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Susan Roces
Susan Roces
Susan Roces
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Susan Roces (Tagalog pronunciation: [ˈɾɔsɛs]; born Jesusa Purificación Levy Sonora; July 28, 1941 – May 20, 2022) was a Filipino actress. She rose to fame in mid-1950s and became the biggest box-office star of the 1960s. Known for playing wholesome and sweet characters in romantic comedies and musicals during her youth, she dabbled into horror and drama in the succeeding decades. She was dubbed the "Queen of Philippine Movies" and appeared in more than 130 films throughout her career that spanned over six decades.[1][2][3][4][5]

Key Information

Early life and education

[edit]

Jesusa Purificación Levy Sonora was born[6] in Bacolod, Negros Occidental on July 28, 1941.[7] She was the daughter of Jesús Tonggoy Sonora and Purificación Levy.[8] Her sister, Rosa María “Rosemarie” Sonora, is also an actress, as is the latter’s daughter Sheryl Cruz. Roces and her sister have Jewish ancestry through their mother’s grandfather, Adolphe Blum Levy, who had emigrated from Marckolsheim in the Alsace region of France to Iloilo.[9]

Roces finished her high school studies at La Consolación College (LCC) in Bacolod in 1956.[10] It was during her stay at LCC that she committed to pursue a career in acting. Her third year high school teacher Luisa Medel recognized her talent for public speaking and acting, and advised her to take the same course as hers in tertiary education. After graduating high school, Roces went to Manila to follow her mentor's advice.[8]

Personal life

[edit]

Roces married Fernando Poe, Jr. on December 25, 1968, at Santuario de San José Parish in Greenhills, Mandaluyong.[11] They have an adopted daughter, former MTRCB Chairperson and now Senator Grace Poe. Roces is the sister of Rosemarie Sonora.

She was an advocate for her husband, who ran for president in the 2004 Philippine presidential election, and later died of stroke in December 2004. Roces was convinced President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo won through electoral fraud at her husband's expense, and demanded Arroyo resign in June 2005.[12]

On September 29, 2007, the ABS-CBN Corporation acquired exclusive rights to the movie library of Fernando Poe, Jr. after Roces signed the contract. Then-ABS-CBN Chairman Eugenio López III, Cory Vidanes, Senior Vice President of TVP Production, and Poe's daughter Grace, were also present.[13]

On the night of December 23, 2007, ABS-CBN Channel 2 aired Alay ni Da King: a Fernando Poe Jr. Special, hosted by Charo Santos-Concio. Roces contributed to the feature on their married life. A 38-minute music video also showed various scenes from several of Poe's movies, a project Poe himself had just finished before his death.[14]

In addition to English and Tagalog, Roces also spoke Hiligaynon.[10]

Career

[edit]
Susan Roces with Eddie Gutierrez in 1966

Roces began her film career as a child actress debuting in the 1952 film Mga Bituin ng Kinabukasan at age 11.[11] In 1956, Roces went to Sampaguita Pictures' office in Quezon City to meet her idol Gloria Romero. Jose Perez, founder and head of the film studio, offered Roces a contract on the spot leading to her first starring role in Boksingera.[2] Roces also starred in several Philippine feature films including Ang Daigdig Ko'y Ikaw (1965), Gumising Ka Maruja (1967), Patayin Mo Sa Sindak Si Barbara (1974), Maligno and Mano Po 2: My Home (2003).[15] She has also garnered five FAMAS Awards; two of which are Best Actress awards.[11] During her career as a celebrity endorser, she appeared in various brands including Coca-Cola, Lux, Blend 45, and Lavoris, as well as on TV commercials of RiteMed and Champion Detergent.[11]

She appeared in two episodes of the long-running drama anthology series Maalaala Mo Kaya. In Sineserye Presents: The Susan Roces Cinema Collection (2008–2009), she played the character "Amanda" in the TV adaptation of Patayin sa Sindak si Barbara, and also served as a host in Maligno and Florinda. Roces was cast as "Lola Aura" in Iisa Pa Lamang (2008), and later guest-starred on episodes of May Bukas Pa (2009) and 100 Days to Heaven (2011). She was also part of the TV5 drama series Babaeng Hampaslupa in the main role of "Helena".

