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Remembering Susan Roces: Queen of Philippine Movies

Susan Roces, one of the country’s showbiz icons, died on Friday, May 20 at 80.

Susan Roces, dubbed as the Queen of Philippine Movies died on Friday, May 20. She was 80 years old. Senator Grace Poe confirmed the news about the veteran actress.

A National Treasure

“With great sadness, we announce the loss of our beloved Jesusa Sonora Poe, whom many of you know as Susan Roces. She passed away peacefully on a Friday evening, May 20, 2022, surrounded by love and warmth, with her daughter Grace, her nephews Joseph and Jeffrey, and many of her family and close friends,” Poe said in a statement.

“She lived life fully and gracefully. Remember her in her beauty, warmth, and kindness. She is now with the Lord and her beloved Ronnie — FPJ. We will miss her sorely but we celebrate a life well-lived. Susan Roces — daughter, mother, grandmother, a true Filipina, and a national treasure.”

susan roces

Queen of Philippine Movies

Born Jesusa Purificacion Levy Sonora, she first starred in the movie Mga Bituin ng Kinabukasan in 1952. Dr. Jose Vera Perez of Sampaguita Pictures later groomed her. Eventually, the studio launched her as one of its actresses.

After some time, Susan starred in more films. And as her career rose in the 50s, she earned the title of Queen of Philippine Movies. Some of her other movies include Patayin Mo sa Sindak si Barbara, Maruja, Pepe and Pilar, and Boksingera.

Then in 1968, she married Ronald Allan Poe, better known as Fernando Poe Jr., on Christmas Day. Their wedding was dubbed the Wedding of the Year. In fact, President Ferdinand Marcos and his wife Imelda were among the wedding sponsors.

Aside from movies, Susan also appeared in teleseryes. She is known as Lola Flora in the hit show FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano starring Coco Martin, which still airs.

Susan Roces as wife, mother, and grandmother

Susan may be known to many as an icon. But she is also a mother, wife, and grandmother. When her husband FPJ ran for the presidency, she was by his side until his death in 2004.

When her daughter Grace ran for the Senate and for the presidency in 2016, Susan helped with the campaign as well. Moreover, she defended her daughter on several occasions—most especially about her citizenship and that of being an adoptive child.

Apart from being a wife and mother, Susan is a grandmother to her grandchildren—Brian, Hannah, and Nika.

Final years

Although she has cut back on her appearances on Ang Probinsyano due to the pandemic, Susan was still seen on the show occasionally. In one of her final appearances before her death, the Philippine Postal Office honored her as an icon in the Living Legend series of stamps last February.

In her speech, she said she’s grateful for the honor, having grown up collecting stamps thanks to her father.

Malaking bagay para sa akin ang selyo. Maliit pa akong bata minulat na sa kaiisipan ko ng aking ama ang pangongolekta at kabuluhan ng bawat selyo sa iba’t ibang bansa. Ngayon sa nani sa hinaharap hindi ko inisip na darating ang araw na ako ay magiging kabilang sa pinapaparangalan sa Post Office.

The Passing of a Beloved Icon

Following the passing of Susan late Friday night, several showbiz personalities expressed their prayers and condolences to the family. Among them are actresses Bea Alonzo, Albert Martinez, Judy Ann Santos, Ruffa Gutierrez, and the cast of Ang Probinsyano.

A Tribute from Bea Alonzo

Bea, who starred with Susan in the 2014 teleserye Sana Bukas Ang Kahapon wrote: “The entire industry is grieving and you will be missed, Tita Susan. You have taught me so much in the short time that we worked together. Naaalala ko pa nung sinabi mong kapag masama ang loob ko, isulat ko lang sa papel lahat ng galit ko, at sa isa pang papel, isulat ko naman ang mga bagay na ipinagpapasalamat ko, at bago pa man akong matapos magsulat, mawawala na ang galit ko. Hanggang ngayon ginagawa ko pa rin po ito. Thank you so much for your wisdom, humility, and generosity. You are loved, our queen.”

A Tribute from Judy Ann Santos

Judy Ann wrote of the actress: “Nakakalungkot…pero nagpapasalamat ako sa pagkakataong makilala at makasama ang nag iisang reyna ng Pelikulang Pilipino. Your generosity, your genuine love and words of wisdom. Yung pag spoil mo sakin sa taping ng Probinsyano, yung masarap at mahigpit mong yakap tuwing nagkikita tayo. Yung malutong na tawa mo at tapang ng loob sa maraming bagay. At higit sa lahat, yung tunay na pagmamahal at pakikipag kapwa tao ang mga bagay na hinding hindi ko makakalimutan. Lahat ng itinuro mo sakin. Sisiguraduhin kong ipasa sa iba pang mga kabataang sa industriya natin. Rest in peace Tita Susan.”

Albert, who also starred with Susan in two ABS-CBN teleseryes wrote: “You’ll be missed, Tita Susan.”

The cast of Ang Probinsyano and ABS-CBN mourned her death as well—having been part of the show since it first began in 2015.

Tita Susan was an exemplary icon, who was a source of inspiration and strength as she served the Filipino people.”

“We will continue to honor her legacy as the Queen of Philippine Movies. And as one of the beloved pillars of the entertainment industry.”

Read more tributes on Modern Parenting:

Cris Albert: A Beloved Mom and Leader

Gloria Sevilla: The Queen of Visayan Movies

Emilio Delgado, Luis of Sesame Street

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