FPJ monument unveiled

By on 3:27 AM

MANILA, Philippines – The monument of the late actor Fernando Poe Jr. was unveiled in Manila on Friday in time for the eighth death anniversary of the "King of Philippine Movies."


Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim spearheaded the ceremony held at the corner of Roxas Blvd. and Kalye Arquiza.

The event was attended by Poe's widow, actress Susan Roces, and their daughter, senatorial candidate Grace Poe Llamanzares.

Singer and composer Bayang Barrios, meanwhile, performed "May Bagong Umaga", Poe's campaign jingle in the 2004 presidential elections.

Poe's monument bears the words "Tunay na pangulo sa puso ng nakararaming Pilipino." Poe ran for president in 2004 but lost to Gloria Macapagal Arroyo amid cheating allegations.

Open to the public

In a recent interview, Lim said the monument will be open for public viewing as the city's way of showing its continued support for the late actor and his legacy.

"The people will continue to remember Poe for the kind of life he led, which continues to inspire his fans who are still very much around to show their support for him,” Lim said.

"Si FPJ ay tunay at sinserong kakampi ng masa. 'Di kagaya ng iba na nagpapanggap lamang.

Nalaman nga lang natin na marami pala siyang tinutulungan nung siya ay pumanaw na. 'Yun namang National Artist award na tinanggap ni FPJ ay long overdue and truly deserved that award,” he added.

President Benigno Aquino III confirmed the declaration of Poe as National Artist in 2006. The late actor's family refused to receive the award under the administration of then president Arroyo.