THE family of the late actor Fernando Poe Jr. inaugurated during the weekend the FPJ Ecopark in San Carlos City, Pangasinan as they commemorated the 20th death anniversary of the celebrated action star.
FPJ, or Roland Allan Kelly Poe in real life, died on December 14, 2004 at the age of 65.
The ecopark, also known as the San Carlos City Esplanade, was put by the city government in memory of the late actor. It will serve as a tourist attraction and offers an oasis for relaxation and family gatherings.
“We are grateful to the local government for naming the landmark after FPJ. Even if he is no longer with us, a place like this reminds us of FPJ’s love for family bonding and enjoyment,” Sen. Grace Poe said.
San Carlos City is FPJ’s hometown.
Sen. Poe, his son Brian and half-sister, actress Lovi Poe, on Saturday commemorated FPJ’s death with a Holy Mass at the family mausoleum at the Manila North Cemetery.
After the Mass, the Poe family traveled to San Carlos City and also attended a Mass at the Minor Basilica of Saint Dominic.
During the celebration at the Manila North Cemetery, Sen. Poe told the late actor’s friends and supporters: “In his idealism and love for the Filipinos, we are reminded to stay the course because even simple deeds can have an impact in making our people’s lives better.”
Brian said: “Lolo showed that everyone has the capacity to explore, imagine and give back to our country in the path we choose.”
FPJ starred in at least 300 movies, some of which he directed and produced through his FPJ Productions Inc.
He bagged numerous movie awards, including a FAMAS Hall of Fame Award and a Lifetime Achievement Award from Gawad Urian.
He was conferred a posthumous National Artist Award, which his family formally accepted in 2012.
FPJ Productions has partnered with GMA Network to air in the first quarter of 2025 the collection of digitally-restored FPJ classics.
