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Susan Roces

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In this Philippine name for married women, the birth middle name or maternal family name is Levy, the birth surname or paternal family name is Sonora, and the marital name is Poe.

Susan Roces
Susan in a postage stamp of the PhilPost
Born
Jesusa Purificación Levy Sonora

(1941-07-28)July 28, 1941
Bacolod, Negros Occidental, Commonwealth of the Philippines
DiedMay 20, 2022(2022-05-20) (aged 80)
San Juan, Metro Manila, Philippines
Resting placeManila North Cemetery, Santa Cruz, Manila, Philippines
OccupationActress
Years active1952–2022
Spouse
​
​
(m. 1968; died 2004)​
ChildrenGrace Poe (adopted daughter)
RelativesRosemarie Sonora (sister)
Sheryl Cruz (niece)

Jesusa Purificación 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] Roces was regarded as the "Queen of Philippine Movies" and starred in over 130 films and television programs.[2] She won five FAMAS Awards, including two Best Actress wins. Luna 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] She played the character "Lola Flora" on the ABS-CBN television series FPJ's Ang Probinsyano since the pilot episode in 2015. Months prior to her death in 2022, Roces was honored by The Philippine Post Office with a commemorative stamp.[5]

Early life and education

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Jesusa Purificación Levy Sonora was born[6] in Bacolod, Negros Occidental on July 28, 1941.[7] She was the daughter of Jesús Tonggoy Sonora and Purificación Levy.[8] Her sister, Rosa María “Rosemarie” Sonora, is also an actress, as is the latter’s daughter Sheryl Cruz. Roces and her sister have Jewish ancestry through their mother’s grandfather, Adolphe Blum Levy, who had emigrated from Marckolsheim in the Alsace region of France to Iloilo.[9]

Roces finished her high school studies at La Consolación College (LCC) in Bacolod in 1956.[10] 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 for public speaking and acting, and advised her to take the same course as hers in tertiary education. After graduating high school, Roces went to Manila to follow her mentor's advice.[8]

Personal life

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Roces married Fernando Poe, Jr. on December 25, 1968, at Santuario de San José Parish in Greenhills, Mandaluyong.[11] They have an adopted daughter, former MTRCB Chairperson and now Senator Grace Poe. Roces is the sister of Rosemarie Sonora.

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 was convinced President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo won through electoral fraud at her husband's expense, and demanded Arroyo resign in June 2005.[12]

On September 29, 2007, the ABS-CBN Corporation acquired exclusive rights to the movie library of Fernando Poe, Jr. after Roces signed the contract. Then-ABS-CBN Chairman Eugenio López III, Cory Vidanes, Senior Vice President of TVP Production, and Poe's daughter Grace, were also present.[13]

On the night of December 23, 2007, ABS-CBN Channel 2 aired Alay ni Da King: a Fernando Poe Jr. Special, hosted by Charo Santos-Concio. Roces contributed to the feature on their married life. A 38-minute music video also showed various scenes from several of Poe's movies, a project Poe himself had just finished before his death.[14]

In addition to English and Tagalog, Roces also spoke Hiligaynon.[10]

Career

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Susan Roces with Eddie Gutierrez in 1966

Roces began her film career as a child actress debuting in the 1952 film Mga Bituin ng Kinabukasan at age 11.[11] 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 including 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).[15] She has also garnered five FAMAS Awards; two of which are Best Actress awards.[11] During her career as a celebrity endorser, she appeared in various brands including Coca-Cola, Lux, Blend 45, and Lavoris, as well as on TV commercials of RiteMed and Champion Detergent.[11]

She appeared in two episodes of the long-running drama anthology series Maalaala Mo Kaya. In Sineserye Presents: The Susan Roces Cinema Collection (2008–2009), she played the character "Amanda" in the TV adaptation of Patayin sa Sindak si Barbara, and also served as a host in Maligno and Florinda. Roces was cast as "Lola Aura" in Iisa Pa Lamang (2008), and later guest-starred on episodes of May Bukas Pa (2009) and 100 Days to Heaven (2011). She was also part of the TV5 drama series Babaeng Hampaslupa in the main role of "Helena".

Roces became recognized to new audiences as "Lola Henya" in Walang Hanggan (2012), where she shared credits with Coco Martin, Julia Montes, Helen Gamboa, Dawn Zulueta and Richard Gomez, among many others.[16] Walang Hanggan was a phenomenal success and the role earned her a PMPC Star Awards for TV nomination for Best Drama Actress.[17] Roces worked again with Montes in Muling Buksan ang Puso (2013) and with Martin in a 2013 Christmas episode of fantasy anthology series Wansapanataym.[18][19] She later co-starred in Sana Bukas pa ang Kahapon (2014) as "Ruth".

