The local movie industry mourns the death of one of its icons, Susan Roces, who passed away on Friday, May 20.
Senator Grace Poe confirmed the demise of her adoptive mother, wife of the late actor Fernando "Da King" Poe Jr.
The statement read: "With great sadness, we announce the loss of our beloved Jesusa Sonora Poe, whom many of you know as Susan Roces."
According to Grace, the 80-year-old passed away peacefully on a Friday evening, May 20.
"Surrounded by love and warmth, with her daughter Grace, her nephews Joseph and Jeffrey and many of her family and close friends. She lived life fully and gracefully," she said.
"Remember her in her beauty, warmth and kindess. She is now with the Lord and her beloved Ronnie, FPJ. We will miss her sorely but we celebrate a life well lived. Susan Roces — daughter, mother, grandmother, a true Filipina and a national treasure."
Among those who extended their condolences messages is talent manager-comedian Ogie Diaz who wrote: "Rest in peace, Tita Susan Roces."
Actress-TV host Alex Gonzaga tweeted: "Nakakalungkot naman. Isang napakabuting tao ang nagpaalam. Hinding hindi ko makakalimutan ang kabaitan mo sa amin mga nakatrabaho mo. RIP Susan Roces."
Julia Montes, who just recently joined "FPJ's Ang Probinsyano," changed her profile picture to an image of a lit candle.
Senator-elect JV Ejercito also mourned the death of his godmother.
"Rest In Peace Ninang Susan Roces."
Judy Ann Santos is also saddened by the news.
She wrote: "Nakakalungkot… pero nagpapasalamat ako sa pagkakataong makilala at makasama ang nag iisang reyna ng pelikulang pilipino.. your generosity, your genuine love and words of wisdom.. yung pag spoil mo sakin sa taping ng probinsyano, yung masarap at mahigpit mong yakap tuwing nagkikita tayo.. yung malutong na tawa mo at tapang ng loob sa maraming bagay.. at higit sa lahat.. yung tunay na pagmamahal at pakikipag kapwa tao ang mga bagay na hinding hindi ko makakalimutan.. lahat ng itinuro mo sakin.. sisiguraduhin kong ipasa sa iba pang mga kabataang asa industriya natin.. rest in peace tita susan.."
Ogie Alcasid remembered the time he shared some screentime with Susan.
"Taong 1991 noong ako ay sumabak sa paggawa ng pelikula at ang aking unang kaeksena bilang baguhan ay si Queen of Phil. Movies Susan Roces. Kahit ako’y mamali mali at kabadong kabado, siya ay mapasensya at inalalayan nya ako sa eksena. Kahit napaka iksi at tagal ng panahon na siya ay nakatrabaho, hinding hindi ko ito malilimutan. Isa lamang ako sa inyong nadulutan ng saya dahil sa inyong presensya at kabaitan. Maraming salamat po Tita Swanie. Rest na po kayo with Jesus and Tito Ronnie. Lubos na pakikiramay po kay Sen. Grace Poe at sa kanyang mga mahal sa buhay."
Lovi Poe, on the other hand, posted: " I write this post with a heavy heart. We’ve truly lost a gem and one of the beloved pillars in the industry. My love and prayers to Ate Grace and the whole family."
Bea Alonzo shared: "The entire industry is grieving and you will be missed, Tita Susan.
You have taught me so much in a short time that we worked together. Naaalala ko pa nung sinabi mong kapag masama ang loob ko, isulat ko lang sa papel lahat ng galit ko, at sa isa pang papel, isulat ko naman ang mga bagay na ipinagpapasalamat ko, at bago pa man akong matapos magsulat, mawawala na ang galit ko. Hanggang ngayon ginagawa ko pa rin po ito. Thank you so much for your wisdom, humility and generosity. You are loved, our queen. ? Rest in peace."
Susan was last seen in “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano,” where she had a recurring role as Lola Flora, grandmother of Cardo, played by Coco Martin.