What makes a king? Here at the Manila North Cemetery stands the final resting place of Fernando Poe Jr. He was more than just an actor. He was Da King.
Fernando Poe Jr., born Ronald Allan Kelley Poe on August 20, 1939, captured the hearts of Filipinos. He died on December 14, 2004. His journey from stuntman to legendary actor is a tale of talent and hard work.
Poe’s father, Fernando Poe Sr., was also an actor. After his father’s death, Fernando Jr. became the family’s breadwinner. He dropped out of college to work in the film industry. Starting as a stuntman, he soon landed acting roles.
His breakout role came in 1956 with “Lo Waist Gang.” This film made him a star. Low-waist pants became a national fad. Poe appeared in about 300 films. He often played the champion of the poor and oppressed. Some of his notable films include “Only the Brave Know Hell” and “Ang Panday.” He also directed films under the names Ronwaldo Reyes and D’Lanor. Reyes was his paternal grandmother’s surname.
Fernando Poe Jr. won five FAMAS Awards for Best Actor. This earned him a spot in the FAMAS Hall of Fame in 1988. He also won Best Director for “Ang Padrino” and “Kahit Butas ng Karayom, Papasukin Ko.” In 2006, he was posthumously declared a National Artist of the Philippines.
Beyond acting, Fernando Poe Jr. entered politics. In 2004, he ran for president. He lost to Gloria Macapagal Arroyo by a narrow margin.
Poe was married to actress Susan Roces. She often played his love interest on screen. Together, they adopted a daughter, Grace Poe, who became a senator.
In December 2004, Poe was admitted to St. Luke’s Medical Center. He had suffered a stroke. He died on December 14, 2004, at the age of 65. Hundreds of thousands attended his wake and funeral. He was buried here at the Manila North Cemetery.
Eight years after his death, a monument was erected in his honor. It stands at the corner of Roxas Boulevard and Arquiza Street in Ermita, Manila. In 2023, Roosevelt station of LRT Line 1 was renamed Fernando Poe Jr. station.
Fernando Poe Jr.’s legacy lives on. He remains an icon of Philippine cinema. He entertained and inspired Filipinos. He also stood for justice and the common man. His films continue to be watched and celebrated today. His impact on Philippine culture is undeniable. Fernando Poe Jr., Da King, rests here. His memory lives on in the hearts of his fans.