Images from the Office of Sen. Lito Lapid
Updated: Dec. 15, 9:30 AM
The cast of the popular television series “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” and the upcoming “Batang Quaipo” on Wednesday paid a visit to the tomb of the late Fernando Poe Jr. at the Manila North Cemetery on the occasion of his 18th death anniversary.
“Ang Probinsyano” is an adaptation of the 1997 movie of the same title, starring FPJ, who is popularly referred to as “Da King,” The TV series began airing on Philippine television on Sept. 28, 2015, starring Coco Martin. “Ang Probinsyano” ended its run last August after almost 7 years of airing on ABS-CBN. In 2023,
On the other hand, the TV remake of “Batang Quiapo” will start airing next year, also starring Martin, with no less than FPJ’s daughter Lovi Poe as co-star, and veteran actress and former ABS-CBN honcho Charo Santos.
In a series of photos released by the Office of Senator Lito Lapid, the cast honored the memory of FPJ, whose classic films have shaped the country’s cinematic landscape.
Images from the Office of Sen. Lito Lapid
Aside from Lapid and Martin, among those who attended the tribute were TIEZA chief Mark Lapid, actress Cherry Pie Picache, and actor Pen Medina.
The group lighted candles and offered flowers to FPJ, as they thanked him for his legacy.
“Kung wala si FPJ, wala ring Lito Lapid,” the senator said in an earlier interview. In the “Ang Probinsyano” TV series, Lapid played the role of Romulo Dumaguit, alias Pinuno, leader of the vigilante group who became an ally of Cardo Dalisay, played by Martin.
Like Martin, the senator will also appear in “Batang Quiapo,” but it wasn’t clear yet what role he would play in the TV adaptation.
Heart for the downtrodden
The Poe family led by Sen. Grace Poe also visited the grave of the late action star, who was posthumously given the national artist award by government.
After offering flowers and lighting candles, family members proceeded with their traditional gift-giving to children and poor families.
In a statement, Sen. Poe remembered her father as somebody whose heart beats for the poor and the oppressed.
“FPJ wants to make people feel special, especially the downtrodden. Our yearly tradition of sharing gifts this Christmas season as we mark his passing is a way of keeping FPJ’s memories alive,” she said.
The senator, together with cousins Joseph and Jeff Sonora and other relatives visited FPJ’s grave at the Manila North Cemetery at around noon.
Clad in dark blue dress, the senator spent a quiet moment at her father’s tomb offering prayers and flowers.
On Thursday, Dec. 15, Panday Bayanihan foundation, spearheaded by FPJ’s grandson Brian Poe Llamanzares, is also scheduled to visit the National Children’s Hospital to give toys and noche buena packages to children patients and their families.
Poe said she hopes bringing cheer to the sick kids will help lift their spirits to look forward to the road to recovery.
Panday Bayanihan was established in honor of the King of Philippine Movies by his supporters to help Filipinos most affected in times of crises. The group has been conducting relief missions all over the country. EDV