Coco Martin. Image: screengrab from Facebook/Grace Poe
Coco Martin was emotional while paying tribute to the “Queen of Philippine Movies” Susan Roces, who was his Lola Flora in “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano,” at her wake at Heritage Park, Taguig City.
The actor spoke about how Roces served as their inspiration in continuing the TV series, admitting that he was taken aback by the veteran actress’ passing, as seen in a livestream of the wake on Grace Poe’s Facebook page yesterday, May 22.
“Honestly, hindi ko talaga alam ang sasabihin ko ngayon,” he said. “Talagang shock ang nararamdaman ko kasi hindi ako makapaniwala na mangyayari ito dahil alalang-alala ko ‘yung huling pagkikita namin ni tita Susan na ang lakas-lakas at ang saya-saya niya.”
(Honestly, I do not know what to say. I am still in shock because I cannot believe that this would happen. I can still remember the last time tita Susan and I met, she was still very strong and happy then.)
Martin talked about the relationship he had with Roces, narrating how they eventually got closer and more comfortable with each other since their 2012 TV series “Walang Hanggan.”
“Si tita Susan, hindi katrabaho lang ang tingin ko sa kanya. Malalim ‘yung pagtingin, pagmamahalan at respeto namin sa bawat isa,” he stated.
(Tita Susan is not just a fellow actor to me. We share a deep relationship, love and respect towards each other.)
“Lahat po ng sinasabi niya dinidibdib namin kasi para po sa aming mga katrabaho niya at ako bilang apo niya sa industriya, ‘yung word of wisdom na sinasabi niya sa amin ay totoong tumatata sa isip at puso naming lahat,” he added. “Napakapalad namin na nakatrabaho namin siya dahil alam na niya lahat, pinagdaanan na niya ‘yan.”
(We take to heart everything she says because for us actors and me as her grandson in the industry, her words of wisdom really stays in our minds and hearts. We are very lucky to have worked with her because she knows everything as she has gone through it all.)
Martin then recounted how she advised him over being intimidated by other celebrities, stressing that one’s character and sincerity matters more than anything.
“La, kung nasaan ka man po ngayon, gusto ko pong malaman mo na lahat kami na nandito ay sobrang mahal na mahal ka at hinding-hindi ka po namin makakalimutan habangbuhay. I love you,” he concluded.
(Grandma, wherever you are now, I just want you to know that everyone here loves you so much and we will not forget you. I love you.)
Other celebrities who were present at the wake and paid their respects include Sharon Cuneta, Gary Valenciano, John Arcilla and ABS-CBN executive Cory Vidanes.
Julia Montes also remembered Roces by showing handwritten letters the late veteran actress gave her. Roces was also honored by Vilma Santos, Maricel Soriano and “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” cast, among others.
Roces passed away last Friday, May 20, at the age of 80. Her wake will be open to the public until tomorrow, May 24. JB
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