Rogelio de la rosa biography of martin

Rogelio de la Rosa (born Regidor de la Rosa; November 12, &#; November 10, ) was one of the most popular Filipino matinee idols of the 20th century. Elected to the Philippine Senate from to , he also was the first Filipino film actor who was able to parlay his fame into a substantial political career, paving the way for other than future Filipino entertainers-turned-politicians such as Senators Eddie Ilarde, Ramon Revilla Sr., Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr., Jinggoy Estrada, Lito Lapid and President Joseph Ejercito Estrada.

Early Life:

He was born in Lubao, Pampanga, the son of an arnis champion.

His hometown of Lubao also produced Philippine President Diosdado Macapagal, six years his senior and a future political opponent. Macapagal's first wife, Purita, was de la Rosa's sister.

While in high school, de la Rosa, along with Macapagal would regularly perform in zarzuelas as a villain.

As a teenager, he was cast by his uncle, a film director, in a starring role in the silent film Ligaw