MANILA, Philippines — Tributes for actress Susan Roces poured in on social media after relatives confirmed that the Queen of Philippine movies has passed away at age 80.
Sorsogon governor and senator-elect Francis Escudero offered his condolences to the family of Roces, noting that the late actress was his godmother in marriage.
“My sincerest condolences to Sen. Grace and the family and loved ones of Ma’am Susan Roces… Rest in peace po Ninang Susan… you will be missed…,” Escudero said.
Escudero has been close to the Poe family as he was the spokesperson of Roces’ husband, the late king of Philippine movies Fernando Poe Jr. when he ran for president in the 2004 elections. Escudero then teamed up with Roces’ daughter, Senator Grace Poe, in the 2016 presidential race.
My sincerest condolences to Sen Grace and the family and loved ones of Ma’am Susan Roces… 🙏🙏🙏 Rest in peace po Ninang Susan… 😢😢😢 you will be missed… 🙏🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/AURhQlP7Xy
— Chiz Escudero (@SayChiz) May 20, 2022
Celebrity Awra Briguela, who started her show business career on FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano — the last show that Roces worked on which was also a television adaptation of FPJ’s movie — also gave a farewell message to “Lola Flora”.
“11:11, I love you Lola Flora,” Briguela said, referring to Roces’ role in the famed television series.
11:11, I love you Lola Flora 😭
— AWRA ◡̈ (@AwraBriguelaaa) May 20, 2022
Alex Gonzaga, who has worked with Roces on several occasions, said that the veteran actress has always been kind. Television host Bianca Gonzales also offered condolences to the bereaved family.
“Nakakalungkot naman. Isang napakabuting tao ang nagpaalam. Hinding hindi ko makakalimutan ang kabaitan mo sa amin mga nakatrabaho mo. RIP Susan Roces,” Gonzaga said.
“Sincerest condolences to the Poe family Rest in peace, Ms. Susan Roces,” Gonzales said in a separate tweet.
Some netizens also remembered Roces not only as an actress, but as a feisty political figure who stood up against alleged electoral fraud in the 2004 national elections.
Rest In Peace, Ms. Susan Roces
I will always remember her as the Queen of Philippine Movies and also for giving one of the most powerful speeches, not in the movies but IRL :
“ YOU HAVE STOLEN THE PRESIDENCY NOT ONCE BUT TWICE “ pic.twitter.com/58H8PkmuTp
— Kate🇵🇭💓GXveBS (@forgwenandblake) May 20, 2022
"You have stolen the presidency, not once, but twice." (Susan Roces, 2005) pic.twitter.com/L9mypScezI
— JP (@dumidyeypee) May 20, 2022
Senator Grace Poe announced late Friday night that her mother had passed away. Poe said that she and other loved ones surrounded Roces before the veteran actress died.
“With great sadness, we announce the loss of our beloved Jesusa Sonora Poe, whom many of you know as Susan Roces. 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,” Poe said.
“She lived life fully and gracefully. 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,” she added.
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