Roces became recognized to new audiences as "Lola Henya" in Walang Hanggan (2012), where she shared credits with Coco Martin, Julia Montes, Helen Gamboa, Dawn Zulueta and Richard Gomez, among many others.[16] Walang Hanggan was a phenomenal success and the role earned her a PMPC Star Awards for TV nomination for Best Drama Actress.[17] Roces worked again with Montes in Muling Buksan ang Puso (2013) and with Martin in a 2013 Christmas episode of fantasy anthology series Wansapanataym.[18][19] She later co-starred in Sana Bukas pa ang Kahapon (2014) as "Ruth".

Her final television assignment FPJ's Ang Probinsyano (2015), an adaptation of her late husband's of the same name which would go on to be the longest-running Philippine drama series of all time. Again co-starring with Coco Martin, she portrayed the key character "Lola Flora", grandmother of the series' protagonists Ador de Leon and Cardo Dalisay. Her long-standing participation in the series lasted for six years, until her untimely death in 2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic era.[20]

Death and memorial

[edit]
Tomb of Roces and her husband Fernando Poe Jr. at the Manila North Cemetery on November 1, 2022

Roces died on May 20, 2022, at the age of 80, due to cardiopulmonary arrest. A day earlier, she was rushed to Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City near where her parents lived, after some chest pains and difficulty in breathing.[15][21][22] Her daughter Grace Poe had also said "My mother is already old." The official cause of her death was listed as heart failure.[23] The Senate and the House of Representatives passed resolutions to honor her legacy.[24] ACT-CIS Partylist proposed to posthumously induct Roces into the Order of National Artists of the Philippines for her contributions to the entertainment industry.[25] Roces was buried next to her late husband in the Manila North Cemetery.

Filmography

[edit]

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1996 Maalaala Mo Kaya Anita Mariano Episode: "Pahiram ng Isang Pasko"
1997 Wansapanataym Lucring Episode: "The Christmas Witch"
2006 John en Shirley Encarnacion Ramirez Supporting Cast
2008 Sineserye Presents: The Susan Roces Cinema Collection
Patayin sa Sindak si Barbara		 Amanda
Maalaala Mo Kaya Angge Episode: "Basura"
Iisa Pa Lamang Aura Castillejos Supporting Cast
2009 May Bukas Pa Nieves Antazo Guest Cast
2009–2010 Sana Ngayong Pasko Remedios Dionisio Main Cast
2011 Babaeng Hampaslupa Helena See
100 Days to Heaven Amelita Manalastas-Salvador Guest Cast
2012 Walang Hanggan Virginia "Henya" Cruz Supporting Cast
2013 Muling Buksan ang Puso Adelina Laurel-Beltran
Wansapanataym Fenny Episode: "Simbang Gabi"
2014 Eat Bulaga! Lenten Drama Special Maria Television film; episode: "Karugtong ng Puso"
Sana Bukas pa ang Kahapon Ruth Gaspar Supporting Cast
2015–2022 FPJ's Ang Probinsyano Flora Borja-de Leon Main Cast (Finale TV appearance)
Signing Off

Film

[edit]
Year Original title
1952 Mga Bituin ng Kinabukasan
1956 Boksingera
Kulang sa 7
Mga Anak ng Diyos
1957 Sino ang Maysala?
Mga Ligaw na Bulaklak
1958 Prinsesang Gusgusin
Ako ang Maysala
Mga Reyna ng Vicks
Madaling Araw
Tawag ng Tanghalan
Ulilang Anghel
1959 Ipinagbili Ko ang Aking Anak
Handsome
Pitong Pagsisisi
Debutante
Mga Anghel sa Lansangan
Susan Roces at the Pacific Festival[26][27][28]
Wedding Bells
1960 Beatnik
1964 The Dolly Sisters
1965 Portrait of My Love
Ang Daigdig Ko'y Ikaw
Pilipinas Kong Mahal
1966 Zamboanga
Pepe en Pilar
1967 Maruja
Langit at Lupa
1968 To Susan with Love
Anong Ganda Mo?
Bakasin Mo sa Gunita
Bandana
Sorrento
Magpakailan Man
Tanging Ikaw
Kulay Rosas ang Pag-ibig
1969 Perlas ng Silangan
Ikaw ang Lahat sa Akin
1970 Divina Gracia
1972 Salaginto't Salagubang
1973 Karnabal
Florinda
1974 Patayin Mo sa Sindak si Barbara
1977 Maligno
1978 Gumising Ka, Maruja
1979 Mahal... Saan Ka Nanggaling Kagabi?
Mahal... Ginagabi Ka Nanaman
Angelita... Ako ang Iyong Ina
1980 Tanikala
1982 Manedyer si Kumander
1984 Hoy Wala Kang Paki
1986 Nasaan Ka nang Kailangan Kita?
Inday Inday sa Balitaw
Payaso
1987 Bunsong Kerubin
No Retreat... No Surrender... Si Kumander
1 + 1 = 12 (+ 1): One Plus One Equals Twelve (Cheaper by the Dozen)
1988 Love Boat: Mahal Trip Kita
Kambal Tuko
Buy One, Take One
1989 Ang Lahat ng Ito Pati Na ang Langit
Here Comes the Bride
1990 Mundo Man ay Magunaw
Feel na Feel
1991 Ubos Na ang Luha Ko
1997 Isinakdal Ko ang Aking Ina
2003 Mano Po 2: My Home (Last Movie Appearance)

