Cover (Photo: Ang Probinsyano)
(Photo: Ang Probinsyano)
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Jesusa Purificacion Levy Sonora-Poe, popularly known as Susan Roces, passed away last May 20, 2022
There's no denying the brilliance of Susan Roces. Her longevity in the business seems to stem from her talent, perseverance, and a sweet disposition that makes one feel as if she was really one's grandmother. Born with the name Jesusa Purificacion Levy Sonora, Roces began her career in the '50s, with the movie Mga Bituin ng Kinabukasan. After a fruitful career and unmatched stellar power during her prime and beyond, she was given the moniker "Queen of Philippine Movies".
Read more: Who are the Queens of Philippine Cinema? 9 Veteran Actresses You Should Know
In her 70 years in the industry, Roces has starred in over 100 movies and shows, the most notable of which include Mano Po, Patayin sa Sindak si Barbara, Maruja, Zamboanga, and Perlas ng Silanganan. She has also won multiple accolades including five from the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS). Up until her death, Roces had been hard at work, with her last project being in the long-running primetime hit, Ang Probinsyano.
Above Gloria Romero and Susan Roces in "Anong Ganda Mo" (Sampaguita Pictures)
Gloria Romero and Susan Roces in "Anong Ganda Mo" (Sampaguita Pictures)
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Sadly, her adopted daughter, Asia's Most Influential 2021 Honouree Grace Poe-Llamanzares, announced her death last May 20, 2022. "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,” Roces' daughter said in a statement. "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."
Poe-Llamanzares had also commented that Roces had been missing her dearly departed husband, actor and Philippine cinema icon, Fernando Poe Jr (FPJ) since the pandemic began. As such, there's been a comfort to be had knowing the two are now together again.
Roces had married her late husband in 1968; they had been together since the latter's death in 2004.
The government has also done its part to commemorate Roces' life. Senate President Vicente Sotto III has just filed a resolution expressing the Senate's condolences. "Whereas the passing away of a legendary movie star whose invaluable contribution to Philippine cinema is beyond compare and whose sincerity, warmth, guidance, and kindness had truly touched the hearts of her fellow workers in the film industry sector, particularly the young actors and actresses who have just began their movie careers, will be mourned by the Filipino people and the nation,” Sotto said in the resolution.
Those who wish to celebrate Roces' life are invited to visit her wake at Heritage Memorial Park in Taguig City. There will be a public viewing from Sunday, May 22 to Tuesday, May 24, from 10 am to 10 pm. Poe-Llamanarez also mentioned that a Zoom link for daily masses will be provided soon.
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