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The icon we love

The late "Action King" Fernando Poe Jr. (Photo reproduction from the archives of Mowelfund/Mike Alquinto/NPPA Images)

Eight years ago, the nation mourned the passing away of an era with the death of Fernando Poe Jr. (FPJ), King of Philippine Movies. Throngs of fans lined up to pay their last respects to a man whose fans refused to see him 'die' in the movies, and whose co-actors and fellow workers in the industry constantly remember for his kindness.

FPJ lives on in many different places — in the hearts of the common people he portrayed in the movies, in his wife Susan Roces, his daughter Grace Poe and the many industry workers whose lives he touched and improved as their producer.

The National Artist award President Noynoy Aquino gave him this year may have long been overdue. But it's still as timely as ever, a constant reminder of a man who spoke little but felt a lot, who fought and succeeded to keep his family afloat at an age he should be enjoying all the pleasures of youth.

Here's to you, Da King. May your memory live on in the hearts of the people you wanted to serve, but got robbed of the chance to.

You must now be smiling in heaven, where the Great Director makes sure the lights never fade away, and the non-stop action keeps everyone wanting for more.