Jesusa Purificacion Levy Sonora-Poe (July 28, 1941 – May 20, 2022), known professionally as Susan Roces (Tagalog pronunciation: [ˈɾɔsɛs]), was a Filipino actress. She was the wife of Ronald Allan Kelley Poe, better known as Fernando Poe Jr.[1]
Susan Roces | |
|---|---|
 Roces on a 2022 stamp of the Philippines | |
| Born | Jesusa Purificacion Levy Sonora July 28, 1941 |
| Died | May 20, 2022 (aged 80) San Juan, Metro Manila, Philippines |
| Resting place | Manila North Cemetery, Manila, Philippines |
| Other names | JSP |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 1952–2022 |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Children | Grace Poe (adopted) |
| Relatives | Rosemarie Sonora (sister) Sheryl Cruz (niece) |
Roces was regarded as the "Queen of Philippine Movies" and starred in more than 130 films.[2] She won five FAMAS Awards including two Best Actress wins. FAP Awards honored her with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her long-standing career and contribution to Philippine cinema.[3] In 2005, Roces was one of the first inductees on Eastwood City Walk of Fame.[4] Months prior to her death, Roces was honored by The Philippine Post Office with a commemorative stamp.[5]
Early life and education
Jesusa Purificacion Levy Sonora[6] was born in Bacolod on July 28, 1941[7] to Jesus Tonggoy Sonora and Purificacion Levy.[8]
Roces finished her high school studies at the La Consolacion College (LCC) in Bacolod in 1956.[9] It was during her stay at LCC that she committed to pursue a career in acting. Her third year high school teacher Luisa Medel recognized her talent in public speaking and acting and advised her to take the same course as her for her tertiary education. After graduating from high school, Roces went to Manila to follow her mentor's advice.[8]
Career
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Roces began her film career as a child actress debuting in the 1952 film Mga Bituin ng Kinabukasan at age 11.[10] In 1956, Roces went to Sampaguita Pictures' office in Quezon City to meet her idol Gloria Romero. Jose Perez, founder and head of the film studio, offered Roces a contract on the spot leading to her first starring role in Boksingera.[2] Roces also starred in several Philippine feature films such as Ang Daigdig Ko'y Ikaw (1965), Gumising Ka Maruja (1967), Patayin Mo Sa Sindak Si Barbara (1974), Maligno and Mano Po 2: My Home (2003).[11] She has also garnered five FAMAS Awards; two of which are Best Actress awards.[10]Roces had a number of Movie comebacks In the 1970s with Rosas Productions she did several films and produced and starred in the film Florinda in 1973 and Patayin Sa Sindak Si Barbara (1974) Maligno in 1977 and a sequel and remake of Gumising Ka Maruja in 1980. In 1997 she returned to film Isinakdal Ko Ang Aking Ina with acclaimed praise from movie goers and the 2002 MMFF Film Mano Po 2
She was also tapped as a celebrity endorser during her early career for brands such as Coca-Cola, Lux, Blend 45, and Lavoris. Roces in her later years would still appear in television commercials promoting brands such as RiteMed and Champion Detergent.[10]
Roces' final role was in FPJ's Ang Probinsyano and was part of the original cast when the series premiered in 2015. She portrayed the role of Flora, the grandmother of the protagonist Cardo Dalisay.[12]
Personal life
Roces married Fernando Poe Jr. and they have an adopted daughter, former MTRCB Chairperson and now Senator Grace Poe.[13] She married Poe on December 25, 1968, at the Santuario de San Jose Parish in Greenhills, San Juan.[10]
She was an advocate for her husband, who ran for president in the 2004 Philippine presidential election and later died of stroke in December 2004. Roces convinced that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo won the election through electoral fraud at her husband's expense, demanded Arroyo to resign in June 2005.[14]
On September 29, 2007, ABS-CBN acquired the exclusive rights to the movie library of Poe after Roces signed the contract. ABS-CBN Chairman Eugenio Lopez III, Cory Vidanes, Senior Vice President of TVP Production, and Poe's daughter, Grace Poe, were present.[15]
On December 23, 2007, 9:30 p.m. Alay ni Da King: a Fernando Poe Jr. Special was shown in ABS-CBN Channel 2 and was hosted by Charo Santos-Concio. Roces contributed on the feature of their married life. A 38-minute music video was also shown featuring various scenes from several Poe's movies, a project Poe himself had just finished working on before he died.[16]
She also spoke the Hiligaynon language.[9]
Death
Roces died of a cardiopulmonary arrest on May 20, 2022 at the age of 80.[11][17] A day earlier, she was rushed to the Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan, Metro Manila because of chest pain and difficulty in breathing.[18] The Senate and the House of Representatives passed resolutions to honor her legacy.[19] The ACT-CIS Partylist proposed to posthumously award Roces the National Artist of the Philippines Award for her contributions to the entertainment industry.[20] She is buried in Manila North Cemetery next to her husband.
