Long before Maruja, movie queen Susan Roces was Torkwata, a lonely girl wanting love and needing companionship all her life. She found both in a good man played by Eddie Arenas.
The young Torkwata was Marilou Cuadrado.
But before finding happiness, Torkwata had to endure years of hardship and abuse, inflicted by perennial contravida Zeny Zabala.
Torkwata (1957) was produced by Susan’s home studio Sampaguita Pictures, directed by Rosa Mia, and based on a Hiwaga Komiks story.
In Sampaguita Movies, Susan played Boksingera, Prinsesang Gusgusin, Susanang Daldal, Susanang Mali-mali, Susanang Twist, Debutante.
Outside Sampaguita, Susan was Florinda, Barbara, Divina Gracia and, of course, Maruja, the role most identified with her. — RKC