Her final television assignment FPJ's Ang Probinsyano (2015), an adaptation of her late husband's of the same name which would go on to be the longest-running Philippine drama series of all time. Again co-starring with Coco Martin, she portrayed the key character "Lola Flora", grandmother of the series' protagonists Ador de Leon and Cardo Dalisay. Her long-standing participation in the series lasted for six years, until her untimely death in 2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic era.[20]

Death and memorial

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Tomb of Roces and her husband Fernando Poe Jr. at the Manila North Cemetery on November 1, 2022

Roces died on May 20, 2022, at the age of 80, due to cardiopulmonary arrest. A day earlier, she was rushed to Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City near where her parents lived, after some chest pains and difficulty in breathing.[15][21][22] Her daughter Grace Poe had also said "My mother is already old." The official cause of her death was listed as heart failure.[23] The Senate and the House of Representatives passed resolutions to honor her legacy.[24] ACT-CIS Partylist proposed to posthumously induct Roces into the Order of National Artists of the Philippines for her contributions to the entertainment industry.[25] Roces was buried next to her late husband in the Manila North Cemetery.

Filmography

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Television

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Year Title Role Notes
1996 Maalaala Mo Kaya Anita Mariano Episode: "Pahiram ng Isang Pasko"
1997 Wansapanataym Lucring Episode: "The Christmas Witch"
2006 John en Shirley Encarnacion Ramirez Supporting Cast
2008 Sineserye Presents: The Susan Roces Cinema Collection
Patayin sa Sindak si Barbara		 Amanda
Maalaala Mo Kaya Angge Episode: "Basura"
Iisa Pa Lamang Aura Castillejos Supporting Cast
2009 May Bukas Pa Nieves Antazo Guest Cast
2009–2010 Sana Ngayong Pasko Remedios Dionisio Main Cast
2011 Babaeng Hampaslupa Helena See
100 Days to Heaven Amelita Manalastas-Salvador Guest Cast
2012 Walang Hanggan Virginia "Henya" Cruz Supporting Cast
2013 Muling Buksan ang Puso Adelina Laurel-Beltran
Wansapanataym Fenny Episode: "Simbang Gabi"
2014 Eat Bulaga! Lenten Drama Special Maria Television film; episode: "Karugtong ng Puso"
Sana Bukas pa ang Kahapon Ruth Gaspar Supporting Cast
2015–2022 FPJ's Ang Probinsyano Flora Borja-de Leon Main Cast (Finale TV appearance)
Signing Off

Film

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Year Original title
1952 Mga Bituin ng Kinabukasan
1956 Boksingera
Kulang sa 7
Mga Anak ng Diyos
1957 Sino ang Maysala?
Mga Ligaw na Bulaklak
1958 Prinsesang Gusgusin
Ako ang Maysala
Mga Reyna ng Vicks
Madaling Araw
Tawag ng Tanghalan
Ulilang Anghel
1959 Ipinagbili Ko ang Aking Anak
Handsome
Pitong Pagsisisi
Debutante
Mga Anghel sa Lansangan
Susan Roces at the Pacific Festival[26][27][28]
Wedding Bells
1960 Beatnik
1964 The Dolly Sisters
1965 Portrait of My Love
Ang Daigdig Ko'y Ikaw
Pilipinas Kong Mahal
1966 Zamboanga
Pepe en Pilar
1967 Maruja
Langit at Lupa
1968 To Susan with Love
Anong Ganda Mo?
Bakasin Mo sa Gunita
Bandana
Sorrento
Magpakailan Man
Tanging Ikaw
Kulay Rosas ang Pag-ibig
1969 Perlas ng Silangan
Ikaw ang Lahat sa Akin
1970 Divina Gracia
1972 Salaginto't Salagubang
1973 Karnabal
Florinda
1974 Patayin Mo sa Sindak si Barbara
1977 Maligno
1978 Gumising Ka, Maruja
1979 Mahal... Saan Ka Nanggaling Kagabi?
Mahal... Ginagabi Ka Nanaman
Angelita... Ako ang Iyong Ina
1980 Tanikala
1982 Manedyer si Kumander
1984 Hoy Wala Kang Paki
1986 Nasaan Ka nang Kailangan Kita?
Inday Inday sa Balitaw
Payaso
1987 Bunsong Kerubin
No Retreat... No Surrender... Si Kumander
1 + 1 = 12 (+ 1): One Plus One Equals Twelve (Cheaper by the Dozen)
1988 Love Boat: Mahal Trip Kita
Kambal Tuko
Buy One, Take One
1989 Ang Lahat ng Ito Pati Na ang Langit
Here Comes the Bride
1990 Mundo Man ay Magunaw
Feel na Feel
1991 Ubos Na ang Luha Ko
1997 Isinakdal Ko ang Aking Ina
2003 Mano Po 2: My Home (Last Movie Appearance)

