| The young Fernando Poe Jr |
Ronald Allan Poe was a hesitant young man when he entered showbiz. But because he has to fend for his family when his actor father, Fernando Poe Sr died and to take care of the movie production outfit his father left behind, he dropped out of school and pursue an acting career.
He can act and sing but his looks and physique are not suited for a matinee idol and he had difficulties in fitting in to a boy-next-door image. It was a blessing that action stars are in demand and he started his acting career having the "brusko" image. He had several musical movies but less the singing part opposite Eddie Mesa and Zaldy Zorthnack in premier productions.It was in "Pitong Gatang" movie opposite Zaldy Z, people saw the potential action giant in him and his name Fernando Poe Jr became synonymous to action flicks in the Philippine movie industry.
Larry Santiago Production decision to concentrate on action films and create a brood of action stars that made Fernando Poe Jr the action king in the making. He started making pure action movies with another potential action king in the person of Joseph Estrada. They made several movies together and friendship between the two blossomed. The likes of Jess Lapid Sr, Ramon Reveilla (changed his image from matinee idol to action star) also made movies with him and made Larry Santiago Production as one of the "Big Four" among Philippine movie companies.
But being a versitile actors, Fernando Poe Jr was also paired with leading ladies in drama-action flicks and this brought him closer to women movie goers. After being a contract star, Fernando Poe Jr relived his father's movie outfit and started producing his owm movie under FPJ Productions.
Fernando Poe Jr has a quiet lovelife and rumors spread about his romantic relationships but none were confirmed as true. It was only then when he made movie with Susan Rocess that his lovelife became public. The two eloped and was married in a small municipality north of manila (Valenzuela) by its mayor. It was the biggest love scope in Philippine movie history. Their wedding was tagged as wedding of the year and a royal wedding as both are king and queen of the Philippine Movies The couple lead a quiet marriage life and made movies together breaking box-office.
Fernando Poe Jr asserted his claim to the action king title when arch-rival Joseph Estrada entered politics and was elected major of San Juan Municipality.
Fernando Poe Jr's reign as Action king of the Philippine movies was undoubtedly filled with box-office hits. Among his memorable films were Asidillo, Aguila, Iyo ang Tondo,Akin ang Cavite, Ang Maginoo't Balasubas, Tatlong Hari, Mediavillo, Partida, Ang Leon at ang Kuting, Magnum 45, Zamboanga, Roman Rapido, Batang Quaipo and the AngPanday series. He was idolized by the Filipino masses not only as an actor but a man with a good heart.
This character of him that made him endeared to the hearts of the Filipino. He entered politics when his bossom friend was ousted as President of the Philippines and run in 2004 Presidential Election against Gloria macapagal-Arroyo. He lost the presidency not because he was outvoted but cheated.
He died a broken man because he did not realize his dream to see his beloved people see the light. But his death did not end his reign as people still love him the way they have loved him when he's still alive. The Filipino people will be forever remember their King and his memories will be forever enshrined in their hearts. Long live the King. Long live Fernando Poe Jr.
credits to the owners of the photo