Awards and nominations

[edit]
This list is complete and up to date as of January 2024.
Award-giving body Year Category Nominated Work(s) Result
FAMAS Awards 1959 Dr. Ciriaco Santiago Memorial Award — Won
1966 Best Actress Ana-Roberta Nominated
1968 Maruja Nominated
1969 To Susan with love Nominated
1971 Divina Gracia Nominated
1973 Bilangguang puso Nominated
1974 Hanggang sa Kabila ng daigdig: The Tony Maiquez Story Nominated
1975 Patayin mo sa Sindak si Barbara Nominated
1978 Maligno Won
1979 Gumising ka Maruja Won
1987 Nasaan ka ng kailangan kita Nominated
1988 Paano Kung wala ka na Nominated
1990 Ang lahat ng Ito pati na ang langit Nominated
1998 Isinakdal ko ang aking ina Nominated
2003 Lifetime Achievement Award — Won
2004 Huwarang Bituin — Won
22nd PMPC Star Awards for Television 2008 Best Single Performance by an Actress Maalaala Mo Kaya: Basura Nominated
Cinema One Originals Digital Film Festival 2009 Cinema One Legend Award — Won
PMPC Star Awards for Movies 2011 Ading Fernando Lifetime Achievement Award — Won
26th PMPC Star Awards for Television 2012 Best Drama Actress Walang Hanggan Nominated
27th PMPC Star Awards for Television 2013 Best Drama Supporting Actress Walang Hanggan Nominated
FAMAS Awards 2015 Iconic Movie Queen of Philippine Cinema — Won
30th PMPC Star Awards for Television 2016 Drama Supporting Actress Ang Probinsyano Nominated
FAMAS Awards 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award — Won
31st PMPC Star Awards for Television 2017 Best Drama Supporting Actress Ang Probinsyano Nominated
32nd PMPC Star Awards for Television 2018 Ang Probinsyano Nominated
PMPC Star Awards for Movies 2019 Outstanding Star of the Century (Natatanging bituin ng siglo) — Won
33rd PMPC Star Awards for Television 2019 Best Drama Supporting Actress Ang Probinsyano Nominated
Entertainment Editors Choice Awards 2022 Posthumous Award — Won

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Susan Roces

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from Grokipedia
Jesusa Purificación Levy Sonora (July 28, 1941 – May 20, 2022), professionally known as , was a Filipino who starred in over 130 films and earned acclaim as the "Queen of Philippine " for her roles in the mid-1950s through the . Born in , , she began acting at age 11 and became one of the highest-grossing stars of the 1960s, often portraying wholesome characters that defined an era of Philippine cinema. Married to fellow and from 1968 until his death in 2004, Roces was the mother of Senator and actively supported her husband's presidential bid in the 2004 election, later defending her daughter's eligibility amid citizenship challenges. Her career accolades include five Awards, with two for , a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Film Academy of the Philippines in 2013, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from ENPRESS in 2014. Roces maintained a low-profile charitable presence while embodying enduring elegance in Philippine entertainment.

