Celebrities Pay Tribute To The "Queen Of Philippine Movies" Susan Roces

Celebrities condole with the family and friends of film veteran Susan Roces as she finally meets her Maker. Her sudden death sparks a downpour of emotions. 

On social media, posts from showbiz personalities have flooded feeds with her memories as they look back on her legacy. The government also acknowledged her as a gem of Filipino films and a pillar of the industry for her profound contributions to Philippine cinema.

Her successful career spanned 70 years in the industry, and was yet to finish until her untimely farewell last May 20, 2022, when she had a cardiopulmonary arrest, as confirmed by her daughter Senator Grace Poe.

Born Jesusa Purificacion Levy Sonora, she entered the business of entertainment at age 11 as a child actress. She made her movie debut in the Filipino film Mga Bituin ng Kinabukasan and from that point forward, starred in huge-hit shows and big screen blockbusters, most notably in movies Ang Daigdig Ko’y Ikaw (1965), Patayin Mo sa Sindak si Barbara (1974), Maligno (1977), Gumising Ka, Maruja (1978), and Mano Po 2: My Home (2003). She was last seen on the longest-running soap on primetime, Ang Probinsyano, where she portrayed the prominent Lola Flora.

As an epitome of professionalism and perseverance, Susan Roces earned her alias “Queen of Philippine Movies” side by side with her late husband Fernando Poe, Jr., who was long hailed as “King of Philippine Movies.” 

Roces was constantly hitting the charts for Best Actress nominations in the FAMAS Awards before bagging the title twice and had been a recipient of multiple recognitions for her noteworthy performances, including the FAMAS Lifetime Achievement Award.

Prized as one of the matriarchs of Filipino movies, her benefactions to show business will always be imbibed and assimilated to the industry as much as the immortal warmth that she left in people’s lives.

Several of her Ang Probinsyano co-stars and other icons in the industry also paid tribute to the late movie star.

Ang Probinsyano lead actor Coco Martinpaid tribute to her, writing, "Mahal na mahal kita Lola. Maraming salamat po sa lahat ng biyaya, pag gabay at pag aruga. Nabuo ako, dahil sa pagmamahal mo. Hindi kita makakalimutan. Nasa puso at nasa isip kita habangbuhay. Mahal po kita!"

Julia Montes honored her by saying that her memory "shall never pass away." She also shared a photo of the handwritten letters she received from the veteran actress, and captioned her Instagram post with: "Salamat po sa masasayang alala at magagandang aral… mahal na mahal ka po namin … hanggang sa muli po." 

"I will hold you in my heart," said Lorna Tolentino. "We will miss you. Maraming salamat sa pagmamahal Tita Susan."

"I love you Tita Su," said Yassi Pressman, who posted a video with the film icon on their set of Ang Probinsyano. 

Bela Padilla wrote, "I will keep you close to my heart and remember you fondly forever, Tita Sue."

"Mahal na mahal kita," said Maricel Soriano. 

John Prats said, "Napakaswerte ko at nakatrabaho at nakasama ko kayo." 

Angel Locsin-Arce wrote a tribute to the film legend on her Instagram. "Hindi ako nagkaroon ng mahabang pagkakataon na makatrabaho ang isang Susan Roces,"  she said. "Ngunit nabiyayaan ako ng mga sandaling makausap at makasama ang isang reyna."

"The entire industry is grieving and you will be missed, Tita Susan," said Bea Alonzo.

"Good night to the Queen of Philippine Movies," wrote John Arcilla.

Michael de Mesa captioned his post: "I love you, Tita Susan."

On May 26, Roces was laid to rest at the Manila North Cemetery, next to her late husband, Fernando Poe Jr.

Here's a look back on the 2009 Cinema One exclusive interview of the King of Talk Boy Abunda with the one and only Queen of the Philippine Movies, Susan Roces. It's currently one of the trending videos on YouTube: