BAKIT KAILANGAN NG BANTAYOG SA LUGAR NA MAHIRAP ABUTIN?--POE

Sen. Grace Poe continues to shun the transfer of the remains of National Artist Fernando Poe, Jr., to the Libingan ng mga Bayani during the 12th death anniversary commemoration of her late father at the Manila North Cemetery.

"Bakit pa kailangan ng bantayog sa ibang lugar na mahirap abutin? 'Pag si FPJ ay mahirap abutin, mawawala ang diwa ng pagiging FPJ niya," the senator said in her brief speech expressing thanks to FPJ's fans and supporters.

FPJ's widow veteran actress Susan Roces joined Poe along with the senator's husband Neil, and children Brian, Hanna and Nika and relatives.

"Higit sa lahat, alam niya (FPJ) na dito sa Manila North Cemetery, ang pinakamahihirap nating kababayan ay pwedeng pumunta. Kahit anong oras, pwedeng magpa-picture kahit na diyan sa kaniyang tarpaulin," Poe said referring to FPJ's lifesize backdrop at his tomb.

Actor John Arcilla, who played the lead role in the biopic Heneral Luna, also paid tribute to Da King by singing the late movie icon's favorite songs Doon Lang, Kamusta Ka? and Kahit Konting Pagtingin.

Poe called on FPJ's supporters to contribute meaningfully to society, big or small, while exercising vigilance in addressing the country's current challenges, citing the heroism of Heneral Luna.

The Senator urged the public to take the time to watch the movie Heneral Luna, which tells the story of one of the country's unforgettable heroes, from whom the youth could learn nationalism.

The occasion was marked by a mass officiated by Fr. Larry Faraon followed by wreath laying and brief ceremonies.

Poe capped her speech by thanking FPJ's supporters for their undiminished love and loyalty, "Maraming salamat sapagkat sa tingin ko, iilan lamang at mabibilang lang natin sa ating daliri ang mga namayapa na patuloy pa ring pinupuntahan ng ating mga kababayan."

"Ang pagiging simple, ang pagiging mapagkawanggawa, ang pagiging mapagmahal sa kapwa (ang ipinamalas nya at ating sinusundan)," the senator said.

FPJ, or Ronald Allan Kelley Poe, was born on August 20, 1939, and passed away on December 14, 2004 at the age of 65. His wake and funeral procession saw the outpouring of support from a huge number of Filipinos. He was declared a National Artist posthumously. He starred in and produced more than a hundred films including Ang Panday and Kapag Puno na ang Salop.