Early Life

Birth and Family Background

Jesusa Purificación Levy Sonora, professionally known as Susan Roces, was born on July 28, 1941, in Bacolod City, , in the during the era. She was the daughter of Dr. Tonggoy Sonora, a Filipino physician, and Purificación Levy, a French-American woman of Jewish descent whose family had established the prominent Levy Hermanos department store in . Roces grew up in a reflecting diverse ethnic influences, including Filipino and European Jewish heritage, within a relatively affluent milieu supported by her father's medical profession and her mother's mercantile lineage. She had several siblings, namely sisters Teresita, Benita, and , as well as brother Jose Maria. This multicultural and middle-to-upper-class background provided early exposure to urban Philippine society, though the family later relocated to for educational opportunities.

Entry into Show Business

Roces made her film debut at the age of 11 in the 1952 comedy-drama Mga Bituin ng Kinabukasan, directed by Jose Nepomuceno. This early role showcased her nascent talent for acting, which had been evident in her public speaking abilities during childhood. By 1956, at age 15, she secured her first starring role in Boksingera, produced by after founder Jose Perez signed her to a contract following an audition. This breakthrough marked her transition from child performer to lead actress in Philippine cinema during its post-war expansion.

Personal Life

Marriage to Fernando Poe Jr.

Susan Roces, born Jesusa Levy Sonora, met , born Ronald Allan Kelley Poe, at a party hosted by actor at the in the mid-1960s. The two, both established film stars by then, began dating shortly after and maintained a relationship for approximately three years prior to their union. Their romance, marked by mutual professional respect in Philippine cinema, culminated in a civil on December 16, 1968, followed nine days later by a religious ceremony on Day, December 25, 1968, at Santuario de San Jose Parish in Greenhills, City. The wedding drew significant media attention as the nuptials of Philippine cinema's reigning "" and "Queen," with Roces walked down the aisle by her father amid a star-studded gathering. Video footage of the event, later restored, captured the elegance of the occasion, highlighting Roces' poise in traditional attire. The couple's marriage endured until Poe's death from a on December 14, 2004, spanning over 36 years without public reports of separation or infidelity, reflecting a stable partnership amid their high-profile careers.

Family and Children

Susan Roces and Fernando Poe Jr. had no biological children together but adopted a daughter, Grace Poe (born Mary Grace Poe-Llamanzares on September 9, 1968), shortly after her birth; Grace was reportedly found as an abandoned infant and placed for adoption through official channels. Roces and Poe raised Grace as their own, providing her with a stable family environment amid their high-profile careers in film; Grace later pursued education at the University of the Philippines Manila and Boston College before entering business and politics, eventually serving as a Philippine senator from 2013 onward. Poe acknowledged other children from prior relationships, including actress (born 1988), whom Roces effectively treated as part of the extended family despite not being her biological or adopted child; however, primary family documentation and public statements emphasize Grace as the sole adopted daughter of the couple. herself has two children, including daughter Nika, continuing the family line into the next generation, though Roces maintained a private approach to familial matters, focusing public attention on her professional life and rather than personal details.

Philanthropy and Private Acts of Charity

Susan Roces conducted her charitable efforts largely in private, maintaining a low public profile despite substantial contributions to causes supporting the film industry and other needs. She and her husband, , provided significant aid to the Movie Workers Welfare Foundation (Mowelfund), an organization assisting film workers, with Roces continuing her support even after Poe's death in December 2004. Accounts from contemporaries describe Roces as a consistent but silent donor to various charities, prioritizing discreet assistance over publicized . Her charitable works were often performed away from the public eye, reflecting a personal commitment to helping others without seeking recognition. Prior to Poe's presidential campaign, Roces had already engaged in charity as an extension of their household's longstanding generosity toward diverse causes, though specific instances remained understated. This approach aligned with her overall demeanor, emphasizing quiet impact over formal foundations or high-visibility initiatives.

