John Arcilla plays most challenging role to date

Movie Queen Susan Roces spoke out about the issues thrown at her daughter Senator Grace Poe. It was the mother taking the cudgels for her daughter who many believe is a strong contender for the presidency in next year’s elections and as a result, has become the target of criticism with regards to her being a foundling.

At the renewal of her contract for the detergent brand Champion which Tita Susan or Manang Inday (as she is fondly called in showbiz) had been endorsing for nine years now, the veteran actress took the occasion to defend her daughter.

When asked about Senator Grace being accused a drunkard and abusive to her househelp, Tita Susan jokingly answered that the person who said that probably watched too much FPJ (Fernando Poe, Jr.) movies.

“Such things should not be dignified. Whatever I say or by any member of my family, they won’t believe it if they really choose not to believe it. All I can say is, that is not our character. And for sure, I will not allow my daughter to have such character,” she said.

Tita Susan added that criticisms that Senator Grace is facing now are more hurtful compared to the criticisms leveled at her late husband (FPJ) who many believed was cheated of the presidency in the 2004 elections.

“The attacks are more personal. They are destroying her character. They have no right to call her such, although we should not get mad. Like what I’ve said when I was interviewed for Champion, we are free to express what we feel and this is a fine opportunity and I’d like to think of it on a positive note.”

“Now there is a chance to unearth what it is that they want. I would appreciate if they would be able to produce somebody who can match the DNA of my daughter. I would thank him because we have been looking for someone who can give us information as to the whereabouts of Grace’s biological parents because we have been looking for it,” she said.

She didn’t say if Grace is running for the presidency or the vice presidency. Whenever they have a chance to see each other, they use it as bonding time and don’t talk politics. But she is always there to advice her daughter if she asks for it.

“I don’t want to give any opinion or suggestion. If I see anything wrong, I give her my advice as a mother. But beyond that, I don’t want to meddle with what she does. We did our best to raise her as an independent person. We made sure that she is level-headed and we believe we have equipped her with the best values that she can use if ever she gets the opportunity to run the government,” she said.

Tita Susan said she never called Grace adopted and it is God’s will that she and FPJ be the parents of the child found in a church. “We are fortunate because the Lord gave Grace to us. That she was found in a church was a blessing. We are thankful that God willed that we have a child,” she added.

Going back to her endorsement of Champion detergent, Tita Susan lauds the people behind the company because they are constantly working hard to give the best product.

“The people behind Champion are true to their words when they say they are giving you the best product there is, because it is backed by research and they really ensure that the product is the best that there is in the market,” she quipped.

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If you love historical movies then you should watch “Heneral Luna,” a film directed by Jerrold Tarog and is produced by Artikulo Uno Productions. The screenplay is written by Henry Hunt Francia, E. A. Rocha and Tarog himself. “Heneral Luna” is one historical film that people will surely talk about long after they’ve seen the movie.

Playing Heneral Luna is noted stage actor John Arcilla who considers the role as one of the most challenging screen portrayals he has ever done. We had the chance to attend a special press preview of the film and we admire the guts of its producer in coming up with this kind of film that will make one question what he/she knows of the history of the Philippine-American war. The movie presents his character in a different dimension that what is presented in our history books – is he a hero or a heel?

Other stars in the movie are Mon Confiado (President Emilio Aguinaldo), Aaron Villaflor (Joven Hernando), Bing Pimentel (Dona Laureana Luna), Mylene Dizon (Isabel), Lorenz Martinez (General Tomas Mascardo), Joem Bascon (Col. Francisco “Paco” Roman), Epy Quizon (Apolinario Mabini), Leo Martinez (Pedro Paterno), Nonie Buencamino (Felipe Buencamino), Ketchup Eusebio (Captain Janolino) and Ronnie Lazaro (Lt. Garcia).

After watching “Heneral Luna,” it might make you think differently of the man who was one of the best generals of the Philippine revolution but is known for his volatile temper that led to his death. Do watch the film when it opens on September 9 in theaters nationwide.