Awards and nominations

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This list is complete and up to date as of January 2024.
Award-giving body Year Category Nominated Work(s) Result
FAMAS Awards 1959 Dr. Ciriaco Santiago Memorial Award — Won
1966 Best Actress Ana-Roberta Nominated
1968 Maruja Nominated
1969 To Susan with love Nominated
1971 Divina Gracia Nominated
1973 Bilangguang puso Nominated
1974 Hanggang sa Kabila ng daigdig: The Tony Maiquez Story Nominated
1975 Patayin mo sa Sindak si Barbara Nominated
1978 Maligno Won
1979 Gumising ka Maruja Won
1987 Nasaan ka ng kailangan kita Nominated
1988 Paano Kung wala ka na Nominated
1990 Ang lahat ng Ito pati na ang langit Nominated
1998 Isinakdal ko ang aking ina Nominated
2003 Lifetime Achievement Award — Won
2004 Huwarang Bituin — Won
22nd PMPC Star Awards for Television 2008 Best Single Performance by an Actress Maalaala Mo Kaya: Basura Nominated
Cinema One Originals Digital Film Festival 2009 Cinema One Legend Award — Won
PMPC Star Awards for Movies 2011 Ading Fernando Lifetime Achievement Award — Won
26th PMPC Star Awards for Television 2012 Best Drama Actress Walang Hanggan Nominated
27th PMPC Star Awards for Television 2013 Best Drama Supporting Actress Walang Hanggan Nominated
FAMAS Awards 2015 Iconic Movie Queen of Philippine Cinema — Won
30th PMPC Star Awards for Television 2016 Drama Supporting Actress Ang Probinsyano Nominated
FAMAS Awards 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award — Won
31st PMPC Star Awards for Television 2017 Best Drama Supporting Actress Ang Probinsyano Nominated
32nd PMPC Star Awards for Television 2018 Ang Probinsyano Nominated
PMPC Star Awards for Movies 2019 Outstanding Star of the Century (Natatanging bituin ng siglo) — Won
33rd PMPC Star Awards for Television 2019 Best Drama Supporting Actress Ang Probinsyano Nominated
Entertainment Editors Choice Awards 2022 Posthumous Award — Won

References

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  1. ^ 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.
  2. ^ 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.
  3. ^ "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.
  4. ^ "Eastwood City Walk of Fame". Vigattin Tourism (ARTICLES) – Philippines. Archived from the original on April 1, 2015. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  5. ^ "Post Office stamps 'immortalize' 10 outstanding Filipinos". Philippine News Agency. February 28, 2022. Retrieved May 24, 2022.
  6. ^ 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.
  7. ^ 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.
  8. ^ 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.
  9. ^ Abad, Levy (August 12, 2023). "Winnipeg family has Jewish connections". Philippine Canadian News.Com. Winnipeg, Manitoba. Retrieved May 6, 2025.
  10. ^ 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.
  11. ^ 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.
  12. ^ Mendez, Christina. "Susan ready to replace GMA". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on October 12, 2017. Retrieved September 19, 2016.
  13. ^ Mario Dumaumal "ABS-CBN acquires right to 'Da King's' movie library" Archived April 26, 2012, at the Wayback Machine, 29 September 2009.
  14. ^ ‘Alay ni Da King: An FPJ Special’ encores tomorrow Archived May 21, 2022, at the Wayback Machine. mb.com.ph, 22 December 2007.
  15. ^ 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.
  16. ^ "Susan Roces glad to be part of 'Walang Hanggan'". ABS-CBN News (in English and Filipino). January 11, 2012. Retrieved January 11, 2012.
  17. ^ "'Walang Hanggan' gets 7 nominations in Star Awards". ABS-CBN News (in English and Filipino). November 5, 2012. Retrieved November 5, 2012.
  18. ^ "Susan Roces has not sealed her heart". Inquirer Entertainment. July 14, 2013. Retrieved July 14, 2013.
  19. ^ "Coco Martin, Susan Roces reunite in 'Wansapanataym'". ABS-CBN News. December 18, 2013. Retrieved December 18, 2013.
  20. ^ "'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.
  21. ^ 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.
  22. ^ Nemes, Adrian III (May 23, 2022). "Negrenses mourn death of Susan Roces". Sunstar. Retrieved May 23, 2022.
  23. ^ "Veteran actress Susan Roces dies at 80". Archived from the original on October 14, 2022. Retrieved October 10, 2022.
  24. ^ Ramos-Araneta, Macon; Cruz, Maricel (May 24, 2022). "Senate, House honor Susan Roces". Manila Standard. Retrieved May 23, 2022.
  25. ^ "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.
  26. ^ "Susan Roces 'short' set for showing". The Manila Times. The Manila Times Publishing Company, Inc. November 9, 1959. Cameraman Amaury Agra... recorded the highlights of the [Pacific] Festival.... The Sampaguita short feature...
  27. ^ "Comedy addicts have field day in riotous Sampaguita offering". The Manila Times. The Manila Times Publishing Company, Inc. November 16, 1959. p. 5-B. 'Ipinagbili Kami Ng Aming Tatay' will be shown along with a special added attraction, 'Susan Roces at the Pacific Festival,' a four-reeler...
  28. ^ "...Why Sampaguita Pictures quit the FAMAS". The Manila Times. The Manila Times Publishing Company, Inc. March 1960. Awards returned by Sampaguita Pictures, Inc.... Documentary: 1959—Susan Roces at the Pacific Festival
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