Friday, May 20, 2022. The heavy downpour had been almost nonstop the entire afternoon, at least in Metro Manila and its neighboring cities, perhaps. Little we did expect that it somehow served as an omen of what’s going to happen later that night.
Just when many of us are getting ready to sleep or idly scrolling through our phones, the shocking news of Susan Roces’ unforeseen demise suddenly flooded our social media feeds and, at the same time, the anchors of the late-night newscasts we were watching announced it as well. A lot of hearts surely got broken in an instant, especially those who have been religiously watching FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, where she was known for her now-iconic character Lola Flora.
In the past six years, we have adored her as the kind, loving, devout, and strait-laced grandmother of the titular character Cardo Dalisay, played by Coco Martin, who has never fallen short in showering him with motherly love, in giving him words of wisdom and sound advices, and praying for him, especially every time he and his comrades are about to face terrible challenges or in the midst of a grueling battle.
She’s is definitely the epitome of the kind of mother, aunt, or grandmother that either make us wish to also have in life or make us miss our very own nanays, titas, and lolas, too.
And the veteran actress is actually not entirely different in real life, as the people who had the opportunity to work and be with her have nothing but good words, praises, and adoration for her. One of them is Coco, who initially got to work with her in the 2012 romance drama Walang Hanggan, then in the aforementioned long-running action-drama series since 2015. Their connection had definitely gone beyond being just mere colleagues as the superstar already treated her as if she’s part of his family. He regarded her as if she’s his real mom, grandmother, and aunt, as well as the heart of the well-loved teleserye.
Thus, as our way of paying tribute to one of the legendary actresses of the country and the one and only “Queen of Philippine Movies,” let’s look back on some of the happy and memorable memories that she’s able share with the FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano family on-and-off cam, through her photos with them that we collated in this gallery.
We may have lost another icon here on earth – and Cardo will not be able to see her again anymore –but the heavens have gained another angel who will look over her family, friends, colleagues, and other loved ones and will continue to guide and inspire them for the rest of their lives.
Rest in peace, Ms. Susan Roces. You will be sorely missed.