The Philippine entertainment industry has lost another movie legend.
Jesusa Purificacion Levy Sonora-Poe, better known by her screen name Susan Roces whose career spanned seven decades, passed away at the age of 80 on Friday, May 20, 2022.
Born on July 29, 1941, the actress rose to prominence during the first golden era of the Philippine cinema in the 1950s.
She was a prolific actress with about 70 movie titles to her name.
She started acting at the age of 8 in 1952 via the movie Mga Bituin ng Kinabukasan by Nepomuceno Productions.
Honed by years of acting, Susan earned the moniker "Queen of Philippine Movies" after starring in numerous blockbuster hit movies.
Some of her movies were Ang Daigdig Ko’y Ikaw (1965), Maruja (1967), Patayin Mo Sa Sindak Si Barbara (1974), Manedyer... si Kumander (1982), Nasaan Ka Nang Kailanagn Kita (1986), Inday, Inday sa Balitaw (1986), and Mano Po 2: My Home (2003).
Her achievements in the local entertainment industry have been impressive.
Aside from her blockbuster hits, she collected five FAMAS awards, two of which were Best Actress trophies.
But did you know?
Aside from being the "Queen of Philippine Movies," Susan was also known as "The Face That Refreshes" as attested by old photos in her prime that have been posted on social media through the years.
At her peak, Susan was also the most sought-after celebrity endorser.
She was tapped as the face of several brands such as Coca-Cola, Lux, Blend 45, and Lavoris, among many others.
Even during her last years, the much-loved and respected actress continued to appear in TV commercials for brands such as RiteMed and Champion.
Her winning ways, good looks, and mounting popularity also landed her dozens and dozens of magazine covers.
One of her most beautiful moments happened during her wedding to Fernado Poe Jr.
The couple tied the knot on Christmas Day, December 25, 1968, at the Santuario de San Jose Parish in Greenhills, San Juan City.
She looked effortlessly stunning in her classy and sophisticated wedding gown designed by Asia's Fashion Czar Pitoy Moreno.
Through the years, Susan mastered the art of aging gracefully.
And she showed grace and beauty even up to her last day.
She shared her beauty secret in an interview in 2018, "It's accepted, lahat ng tao, tumatanda pero, siguro, salamat na lang sa Panginoon, at kung anong wrinkles meron ako ay happy wrinkles.
"Hindi beauty product ang Ritemed, pero dahil siguro maingat ako sa kalusugan ko."
Getting enough sleep was her most important beauty secret.
"Maingat tayo na kung hindi naman kailangang magpuyat, importante rin ang pahinga."
Diet, of course, played an important role in how she kept herself healthy at that time.
She said, "Like our diet, I don't go for fad diets. I just taste. At my present age, I taste everything. I do not indulge."
Susan also said she had been doing the "bawal masarap" diet, as advised by her doctor.
"Puwede kang kumain ng kahit gaano karaming seafoods, pero alisin mo ang aligue ng alimango.
"Huwag mong kakainin yung ulo ng hipon. Huwag kong kakainin ang taba ng tiyan, ng bangus. Ang lechon, hindi na tayo natuto [sa] lechon..."
READ MORE:
- Alex Gonzaga, Bela Padilla, Bianca Gonzalez mourn death of Susan Roces
- Cast ng Ang Probinsyano, nagbigay-pugay kay Susan Roces sa 80th birthday ng movie queen
