Maria Elisa Cristobal Anson-Rodrigo, known widely as Boots Anson-Roa, was born on January 30, 1945. A prominent figure in Philippine entertainment, Boots is recognized as a Filipina actress, columnist, editor, and lecturer.
Hailing from Bicol, Boots is the eldest daughter of Oscar Moreno, a post-war matinee idol famously dubbed as the Robert Taylor of the Philippines, and Belen Cristobal, who traces her lineage back to Epifanio de los Santos.
She attended Assumption Convent, Manila, for her primary and secondary education. While she commenced her studies for an A.B. in Speech and Drama at the University of the Philippines from 1960 to 1964, she did not complete her degree. Later, in 1983 and 1984, she pursued journalism and Public and Media Relations at Georgetown University, Washington D.C.
Boots Anson-Roa’s acting career took flight in 1968, where she shared the screen with renowned actors such as Dante Rivero, Joseph Estrada, and Fernando Poe Jr. under the banner of Sampaguita Pictures, alongside collaborations with Ramon Revilla Sr. Her contributions to Philippine cinema earned her prestigious Lifetime Achievement awards from FAMAS and Star Awards.
In the realm of politics, Anson-Roa ventured into the senatorial race in 2004 under the Koalisyon ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino (KNP), albeit unsuccessfully. She also served as the President of MOWELFUND, Inc. from 2002 to 2020. Additionally, in 1982, she assumed the role of Press Attaché and Cultural Officer, as well as Special Assistant to the Ambassador, at the Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C.
