WE GREW up watching the movies of Susan Roces, a true movie queen of the 1960s. We’re a true blue “Susanian” and we remember her being introduced in “Pilya” as support to Gloria Romero, then the queen of Sampaguita Pictures. After that, Dr. Jose Perez launched her to stardom in “Boksingera,” based on a komiks serial by Mars Ravelo, in 1956 when she was 15 years old.
Susan was supported by Luis Gonzales and Dolphy. It was only later she told us she did a movie as a child actress, “Mga Bituin sa Kinabukasan,” for Nepomuceno Productions in 1952, but it looks like no one saw it.
After “Boksingera” became a hit, she did more solo films like “Torkwata,” “Prinsesang Gusgusin,” “Susanang Daldal,” and “Debutante.” She also joined other Sampaguita stars in star-studded films like “Sino ang Maysala,” “Mga Ligaw na Bulaklak” and the omnibus films “Wedding Bells” and “Pitong Pagsisisi.”
With her rival, the other ‘60s movie queen, Amalia Fuentes, Susan did “Mga Reyna ng Vicks,” “Tawag ng Tanghalan” and “Tulisan.” She was often paired with Romeo Vasquez and would later help launch to stardom other actors, like Eddie Gutierrez and Jose Mari.
One of her most memorable movies with Sampaguita is the true-to-life drama, “Dope Addict,” based on the exploits of Manila Times reporter Rod Reyes.
In 1965, she was allowed by Sampaguita to do films with other companies and she did “Ang Daigdig Ko’y Ikaw,” her first movie with Fernando Poe, Jr. that led to their on and off-screen romance. This was a huge blockbuster so they did more films together, like “Pilipinas Kong Mahal” (a war movie), “Magpakailanman” (a musical), “Perlas ng Silangan,” and “Zamboanga” (both costume dramas), “Divina Gracia” (with Susan playing a dual role), “Langit at Lupa” (one of the best love stories ever), and the comedies “Karnabal” and “Manedyer, Si Kumander.”
Susan also did movies for FPJ’s other company, D’Lanor, “Si Siyanang at ang Pitong Tsikiting” opposite Ricky Belmonte, who would later be her brother-in-law.
In “Pepe en Pilar,” she helped in launching the career of Ronaldo Valdez, and for Lea Productions, she did the hit film version of the komiks novel about reincarnation, “Maruja.”
Later on, Susan would put up her own company, Rosas Productions, and she produced several films, like, “To Susan with Love,” “Bandana,” “Kulay Rosas ang Pag-ibig,” “Florinda,” the horror flicks “Patayin Mo sa Sindak si Barbara” and “Maligno,” both directed by Celso Ad. Castillo that gave her two FAMAS best actress awards.
But for us, Susan’s best film is “Ana Roberta,” where she played the missing heiress of Rosa Mia. She actually played two roles, the real heiress and the fake one. She deserved a best actress award for her performance in this film produced by Ambassador Productions. We asked her if she has a copy of it but she said there’s no existing print at all. How sad.
She also did hit drama movies with Regal Films, like “Nasaan Ka Nang Kailangan Kita” and “Paano Kung Wala Ka Na” and with Seiko Films, such as “Mundo Ma’y Magunaw” and “Ubos na ang Luha Ko.”
We first met Susan Roces in 1978 when she produced and starred in the horror-drama, “Gumising Ka, Maruja,” directed by Lino Brocka. The PR was her friend Baby K. Jimenez, who brought us to Susan and FPJ’s home in Greenhills. Our interview came out as a series of articles for the then Daily Express.
After that, we would see Susan every now and then in other press cons and showbiz gatherings and she was always warm and friendly to us. The last time we saw her was at the blowout of “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano,” where she played Lola Flora. We were lining up at the buffet table when someone touched our shoulder, saying: “Kumusta ka na?” When our wife passed, Susan came to condole with us.
Farewell, dearest Tita Swanie. You left a lasting legacy in Philippine showbusiness. We will never forget you and you will forever stay in our hearts. You will surely be missed! May you rest in peace in our Lord’s bosom.
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(Susan Roces passed away surrounded by her loved ones on Friday, May 20. Her wake will be open to the public until Tuesday, May 24 at the Heritage Memorial Park in Taguig City.)
