Carmen Rosales

Carmen Rosales (born Januaria Constantino Keller; March 3, 1917 – December 11, 1991) was a Filipino actress and singer whose career spanned nearly three decades. Known for her roles in romantic musicals, she was the highest paid movie star and one of the major box-office draws during the pre-war and post-war period.

Born in Rosales, Pangasinan, she began her career after winning Miss Radio in 1936 and expanded into acting through Mahiwagang Binibini (1939), her feature film debut. Rosales auditioned for film roles at LVN Pictures but was dismissed. A smaller film outfit took her in and produced her second film Arimunding-Munding (1939). Later that year, Sampaguita Pictures signed her and rose to prominence opposite Rogelio de la Rosa in Takipsilim, and Señorita the following year—two of twelve films they both starred in.

Rosales' film career was interrupted following the Japanese occupation of the Philippines. Ramon Navales, her first husband, was killed by the Japanese forces which led her to join the guerrilla movement as a sharpshooter. Her career peaked during the post-war era, with starring roles in blockbuster films such as Guerilyera, Probinsyana (both in 1946), Kampanang Ginto (1949), Inspirasyon (1953) for which she won a FAMAS Award for Best Actress, Ang Tangi kong Pag-ibig (1955), and Maalaala Mo Kaya (1956). Rosales continued appearing in films until her retirement in 1965 and maintained a reclusive lifestyle for most part of her life until her death in 1991.