Mary Grace Natividad Sonora Poe-Llamanzares' life has all the drama typical of Filipino movies, starting with her discovery as a baby left in one of Iloilo’s churches. Popular showbiz couple, Susan Roces and Fernando Poe Jnr, then adopted her. In 2004, Poe-Llamanares witnessed her father’s defeat in the 2004 presidential elections, and his subsequent death from a stroke shortly after.

But that tragic moment also led to the fourth instalment in Poe -Llamanares’ ongoing life story – her entry into the world of politics. Despite her defeat in the 2016 elections, she continued on with her career as a senator.

Her popularity remains strong, part of it stemming from the public’s enduring love affair with her father’s action-hero persona. Even then, her dedication and courage as a public servant rightfully deserves not just adulation, but respect as well.