The late Fernando Poe Jr.'s (FPJ) aspirations were as noble as the characters he used to play on the silverscreen.

This was the main takeaway from FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-list Rep. Brian Poe's reflection on the 21th death anniversary of his grandfather on Sunday, Dec. 14.

Thousands of Filipinos from different walks of life gathered at Manila North Cemetery to commemorate the passing of the National Artist for Film, and marked the largest turnout of FPJ's family and fans since his burial there in 2004.

The gathering drew supporters and members from a wide range of organizations, including FPJ Youth, Polphil, Puso ng Solo Parents Movement (PSPM), Volunteer Poe Kami Movement, Kampilan, Kabataan sa Kartilya ng Katipunan (KKK), TAUMBAYAN, Konseho ng Mamamayan ng Quezon City (KM-QC), Advena Christian Workers, TAU GAMMA, FPTA–Rizal, FARMC Rizal, Vendors Officer Association of Rizal, TODA Rizal, Confederation of Filipino Workers (CFW), and the Bagong Umaga Movement.

“Lahat tayo nandito dahil natulungan ni FPJ ang iba’t ibang sektor. Ano ba ‘yung gusto ni FPJ noon? Gusto niyang magbago ang sistema, maging mas maganda ang buhay ng bawat isa sa atin kaya ‘yon yung ginagawa natin sa pagpasok natin sa araw-araw sa aking trabaho,” said Rep. Poe.

(We are all here because FPJ helped different sectors. What was FPJ’s wish back then? He wanted the system to change, for the life of each one of us to become better and that is what we aspire to acheive as I go to work every day.)

Although a neophyte in the House of Representatives, Rep. Poe has turned heads with his work as assistant majority leader and as a vice chairman of the powerful Committee on Appropriations.

FPJ--known as the "Da King" of Philippine movies, where he usually played the role of underdog heroes--had famously delved into politics in May 2004 when he ran for president. He ended up second to Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Tragically, FPJ would die just seven months later after suffering a stroke.

Former senator Grace Poe expressed her appreciation to the many Filipinos who continue to remember her father more than two decades after his untimely passing at the age of 65.

“Pag nakikita ko kayo, talagang tumataba lalo ang aming puso sapagkat alam namin na hindi kayo nakakalimot sa legasiya ni FPJ. Maraming maraming salamat sa inyong lahat sa patuloy ninyong pagdasal para sa kanya,” she said.

(When I see you, our hearts truly grow fuller because we know that you have not forgotten FPJ’s legacy. Thank you very much to all of you for your continued prayers for him.)

Sectoral leaders also paid tribute to FPJ’s lasting impact, particularly on communities he championed during his lifetime. Leaders of the Puso ng Solo Parents Movement highlighted FPJ’s enduring inspiration for solo parents nationwide.

“Naging makasaysayan Ang Buhay ni FPJ, siya Ang naging idolo Ng buong bayan. Saksi ang mga Solo Parents sa kanyang mga nagawa upang bigyang inspirasyon Ang bawat Pilipino. Naway magpatuloy Ang kanyang pagmamahal sa bayan sa pamamagitan Ng kanyang Pamilya, mga anak at apo. Buhay Ang alala ala niya sa aming mga Solo Parents sa buong Bansa,” said PSPM Vice Chairperson Nato Agbayani and Chairperson Josie Velasco.

(The life of FPJ was historic; he became the idol of the entire nation. Solo Parents bear witness to what he accomplished to inspire every Filipino. May his love for the country continue through his family, his children, and grandchildren. His memory lives on among us Solo Parents throughout the nation.)

For labor groups, FPJ remains a powerful reminder of moral courage and solidarity with the working class. Confederation of Filipino Workers President Gabriel Aranzamendez emphasized that FPJ’s heroism continues to resonate beyond cinema.

“FPJ’s legacy lives on in the hearts of the Filipino people, not just through his films, but through his enduring compassion for the masses. FPJ Death anniversary reminds us that true heroism is found in standing for justice, dignity, and the welfare of many,” Aranzamendez said.