Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia extended his sincerest sympathies to the family of veteran actress Susan Roces (Jesusa Purificacion Levy Sonora-Poe) who passed away Friday.
Known as the Queen of Philippine Movies, Roces’ demise left a void in the hearts of millions of her fans and admirers who followed her showbiz career that spanned almost seven decades, Leonardia said in a statement he issued yesterday.
“On a personal note, Ms. Susan Roces is a co-alumni at La Consolacion College-Bacolod. She was also a student of my elder sister, Ninfa. Growing up in our beloved city, she brought honors to Bacolod as she embarked on a movie career when she was only 14 years old,” the mayor said.
Leonardia recalled that in one of the gatherings of LCCians some years back, he was seated next to her as a former alumni president. Roces was a very warm and endearing person despite her celebrity status– a cinema icon and a valuable pillar of the Philippine movie industry. Both Roces and her late husband, Fernando Poe, Jr., often referred to as “Da King”, are indeed national treasures whose contributions are as invaluable as their talents.
“As she departs to the great beyond to be with our mighty Creator, I am certain that Senator Grace Poe and her children, will be comforted by the love and prayers of the millions who mourn her passing,” he said.
Again, on behalf of the people of Bacolod City, my deepest condolences to Ms. Roces’ family, friends and legions of followers, Leonardia added.*
