It's been almost 15 years since we have lost one of our local film legends, who would have turned 80 years old this year -- Fernando Poe Jr. -- yet the memory and legacy he left to us remained indelible in our hearts and minds.
Born Ronald Allan Kelley Poe on August 20, 1939 to Filipino actor Fernando Poe Sr. and Irish-American mestiza Elizabeth "Bessy" Kelley, being in the film industry wasn't only in his blood, but in the heart of the younger Poe as well. From working as messenger boy and a stuntman, he eventually became an actor and starred in his film debut “Anak ni Palaris” in 1955 after his father’s untimely death. It might be unsuccessful, but that didn't stop him from pursuing his career in acting and telling the story of the Filipinos through the silver screen.
His five decades in the entertainment industry had been absolutely prolific and remarkable for he was able to top-bill, write, direct, and produce approximately 300 movies, proving his brilliance as a multi-faceted and top-notch artist and earning the “King of Philippine Movies” moniker.
Thus, as we celebrate the 80th birth anniversary of the one and only Da King, several talented (and two veterans!) male Kapamilya celebrities enthusiastically took on Entertainment.ABS-CBN.com’s FPJ Impersonation Challenge, wherein they brandished their respective impressions of some of his movie roles.
Watch how actors RK Bagatsing, Albie Casiño, Hero Angeles, Rafael Rosell, and Marco Gumabao, as well as It’s Showtime’s Hashtags members Nikko Natividad, Rayt Carreon, Luke Conde, and Ryle Santiago, unraveled the hidden action star in them as they showcased their own takes in FPJ’s memorable roles in “Batang Quiapo” (1986), “Batas Sa Aking Kamay” (1987), “Umpisahan Mo…Tatapusin Ko!” (1983), “Isang Bala Ka Lang” (1983) and “Kahit Konting Pagtingin” (1990).
Seasoned singer-songwriter and actor Ogie Alcasid and veteran action star Rez Cortez also tried their best in mimicking the FAMAS’ winningest actor-director in his classic films “Iyo Ang Tondo, Kanya Ang Cavite” (1986) and “Santiago” (1990).
FPJ might be gone for a very long time now, but his memory and legacy will be eternally engraved in the local entertainment industry and in the hearts and minds of those people whose lives he was able to touch – either through his unparalleled talent and passion as a thespian and filmmaker or his benevolent deeds as an individual. Long live, Da King!