Apart from the riveting action scenes that leave us at the edge of our seats and the thrilling love story of Cardo (Coco Martin) and Alyana (Yassi Pressman), our primetime viewing habit will not be complete without the sound advice of the ever-morally upright Lola Flora (Susan Roces) which she delivers through nuggets of wisdom and in an endearing tone.
But before we're able to meet one of the most remarkable and admired characters in FPJ's Ang Probinsyano, the veteran actress has played more significant roles in real life, attesting that she's definitely more than just a beautiful "Face that Refreshes".
She's a showbiz icon
Being in the industry for almost seven decades and remaining active and revered in the present is absolutely a difficult feat to surpass.
At 77, the award-winning actress holds numerous hit movies and memorable series under her belt. She started her acting career in 1952 via the flick “Mga Bituin ng Kinabukasan” and since then starred in a plethora of movies, giving her the title "Queen of Philippine Movies".
It was only in 2006 when she began appearing on television more often as she joined Maricel Soriano and the Comedy King Dolphy in the sitcom “John En Shirley.”
She's a loving yet fierce matriarch
Before she became everyone's Lola Flora, Susan is a loving wife to the late Da King Fernando Poe Jr. and a supportive mom to their unica hija Senator Grace Poe-Llamanzares.
Many times we have seen how she brazenly defended her daughter from critics, particularly during the past national elections when her citizenship and birth origin were in question. Besides, she still dutifully takes on her role as a mother to her although the politician already has her own family.
Far from her meek and calm personality, we were able to witness her toughness in the midst of controversial 2004 presidential poll as she expressed her disgust over the questionable results. Although it's been 14 years since the Action King was laid to his eternal rest, she still thinks of him and loves him unwaveringly.
She's an inspiring woman
Aside from being a role model to the younger actresses, Susan is also the same to Filipinos as a whole. She modestly reaches out to people who are sick and in need. Affirming to that was when she and Grace gave away Christmas gift packs to 150 families in the Manila North Cemetery as a way of commemorating the 13th death anniversary of FPJ and fulfilling his promise to the kids before he died to give them toys.
Besides, she also shows that we can fight against the oppressors in a benevolent way and never lose our faith in God.
Cap off your weeknights with encouragement and enlightenment courtesy of Ms. Susan Roces' Lola Flora in FPJ's Ang Probinsyano on Primetime Bida after TV Patrol.