FPJ honored by thousands on 21st death anniversary
MANILA, Philippines — Philippine movie icon Fernando Poe Jr. (FPJ) was celebrated by both the old and the young as thousands gathered to mark his 21st death anniversary.
The anniversary gathering—whose huge turnout is a testament to the enduring legacy of “Da King"’—saw a strong presence not only of longtime FPJ fans and supporters, but also of hundreds of youth leaders and young Filipinos who have come to know the late actor through his films, values, and the stories passed down by family, friends, and communities.
Friends and family of FPJ were present throughout the gathering, continuing the legacy of “Da King” by standing alongside supporters who have kept his memory alive for more than two decades. From veteran supporters who marched with FPJ during his lifetime to young advocates from FPJ Youth and Kabataan sa Kartilya ng Katipunan (KKK), the event reflected a rare intergenerational bond rooted in shared admiration and gratitude.
Youth leaders spoke of how FPJ’s character and values continue to resonate, even among those who never personally witnessed his public service.
“Ang lagi pong tinuturo sa eskwuelahan, kung anong ugali mo, ‘yun din ang ugali ng mga magulang mo. Kung buhay pa po si FPJ ngayon, mas marami pa pong mga kabataan at mas marami pa pong Pilipino ang tutulong. FPJ is one of the best president we did not have,” said Andrei Garcia of Kabataan sa Kartilya ng Katipunan.
Supporters also shared memories of their early involvement and the courage it took to stand by FPJ during pivotal moments in his life.
“Year 2003, balik-tanaw po tayo, nang kami ay makilala ng provincial coordinator sa Lucena City. Naaalala ko pa po ang kantang ‘Bagong Umaga’ at yun po ay tumatak sa aming isipan at doon na po nagsimula ang aming pakikibaka upang ilahad ang kanyang mga adbokasiya. Hindi kami nahiya, hindi kami natakot upang ilaban si FPJ. Pinuntahan namin ang 95 barangay, walang takot at walang pag-aalala, basta ang gusto namin, ilahad si FPJ,” recalled Vernonia “Baby” Aradela, an FPJ supporter.
Others reflected on how FPJ’s heroism on screen mirrored the compassion he quietly showed in real life.
Rep. Brian Poe (FPJ Party-list) expressed gratitude to the thousands who attended, emphasizing that the continued gathering of people speaks volumes about FPJ’s lasting impact.
“Lahat tayo nandito dahil natulungan ni FPJ ang iba’t ibang sektor. Ano ba ‘yung gusto ni FPJ noon? Gusto niyang magbago ang sistema, maging mas maganda ang buhay ng bawat isa sa atin kaya ‘yon yung ginagawa natin sa pagpasok natin sa araw-araw sa aking trabaho. Sa totoo lang hindi ako naging Congressman dahil ako si Brian Poe, naging Congressman ako dahil sa pagmamahal ninyo kay FPJ… 21 years later, 3,000 people still came to wish him (FPJ) well,” he said.
For her part, Former Senator Grace Poe echoed the sentiment, pointing to the deeper reason behind FPJ’s enduring place in the hearts of Filipinos.
“Pag nakikita ko kayo, talagang tumataba lalo ang aming puso sapagkat alam namin na hindi kayo nakakalimot sa legasiya ni FPJ. Maraming maraming salamat sa inyong lahat sa patuloy ninyong pagdasal para sa kanya.”
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