Career

Rise to Stardom in Film (1950s-1960s)

Susan Roces entered the Philippine film industry as a child , making her debut in the 1952 film Mga Bituin ng Kinabukasan directed by Jose Nepomuceno. At age 11, this initial role marked her entry into , though she remained a minor performer in the early years. In 1956, at age 15, Roces signed a contract with Sampaguita Pictures, the dominant studio of the era, transitioning to leading roles with her first starring vehicle Boksingera, where she portrayed a boxer. That year, she also appeared in Miss Tilapia alongside Gloria Romero, beginning a prolific output that included approximately 40 films over the 1950s and 1960s. These early works established her as a versatile actress capable of handling dramatic and comedic roles, often emphasizing wholesome, relatable characters that appealed to family audiences. Roces' ascent to stardom solidified in the , when she emerged as Sampaguita's top female star and a major box-office attraction, earning the moniker "Queen of Philippine Movies." She frequently headlined alongside male leads like Eddie Gutierrez, , and increasingly Fernando Poe Jr., with pairings that drew massive crowds to theaters. Key films from this decade included Amy, Susie & Tessie (1960), a highlighting her youthful charm, and Ana-Roberta (1966), which garnered her inaugural Best Actress nomination. Her consistent success in these productions, characterized by high production values from Sampaguita, cemented her dominance in Philippine cinema during the of local filmmaking.

Peak Career and Box-Office Dominance (1960s-1970s)

![Eddie Gutierrez and Susan Roces c.1966](./assets/Eddie_Gutierrez_and_Susan_Roces_c.1966c.1966 In the , Susan Roces ascended to unparalleled prominence in Philippine cinema, captivating audiences with her wholesome portrayals and securing consecutive popularity accolades, including Miss Philippine Movies in 1963 and Queen of Philippine Movies in 1964. Her films during this era routinely topped box-office charts, with multiple releases in 1961 alone demonstrating strong commercial performance and establishing her as the fastest-rising star of the period. This dominance was fueled by her versatile roles in romantic dramas and comedies, often opposite leading men like Eddie Gutierrez, whose on-screen chemistry formed one of the decade's most bankable love teams. Key collaborations with Gutierrez included Eddie Loves Susie (1964), a production filmed across the United States, Mexico, Canada, and Hawaii, which exemplified the era's ambitious international shoots and contributed to Roces' growing reputation for drawing crowds. Other hits like Portrait of My Love (1965) further solidified their pairing's appeal, blending romance with dramatic elements that resonated widely and sustained box-office momentum. Roces' ability to headline consistent earners positioned her as the Box Office Queen of the 1960s, outpacing contemporaries in ticket sales and fan engagement. Transitioning into the 1970s, Roces maintained her commercial supremacy through frequent pairings with Fernando Poe Jr., her husband and the era's action king, in films that blended romance, adventure, and social themes. Notable successes included Perlas ng Silanganan (1969), To Susan with Love (1968), Sorrento (1968)—where both played dual roles—and Karnabal (1973), each leveraging their real-life rapport to achieve strong attendance and revenue. Titles like Divina Gracia (1970) and Ang Daigdig Ko'y Ikaw (1965, reaping ongoing popularity into the next decade) underscored her enduring draw, with Roces starring in over a dozen such vehicles that reinforced her status as the longest-reigning box-office queen in Philippine film history. This period marked her peak, characterized by prolific output—exceeding 130 films overall—and unyielding audience loyalty amid a competitive landscape.

Television Work and Later Roles (1980s-2020s)

In the later stages of her career, Susan Roces shifted focus toward television, appearing in anthology series and teleseryes, often portraying maternal or elderly figures that leveraged her established screen persona. Her television debut in structured roles occurred in the 1990s with guest spots in programs like , where she played Anita Mariano in a 1996 episode. She continued with episodic work, including the role of Lucring in a 1997 installment of . By the 2000s, Roces expanded into sitcoms and adaptations of her own films. In 2006, she starred as Encarnacion Ramirez in the GMA-7 sitcom , a role that highlighted her comedic timing alongside leads and Shirley Pizarro. In 2008, launched Sineserye Presents: The Susan Roces Cinema Collection, a adapting three of her classic horror films—Patayin Mo sa Sindak si Barbara (1974), Maligno (1977), and Gumising Ka... Maruja (1978)—with Roces reprising her original characters, drawing on her expertise in the genre to bridge her film legacy with TV audiences. This series aired as a tribute to her cinematic contributions, serialized for modern viewers. Roces's most prominent television role came in the with ABS-CBN's long-running action-drama FPJ's (2015–2022), where she portrayed Flora "Lola Flora" Borja-de Leon, the moral anchor and grandmother figure to lead character Cardo Dalisay. The character, inspired by her late husband 's probinsyano archetype, became a , emphasizing and resilience; Roces appeared in over 1,700 episodes until her final scenes in early 2022, shortly before her death on May 20, 2022. She interspersed this with supporting roles, such as Nieves in May Bukas Pa (2009) and cameo appearances in Walang Hanggan (2012) and further and episodes through the . These later roles solidified her status as a television matriarch, with Lola Flora earning her widespread acclaim for embodying Filipino fortitude amid the series' high ratings, averaging 3–4 million viewers per episode in its peak years.

