Susan Roces: Hands off in daughter Grace's work as MTRCB chief
While she may have considerable experience in politics being the widow of the late 2004 presidential candidate and action film star Fernando Poe, Jr., veteran actress Susan Roces says she is taking her hands off from matters concerning government even as daughter Grace Poe-Llamanzares was named chairperson of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB).
Susan says Grace is old enough to know what to do in her affairs as MTRCB chair and that she would only offer support in another way, raising her grandchildren.
"Hindi ako nakikialam. They're adults. Alam nila ang responsibilidad ng trabahong tinanggap nila. Tungkol sa anak kong si Grace, nakikita ko naman na kinakaya niya at napapakita niya ang responsibilidad na kinakaya niya. Siguro umaalalay na lang ako sa personal kung saan siya nagkukulang dahil hindi lang naman tungkol sa opisina meron din namang related na mga activities sa linya ng trabaho niya na eh pagka minsan may mga okasyon ang mga apo ko, mga anak niya, na hindi niya mapunuan, dun kami ng balae ko tumutulong," Susan explained in a press conference for the upcoming TV5 drama series, "Babaeng Hampaslupa."
The series is Susan's first major TV drama role since appearing in the GMA-7 ChristmaSerye "Sana Ngayong Pasko" in 2009. She remains one of most enduring stars in show business. At 69 years old, Susan is among a very few artists from her generation to still command a strong presence in the industry.
After over half a century as a respected actress, Susan is also one of the most sought-after artists in the business having been in film and television shows from virtually all major production outfits in the country. Currently, Susan is one of the rare talents whom the top TV networks have topbilled. ABS-CBN featured her in "Patayin Sa Sindak Si Barbara" in 2008 as part of the "Susan Roces Collection." TV5 completes the list, casting Susan in its first primetime drama series, "Babaeng Hampaslupa."
"I take it as a personal honor to be part of the cast of ‘Babaeng Hampaslupa.' It's not a remake of two other projects that have similar titles. This is a totally different story, which speaks of a feud between two families who happen to be tsinoys (Chinese-Filipinos).'"
Roces will play Helena See, a strong-willed Chinese-Filipino tycoon who engages in a clan war against George Wong, portrayed by Freddie Webb.
She is excited to work with the other cast members in the series, especially Alex Gonzaga whom she described as "multi-talented."
"This project is very memorable for all three of us (Susan, Alex and Alice Dixson); me, because it's something different, my first teleserye for a year and of course for five (TV5). Alice, after an absence of many years, is doing a comeback for this project and TV5 is launching Alex Gonzaga in her first drama series. She has proven herself in hosting, comedy, now it's time for her to do this drama."
Jay Manalo, Bing Loyzaga, Celso Ad Castillo, Karel Marquez, Alwyn Uytingco, Vandolph, Jenny Quizon and Martin Escudero are part of the show's supporting cast.
"Babaeng Hampaslupa's" target date of airing is on February 7, 2011 right after "Willing Willie."
Photo by Jerome Ascano, NPPA Images