Filmography
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Network | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015–2022 | FPJ's Ang Probinsyano | Flora "Lola Flora" S. Borja-de Leon | ABS-CBN | Recurring role, last TV appearance |
| 2014 | Sana Bukas pa ang Kahapon | Ruth Gaspar | Supporting role | |
| Eat Bulaga! Lenten Drama Special: Karugtong ng Puso | Maria | Guest appearance | ||
| 2013 | Wansapanataym: Simbang Gabi | Lola Fenny | ABS-CBN | Episode guest |
| Muling Buksan Ang Puso | Donya Adelina Laurel-Beltran | Supporting antagonist role | ||
| 2012 | Walang Hanggan | Virginia "Manang Henya" Cruz | Supporting role | |
| 2011 | 100 Days to Heaven | Amelita Manalastas / Amelita Salvador | Special participant | |
| Babaeng Hampaslupa | Helena See | Main role | ||
| 2009 | May Bukas Pa | Nieves Antazo | Recurring role | |
| Sana Ngayong Pasko | Remedios Dionisio | Main role | ||
| 2008 | Iisa Pa Lamang | Aurora "Aura" Castillejos | ABS-CBN | Supporting role |
| Maalaala Mo Kaya: Basura | Lola Angge | Episode guest | ||
| Sineserye Presents: Patayin sa Sindak si Barbara | Amanda | Main role | ||
| 2006 | John en Shirley | Encarnation Ramirez | ||
| 1996 | Maalaala Mo Kaya: Pahiram ng Isang Pasko | Anita Mariano | Episode guest |
Film
| Year | Original title | English title | Studio |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1952 | Mga Bituin ng Kinabukasan | Stars of the Future | Nepomuceno Pictures |
| 1956 | Boksingera | Female Boxer | Sampaguita Pictures |
| Kulang sa 7 | Less than 7 | Vera Perez Pictures | |
| Mga Anak ng Diyos | Children of God | Sampaguita Pictures | |
| 1957 | Sino ang Maysala? | Who Is Guilty? | Vera Perez Pictures |
| Mga Ligaw na Bulaklak | The Wild Flowers | Sampaguita Pictures | |
| 1958 | Prinsesang Gusgusin | Unkempt Princess | |
| Ako ang Maysala | I Am the Guilty One | Vera Perez Pictures | |
| Mga Reyna ng Vicks | The Queens of Vicks | Sampaguita Pictures | |
| Madaling Araw | Dawn | ||
| Tawag ng Tanghalan | Call of the Stage | Vera Perez Pictures | |
| Ulilang Anghel | Orphaned Angel | Sampaguita Pictures | |
| 1959 | Wedding Bells | ||
| Mga Anghel sa Lansangan | Angels on the Streets | ||
| Pitong Pagsisisi | Seven Repentance | ||
| Debutante | Debutant | ||
| Handsome | |||
| Ipinagbili Ko ang Aking Anak | I Sold My Son | ||
| 1960 | Beatnik | ||
| 1964 | The Dolly Sisters | ||
| 1965 | Portrait of My Love | ||
| Ang Daigdig Ko'y Ikaw | You Are My World | FPJ Productions | |
| Pilipinas Kong Mahal | My Beloved Philippines | ||
| 1966 | Zamboanga | ||
| Pepe en Pilar | Pepe and Pilar | RVQ Productions | |
| 1967 | Maruja | Lea Productions | |
| Langit at Lupa | Heaven and Earth | FPJ Productions | |
| 1968 | To Susan with Love | Rosas Productions | |
| Anong Ganda Mo? | Sampaguita Pictures | ||
| Bakasin Mo sa Gunita | Trace It Back to Memory | Lea Productions | |
| Bandana | Bandanna | Rosas Productions | |
| Sorrento | FPJ Productions | ||
| Magpakailan Man | Forevermore | ||
| Tanging Ikaw | Only You | ||
| Kulay Rosas ang Pag-ibig | Love is Rose Tinted | Rosas Productions | |
| 1969 | Perlas ng Silangan | Pearl of the East | FPJ Productions |
| Ikaw ang Lahat sa Akin | You are My Everything | ||
| 1970 | Divina Gracia | Divine Grace | |
| 1972 | Salaginto't Salagubang | Goldbug and Junebug | |
| 1973 | Karnabal | Carnival | |
| Florinda | Rosas Productions | ||
| 1974 | Patayin Mo sa Sindak si Barbara | Scare Barbara To Death | |
| 1977 | Maligno | Evil | |
| 1978 | Gumising Ka, Maruja | Wake Up, Maruja | FPJ Productions |
| 1979 | Mahal... Saan Ka Nanggaling Kagabi? | Love... Where Were You Last Night? | |
| Mahal... Ginagabi Ka Nanaman | Love... You Came Home Late Again | ||
| Angelita... Ako ang Iyong Ina | Angelita... I Am Your Mother | Larry Santiago Productions | |
| 1980 | Tanikala | Chain | Cine Filipinas |
| 1982 | Manedyer si Kumander | The Wife Is the Manager | FPJ Productions |
| 1984 | Hoy Wala Kang Paki | Hey It's None of Your Business | Vanguard Films Twin Bee Production |
| 1986 | Nasaan Ka nang Kailangan Kita? | Where Were You When I Needed You? | Regal Films |
| Inday Inday sa Balitaw | Inday, Inday on the Balitaw | ||
| Payaso | Clown | Sialina Film Enterprises | |
| 1987 | Bunsong Kerubin | Youngest Cherub | Regal Films |
| No Retreat... No Surrender... Si Kumander | No Retreat... No Surrender... For the Commander | FPJ Productions | |
| 1 + 1 = 12 Plus 1 | Regal Films | ||
| 1988 | Love Boat: Mahal Trip Kita | Love Boat: Love I Like You | |
| Kambal Tuko | Twin Geckos | ||
| Buy One, Take One | VIVA Films | ||
| 1989 | Ang Lahat ng Ito Pati Na ang Langit | All of These and Even Heaven | |
| Here Comes the Bride | Regal Films | ||
| 1990 | Mundo Man ay Magunaw | Even If the World Ends | Seiko Films |
| Feel na Feel | Feel to Feel | Regal Films | |
| 1991 | Ubos Na ang Luha Ko | I Have No More Tears to Shed | Seiko Films |
| 1997 | Isinakdal Ko ang Aking Ina | I Accused My Mother | VIVA Films |
| 2003 | Mano Po 2: My Home | Regal Entertainment |
References
- ^ Lu, Monet (August 3, 2012). "Susan Roces: The True Queen of Philippine Movies". Asian Journal. Archived from the original on September 29, 2012. Retrieved May 23, 2022.