Political Engagement

Involvement in FPJ's Presidential Campaign (2004)

Susan Roces provided visible and personal support for her husband Fernando Poe Jr.'s (FPJ) presidential bid under the Koalisyon ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino (KNP) coalition, which formally launched on November 27, 2003. As a non-political figure renowned for her acting career, Roces leveraged her public image to bolster FPJ's appeal among mass audiences, accompanying him in campaign activities despite her limited prior involvement in politics. Her presence emphasized FPJ's family-oriented persona, contrasting with the incumbent administration's image. On April 3, 2004, Roces joined FPJ in a strategic meeting with leaders, including deputy executive minister Gualberto Lupango and bloc voting head , to court the denomination's influential unified vote ahead of the May 10 election. This engagement highlighted her role in facilitating access to key voter blocs, as the INC's endorsement could sway significant numbers in a closely contested race where FPJ polled strongly among lower-income and rural demographics. Roces also participated in campaign sorties, which she later described as emotionally taxing, contributing to her reluctance for future political involvement. Publicly, Roces defended FPJ's qualifications and character in media appearances, such as a March 20, , interview where she recounted how his reserved demeanor won her affection, framing him as a steadfast leader for the Filipino people. Opposition leaders considered her as a potential substitute if FPJ faced disqualification challenges earlier in , underscoring her perceived electability, though she did not pursue a run. Her efforts focused on personal endorsement rather than policy articulation, aligning with FPJ's platform emphasizing and poverty alleviation without formal campaign roles like .

Opposition Activities Post-FPJ Death

Following the death of her husband on December 14, 2004, Susan Roces positioned herself as a vocal of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's administration, focusing on allegations of in the 2004 presidential election. She attempted to intervene and substitute for Poe in his pending electoral protest against Arroyo before the Presidential Electoral Tribunal, filing a motion on January 2005, but the denied it on March 29, 2005, ruling that substitution was not permissible under electoral law. Roces subsequently withdrew the P100,000 partial cash deposit for the protest in May 2005, effectively ending the legal challenge. Roces actively participated in opposition rallies and public demonstrations against Arroyo, becoming a symbolic rallying point for Poe's supporters who contested the election's integrity. In June 2005, she addressed a crowd at the , demanding Arroyo's resignation amid efforts and the "Hello Garci" scandal revelations of alleged vote-rigging. She accused Arroyo of having "stolen the presidency, not once, but twice," referencing both the 2004 election and Arroyo's prior assumption of office in 2001. Roces joined anti-Arroyo protests, including a July 2005 rally in where opposition figures intensified calls for accountability over and claims. Her opposition stance extended into subsequent years, with Roces endorsing fraud allegations tied to the 2004 polls. In July 2011, she publicly welcomed testimony from former election officials claiming vote manipulation, stating that those with details should come forward to validate the irregularities. Although her name was floated by FPJ loyalists for a run under the Genuine Opposition coalition in the midterm elections, Roces did not file a certificate of candidacy and instead lent support to other opposition figures, such as accompanying during his filing. Roces maintained a meta-skeptical posture toward official narratives, emphasizing the need for transparency in electoral processes without endorsing unverified claims herself, though her aligned with opposition narratives questioning Arroyo's legitimacy. Her activities waned after the Arroyo era but influenced family political endeavors, framing her post-2004 role as a defender of democratic integrity against perceived institutional biases in vote certification and adjudication.

Support for Family in Politics and Broader Stances

Susan Roces actively campaigned for her daughter Grace Poe's successful senatorial bid in the 2013 Philippine elections, emphasizing Poe's longstanding inclination toward public service that dated back to her childhood aspirations to teach. Despite initial reluctance stemming from the trauma of her late husband 's disputed 2004 presidential campaign, Roces publicly endorsed Poe's political ambitions, stating in 2013 that she would support her daughter's entry into public office under the guidance of figures like former President . Roces extended her backing to Poe's 2016 presidential candidacy, expressing confidence in her daughter's readiness and thanking supporters in advance for their votes. She vigorously defended Poe against attacks questioning her Filipino citizenship and residency qualifications, dismissing critics' claims as "urban legends" and intended to bully and undermine her. Beyond familial support, Roces articulated broader stances rooted in demands for and accountability, notably accusing then-President of stealing the presidency "not once, but twice" during public confrontations in , which echoed her defense of democratic processes following her husband's electoral challenges. Her political expressions consistently prioritized family loyalty intertwined with principled opposition to perceived , framing as a moral duty aligned with national welfare rather than partisan expediency.

