Lovi Poe and Grace Poe. Image: Instagram/@maxcollinsofficial
Grace Poe was emotional as she gave her speech at Lovi Poe’s wedding, with the senator stressing that their late father, “Da King” Fernando Poe Jr. (FPJ), would have been so proud of the intelligent and strong woman the actress has become.
During her speech, the politician recalled the first time she met Lovi at the wake of the veteran actor, as seen in a clip shown by TV host-entertainment personality Tim Yap on his Instagram page on Monday, Aug. 28. Yap was among the celebrities present at Lovi’s wedding in England.
“I’ve never really known I had a sister until my dad passed away—our dad passed away. Well, I knew I had a brother. I didn’t care because it was a guy, right?” the senator quipped, referring to their brother Ron Poe. “But when I found out I had a sister, I was thinking, ‘I’m not the only girl anymore.'”
“But the first time I met you during the wake, I saw a really young, innocent child weeping for our dad,” Grace continued as her voice broke from holding back her tears. “And I felt so sad and so maternal.”
Grace noted that her affection toward Lovi can be compared to that of a mother’s because the actress is only a few years older than the politician’s son, Brian Poe-Llamanzares.
“I felt at the time, not only I had gained a sister, I almost felt like I had another child because I see in you qualities of the father I really loved,” Grace stated.
“[I wish] he could have walked you down the aisle; I just really wish,” she added, speaking of the late FPJ. “He would have been so proud of you. You’re beautiful, you’re very intelligent, and you’re strong. I know you can weather anything because you are the daughter of FPJ.”
In a separate Instagram video shown by actress Max Collins—who was also present at the wedding—the Poe sisters were both in tears as they hugged each other tightly after the senator’s speech.
Image: Instagram/@maxcollinsofficial
Image: Instagram/@maxcollinsofficial
Image: Instagram/@maxcollinsofficial
Image: Instagram/@maxcollinsofficial
The comments section was filled with admiration from fans and fellow celebrities who were also moved by the senator’s message to her younger sister.
Image: Instagram/@officialtimyap
Image: Instagram/@officialtimyap
Image: Instagram/@officialtimyap
Lovi is FPJ’s daughter with former actress-model Rowena Moran, while Grace is Da King’s adopted daughter with his wife, the late veteran actress Susan Roces.
Lovi’s wedding to British film producer Monty Blencowe was held in Berkshire, England, last Saturday, Aug. 26. /ra