- ^ a b "Susan Roces: Queen of RP Movies". PEP.ph. Philippine Entertainment Portal, Inc. Archived from the original on December 30, 2019. Retrieved May 20, 2022.
- ^ "Absent ang mga major winner ng FAP" [Major winners of FAP absent]. Pilipino Star Ngayon (in Filipino). The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on May 21, 2022. Retrieved May 20, 2022.
- ^ "Eastwood City Walk of Fame". Vigattin Tourism (ARTICLES) – Philippines. Archived from the original on April 1, 2015. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
- ^ "Post Office stamps 'immortalize' 10 outstanding Filipinos". Philippine News Agency. February 28, 2022. Retrieved May 24, 2022.
- ^ Lara, Tanya (May 9, 2021). "Grace Poe, Injap Sia, Rex Gatchalian: Lessons my mother taught me". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on May 22, 2022. Retrieved May 22, 2022.
- ^ Co, Adrian (May 21, 2022). "Bacolodnon 'movie queen' Susan Roces passes away". Panay News. Archived from the original on May 21, 2022. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
- ^ a b Gomez, Carla (May 21, 2022). "A look back at Susan Roces' beginnings in Bacolod". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on May 21, 2022. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
- ^ a b "Susan Roces to grace alma mater's centennial celebration in Bacolod". Sunstar. March 5, 2019. Archived from the original on March 5, 2019. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
- ^ a b c d "Susan Roces: The Face that Refreshes". PEP.ph. Philippine Entertainment Portal, Inc. Archived from the original on May 21, 2022. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
- ^ a b "Veteran actress Susan Roces dies at 80". Rappler. May 20, 2022. Archived from the original on May 21, 2022. Retrieved May 20, 2022.
- ^ "'Andiyan lang sila': Susan Roces' final scene in 'Ang Probinsyano' about departed loved ones". ABS-CBN News (in English and Filipino). May 21, 2022. Archived from the original on May 22, 2022. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
- ^ "Is Grace Poe a Marcos? DNA Test up GMA". TheJakartaPost. Archived from the original on January 4, 2018. Retrieved November 6, 2015.
- ^ Mendez, Christina. "Susan ready to replace GMA". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on October 12, 2017. Retrieved September 19, 2016.
- ^ Mario Dumaumal "ABS-CBN acquires right to 'Da King's' movie library" Archived April 26, 2012, at the Wayback Machine, 29 September 2009.
- ^ ‘Alay ni Da King: An FPJ Special’ encores tomorrow Archived May 21, 2022, at the Wayback Machine. mb.com.ph, 22 December 2007.
- ^ Nemes, Adrian III (May 23, 2022). "Negrenses mourn death of Susan Roces". Sunstar. Retrieved May 23, 2022.
- ^ Cruz, Marinel (May 22, 2022). "Susan Roces, 80: Iconic in film, low key in charity". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on May 22, 2022. Retrieved May 22, 2022.
- ^ Ramos-Araneta, Macon; Cruz, Maricel (May 24, 2022). "Senate, House honor Susan Roces". Manila Standard. Retrieved May 23, 2022.
- ^ "Paggawad ng National Artist award kay Susan Roces isusulong ng asawa ni Raffy Tulfo; ano'ng reaksyon ni Grace Poe?" [Conferrment of the National Artist award to Susan Roces to be pushed by Raffy Tulfo's wife; what's the reaction of Grace Poe?]. Bandera (in Filipino). Philippine Daily Inquirer. May 23, 2022. Retrieved May 23, 2022.
External links
- Susan Roces at IMDb