Awards and Honors

Film and Entertainment Accolades

Susan Roces garnered significant recognition for her contributions to Philippine cinema, earning five awards from the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (), including two for . Her first FAMAS win came in 1978 for her role in Maligno, portraying a safeguarding her child from supernatural threats. She secured a second honor the following year for Gumising Ka... Maruja. In addition to her competitive wins, Roces received lifetime achievement accolades affirming her status as an enduring figure in film. The Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003 during its annual ceremony. further honored her in 2017 with its Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing her over six decades in the industry. In 2015, the same body awarded her a special tribute as the Iconic Movie Queen of Philippine Cinema. Roces was also celebrated by other entertainment bodies for her broader impact. The Directors' Guild of the Philippines included her among honorees at the 3rd Gawad Direk in 2015, acknowledging her influence across film production roles. These awards, drawn from voter-based academies rather than audience polls, underscore her peers' appraisal of her technical prowess and box-office legacy in an era dominated by commercial cinema.

Posthumous Recognitions

Following her death on May 20, 2022, the adopted Resolution No. 1002 on May 23, 2022, expressing profound sympathy and sincere condolences to her family while recognizing Roces' enduring contributions to Philippine cinema as the "Queen of Philippine Movies," her roles in over 130 films, and her influence on generations of audiences and artists. Senate President Vicente Sotto III sponsored the resolution, describing her as a "" and "reachable star" known for her kindness and accessibility. The similarly adopted resolutions honoring Roces' legacy in film and her , with lawmakers citing her five Best Actress awards and nominations, Lifetime Achievement Award from the Film Academy of the in 2003, and broader impact on Philippine entertainment. These legislative tributes underscored her status as a whose work spanned six decades, from her debut in the to television appearances into the . In the entertainment industry, Roces received a at the 2022 Entertainment Editors' Choice Awards, acknowledging her lifetime body of work and pioneering role in Philippine cinema. Additionally, representatives proposed her posthumous induction as a for contributions to and broadcast arts, though this nomination was not conferred by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts as of 2025. These recognitions reflect a consensus on her foundational influence, despite the absence of further major awards post-2022.

Death and Legacy

Health Decline and Passing (2022)

In the months leading up to her death, Susan Roces suffered from failing health marked by multiple complications, though she remained stoic and uncomplaining about her condition. Despite entreaties from her family to consult a physician or seek hospitalization, Roces refused, expressing that she was prepared for her time and preferred to focus on her own well-being rather than medical intervention. On May 19, 2022, Roces was urgently admitted to Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City after her health deteriorated sharply. She succumbed the next day, May 20, 2022, at the age of 80, to cardiopulmonary arrest—a cessation of heart and lung function often resulting from underlying cardiac issues. Her daughter, Senator , announced the passing, noting that Roces died peacefully that Friday evening, surrounded by immediate family including Poe, nephews and Jeffrey, and other loved ones. Poe later shared that her mother had emotionally prepared the family for the eventuality, maintaining her characteristic grace amid adversity.

Memorials and Public Tributes

Susan Roces was interred on May 26, 2022, at Manila North Cemetery, beside the tomb of her late husband, Fernando Poe Jr., during a private ceremony attended by family members including daughter Senator Grace Poe, as well as friends and supporters who paid final respects. Workers had prepared her tombstone adjacent to Poe's the previous day. Public tributes followed her passing on May 20, 2022, with celebrities and the entertainment industry mourning her as the "Queen of Philippine Movies." Numerous artists expressed condolences via and statements, highlighting her enduring legacy in film. honored her as an "exemplary icon" and source of inspiration for . Mowelfund and the held tribute events on May 23, 2022, while a second tribute night occurred that evening. Annual commemorations continue on her death anniversary, including a solemn Holy Mass and gift-giving organized by the Poe family on May 20, 2024, at the cemetery. Family, friends, and supporters, led by , gathered for a commemorative mass at on May 20, 2025. A memorial mass was also held on her birth anniversary, July 29, 2025, honoring her life.

