Boots Anson-Roa

María Elisa Cristóbal Anson-Rodrigo (née Anson, born January 30, 1947), known as Boots Anson-Rodrigo, is a Filipino actress, columnist, editor, and lecturer.

Anson-Roa, a Bicolana, is the eldest daughter of post-war matinee idol Oscar Moreno, then known as the Robert Taylor of the Philippines, and Belen Cristobal, a descendant of Epifanio de los Santos. She finished her primary and secondary education at the posh Assumption Convent, Manila.

Anson-Roa was married to Pedro "Pete" Roa, her co-host in the series Dance-o-Rama from 1964 until his death in 2007. The couple had four children and nine grandchildren.

On November 30, 2013, she was engaged to lawyer Francisco Rodrigo Jr., son of Senator Francisco Soc Rodrigo. They married on June 14, 2014.

• A.B. Speech and Drama: University of the Philippines, 1960–1964 (thesis incomplete)
• Basic Journalism: Georgetown University, Washington D.C. – 1983
• Public and Media Relations: Georgetown University, Washington D.C. – 1984
• Television Production: Media General Cable Network, Virginia – 1993

Anson-Roa began acting in 1968, appearing opposite prestigious names of her generation like Dante Rivero, Joseph Estrada and Fernando Poe Jr. under Sampaguita Pictures and with the legendary caviteño Ramon Revilla Sr. She was given Lifetime Achievement awards by FAMAS and Star Awards, for all her contributions to the media industry.

• Outstanding Movie Personality: PMPC – 1979
• FAMAS Award for Uplifting the Movie Industry: FAMAS Awards – 1976
• Best Emcee ALIW Awards: – 1979–1981
• Ten Outstanding Women in the Nation's Service Award: TOWNS Foundation – 1974
• Gintong Ina Awardee: Guillermo Mendoza Foundation – 1994
• Outstanding Parents of the Year: Gintong Ina Foundation – 1994-1998
• Women Who Make a Difference: Soroptimist International – 1995
• Outstanding Women in Media: Philippine Women's University – 1995
• Outstanding Media Practitioner: Eastern Telecommunications – 1997
• Outstanding Alumna: University of the Philippines – June 2000
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Star Awards for Movies – March 2001
• Lifetime Achievement Award: FAMAS Awards – March 2003
• Best TV Actress (MMK:Kamison – 22nd Golden Dove Awards – 2014
• Outstanding Manilan Award – 2017

Membership in professional organizations

• Member, Board: Balikatan sa Kaunlaran – 1997–present
• Vice-Chairman for Television: Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas, Metro Manila Chapter – 1998–present
• Chairman: Friends of PHSA (Philippine High School for the Arts, CCP) – 1995–present
• Vice-Chairman: National Commission for Culture and the Arts – Film Committee
• Director: U.P. Arts and Letters Alumni Foundation – 1995
• Trustee: MOWELFUND – 1994–present

Publications

• Columnist/ Feature Writer: Manila–U.S. Mail – 1992–1993
• Editor-in-Chief: Balikatan Herald – 1994
• Columnist: Isyu (broadsheet) – 1998
• Contributor: Philippine Daily Inquirer – 1995–present

Workshops/ seminars/ lectures conducted

• Lecturer/Trainer on Media, Communications, Culture, Performing Arts, Public and Human Relations, Women, Family and Values

Conference/ conventions

• RP-China Film Exchange Program: Beijing, China – March 2002
• 20th UNESCO International Media Conference: UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, France – March 1999
• International Congress on Communications: Mariapolis Center, Rome, Italy – June 2000

Community involvement

• Public Relations Officer: Assumption Alumnae – 1987–1993
• Governor: Philippine National Red Cross – 1980–1982
• Director/ PRO: U.P.-PGH Medical Foundation – 1979–1981
• Director/ Board Member: National Commission on the Rehabilitation of the Disabled – 1979
• Director/ Resource Person: Philippine Mental Health Association, Quezon City Chapter – 1979–1980
• Benefactor/ Advisor: DARE (Anti-Drug Foundation)
• Adviser: Philippine Association for the Deaf – 1977–1982

Anson-Roa ran for a seat in the Senate of the Philippines in 2004 under the Koalisyon ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino (KNP). She has held a variety of positions, including Executive Director of MOWELFUND, Inc;