How Ronaldo Valdez's Chance Encounter With Dolphy Led Him to a Career in Acting
Ronaldo Valdez's untimely passing has undoubtedly left a void in the industry. One of the most recognizable faces in entertainment, the actor has close to five decades' worth of experience under his belt, playing countless memorable roles in various eras of Philippine show business. He's worked with everyone from Aga Muhlach and Enrique Gil to Panchito and the King of Comedy himself, Dolphy—who also happens to be the man who launched his career.
It was during a chance encounter with the legendary comic that Valdez would become an actor. During the mid-60s, Dolphy had established RVQ Productions and was looking to be more involved with selecting the cast and crew for his future projects.
This was around the same time that the King of Comedy would spot a certain Ronald James Gibbs on a local basketball court. According to an interview with Boy Abunda, Valdez says that Dolphy approached him and offered him a role with Susan Roces in Romy Villar's 1966 film, Pepe en Pilar.
"At the time, they were looking for someone to pair with Ms. Susan. So tinanong ako ni Mang Dolphy, 'Gusto mo ba mag-artista?'" he explains. "Sabi ko, 'Oo!'"
"Tapos sabi daw ni Susan, '"Parang ang bata naman niyan.'"
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Determined to have him star alongside Roces, Dolphy had Valdez clean up a little bit by going to a local barber shop and buying him a pair of boots at Glenmore. They also went to the comedian's tailoring shop to get him a suit. Once the makeover was over, Roces couldn't even recognize him anymore.
"Ayos na. Tapos binalikan ulit [si Susan]. Sabi, "Ayan, okay 'yan."
"E, siya din 'yon e!" Dolphy would say to Roces.
Valdez also starred in RVQ Productions first venture, Buhay Artista, in 1965. Dolphy officially christened the young Gibbs with his new stage name, "Ronaldo Valez." From there, Valdez would spend the early portion of his career as a leading man before transitioning into more paternal roles in the '70s onwards.
Valdez also became a fixture on television and film for the rest of his career, oftentimes portraying the rich dad or the powerful antagonist. In the '90s, he was recognized by a wider audience for TV dramas like Mula sa Puso and rom-coms such as Labs Kita... Okey Ka Lang? His performances in May Minamahal at Nasaan Ang Puso? at the time earned him critical acclaim, winning Best Supporting Actor at Gawad Urian, FAMAS, and the Metro Manila Film Festival, among other distinctions.
The 2000s saw Valdez cementing his place in showbiz canon with films like Ang Munting Paraiso and Sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan. Going back over the past decade and so, he was still among the busiest actors in Filipino entertainment. He was mostly cast in star ensembles, notably appearing in Los Bastardos, The Mistress, All You Need is Pag-ibig, Seven Sundays, and 2 Good 2 Be True.
His children, Jano and Melissa Gibbs, would eventually carve out their places in the business, as well.