Cultural Impact and Enduring Influence

Susan Roces, dubbed the "Queen of Philippine Movies," left an indelible mark on Filipino cinema through her roles in over 130 films spanning seven decades, embodying ideals of grace, virtue, and resilience that resonated with audiences during the industry's in the . Her portrayals of wholesome, sweet characters in romantic comedies and dramas established her as the era's top box-office star, influencing beauty standards and cultural perceptions of rooted in mestiza glamour and moral fortitude. Roces's on-screen partnership with contemporaries like Eddie Gutiérrez in films such as those from the mid-1960s amplified her cultural footprint, popularizing narratives of love, family, and perseverance that mirrored societal values amid post-war recovery and urbanization in the . Her transition to television further extended this influence, with appearances in series that reinforced her image as a pillar of traditional , inspiring generations of viewers to associate stardom with personal integrity rather than sensationalism. Posthumously, Roces's legacy endures through widespread tributes from networks like GMA and , which in 2022 and 2025 highlighted her as a "source of inspiration and strength" whose performances remain etched in Filipino . Efforts to nominate her for National Artist recognition underscore her contributions to Philippine arts and culture, positioning her as an exemplary icon whose work transcended to shape societal norms of and .

Filmography

Notable Films

Susan Roces gained prominence in Philippine cinema during the 1960s, starring in commercially successful films such as Dance O' Rama (1963) and Ang Daigdig Ko'y Ikaw (1965), the latter a romantic comedy opposite Fernando Poe Jr. that highlighted her versatility in lead roles. In the late 1960s, she earned FAMAS Best Actress nominations for performances in Maruja (1967) and To Susan with Love (1968), establishing her as a dramatic actress capable of portraying complex characters. Her role in Divina Gracia (1970), where she played dual roles as a sickly sister and her scheming counterpart, further showcased her range in FPJ Productions films. The 1970s marked a peak with horror and supernatural genres; in Patayin Mo sa Sindak si Barbara (1974), Roces led a cast in a suspenseful thriller, contributing to the era's popular genre films. Roces won her first FAMAS Best Actress award in 1978 for Maligno (1977), directed by Celso Ad. Castillo, portraying a mother defending her infant from malevolent spirits in a tale blending witchcraft and familial protection. The following year, she secured a second consecutive FAMAS Best Actress for Gumising Ka... Maruja (1978), under Lino Brocka's direction, in which she enacted a dual role as an actress unraveling a tragic family curse, praised for its psychological depth. In later decades, Roces appeared in family dramas like Mano Po 2: My Home (2003), reflecting her enduring presence in ensemble casts exploring Filipino-Chinese heritage themes.

Television Roles

Roces's transition to television occurred later in her career, primarily through guest appearances and supporting roles in Philippine anthology and drama series. In 1996, she portrayed Anita Mariano in an episode of the anthology . The following year, she appeared as Lucring in . These early TV credits built on her film legacy, often leveraging her dramatic range in short-form narratives. Her television activity intensified after 2008, coinciding with remakes of her classic films and ensemble dramas. She starred in Sineserye Presents: Patayin sa Sindak si Barbara, a television adaptation of her 1974 horror film, and took on a role in the werewolf-themed series Lobo. Guest spots followed, including Nieves in May Bukas Pa (2009) and Lola Fenny in Wansapanataym (2010). In 2012, she appeared in Walang Hanggan. A pivotal role came in 2013 as the antagonistic Doña Adelina in the primetime soap , marking one of her rare villainous portrayals on screen. She followed with a supporting turn as Ruth Gaspar in (2014). Roces's most prominent and enduring television role was as Flora Borja-de Leon, affectionately known as Lola Flora, in the action-crime drama FPJ's . Debuting in the pilot episode on September 28, 2015, she portrayed the matriarchal figure central to the series' family dynamics, continuing through its record-breaking run of over 1,700 episodes until the finale on August 12, 2022—mere months before her death. This character, inspired by her real-life resilience, solidified her status in modern Philippine television, with her performance praised for embodying moral fortitude amid the show's serialized conflicts.

References

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