Elizabeth Oropesa

Elizabeth Oropesa (born July 17, 1954), also known as La Oropesa, or "Boots" to friends is a Filipina actress. She was a Grand Slam Best Actress winner for Bulaklak Ng Maynila (1999). She was crowned as Miss Luzon of the Miss Republic of the Philippines (RP) 1972. She was one of the Miss White Castle models in the mid-70s. One of her notable roles is Sandra Salgado, the evil stepmother and the main villain in hit soap opera Esperanza. Aside from showbiz assignments and commitments, Oropesa is currently working as a healer. Career In 1974, a young Elizabeth Oropesa was introduced in Celso Ad Castillo's Ang Pinakamagandang Hayop Sa Balat Ng Lupa (1974) lending support to former Miss Universe Gloria Diaz, who was then being launched to stardom. She portrayed the role of Saling, the barrio lass who is madly in love with Simon (Vic Vargas) and loathes the presence of Isabel (Gloria Diaz) on the barrio-island. She and Gloria Diaz made a big splash by introducing the "wet look" in Philippine cinema. Oropesa was launched to stardom in Mister Mo, Lover Boy Ko (1975), produced by Jesse Ejercito and directed by Ishmael Bernal. She won the FAMAS Best Actress award for Lumapit, Lumayo ang Umaga (1975), also directed by Bernal. Again, Bernal directed Oropesa in Nunal sa Tubig (1976), considered one of the best films of the '70s. Oropesa is one of director Ishmael Bernal's favorite actresses to work with. Other notable movies she made are Alupihan Dagat (1975) and Aguila (1980) with Fernando Poe, Jr.; Si Rafael at Raquel (1976) and Hide and Seek sa Manila, Makati (1977) with Christopher de Leon; Mother and Daughter (1975) with Paraluman and Vic Vargas; Katawang Lupa (1975) with Eddie Gutierrez; Uhaw Na Dagat (1981) with Gloria Diaz and Isabel Rivas; Iking Boxer (1975) with Chiquito; Nueva Vizcaya (1974) with Vic Vargas; Si Malakas, si Maganda at si Mahinhin (1981) with Alma Moreno and Dindo Fernando; and Palabra de Honor (1983) with Eddie Garcia.