, Dalaga't Binatilyo, and Puppy Love.

It was revealed then that Vidal, who Pareño fondly calls "Doktora Bong," had become Pareños' lover at a point in her life. In fact, Pareño refers to her as her "lucky charm" even up to this day.

"Napapanood niya pala ako. Gusto niya 'yung rate ko, naging close kami," the actress recalled.

"Ang dami kong utang na loob doon, saka mabait sa akin. Tinuturuan ako, ine-educate ako," she added.

Pareño said that she had always felt loved by Vidal, so much so that the late actress transferred the deeds of her house to her.

"Tinuturuan niya ako kung paano kumilos, lahat," Pareño continued. "Binigay niya sa akin 'yung naiwan niyang bahay. Saka alam kong mahal na mahal ako no'n."

Pareño's revelation is no surprise to those she has worked with. According to Diaz, the actress has been bringing Vidal's urn with her wherever she goes, including tapings.

"Nasa kwarto ko pa rin 'yung urn niya," the actress remarked.

Clearing the air on her sexual identity, Diaz asked Pareño, "Kaya mo bang aminin na miyembro ka ng LGBTQ?"

She proudly replied, "Oo, bakit [may] problema? Saka nagmahal ako nang tapat."

Asked if she's still opening her heart to love, the actress replied, "Wala na, pack up na ako dyan."

Pareño started her showbiz career in the sixties and has earned several acting awards both here and abroad, including Best Actress at the Pacific Meridian International Film Festival for her performance in Serbis and Best Actress at the Amiens International Film Festival for her role in Kubrador. 

She has been linked to several actors throughout her career but has not confirmed their relationship with them to date.