Fallen Hero

Just past midnight yesterday, Fernando Poe Jr, more popularly known as FPJ in the moviescreen and in the face of politics succumbed to massive stroke. He is 65.

Looking back to his illustrious career, he is a candid gentleman who often portrays the hero character in action-fantasy films. Whether a policeman, a farmer or a Muslim leader, his personality captured the hearts of common townsfolk. Couple that with his low toned, soft-spoken voice he was a shoo-in as a model for righteousness. While many male movie stars are at least linked to various women, like his good buddy Joseph Estrada. His long-time wife Susan Roces is also a respected actress in her own right.

Personally I am not a big fan of him but the fact that he is distinctive of the rest: Dolphy has been married many times, Robin Padilla got hooked to drugs, Vic Sotto is a womanizer, Edu Manzano was rumored to be a gay, Sharon Cuneta married early and divorced later which is common to celebrities. Fernando Poe Jr at least was not into those type of intrigues.

His recent participation into politics was not in his perception until the last few months before the election of 2004. He wanted to help an ailing nation and at the same time, everyone is looking for someone to formidable enough to face an opponent who cut short his pare's Presidential career. It was not his fault to run; he finally gace way to the request of the masses.

When he lost the fight, upon the prodding of his followers and campaign managers, he had to defend what he thought was an opportunity stripped of him. He protested his loss but it did not take long enough for him to give way and support the newly-inaugurated President.

For a person whose acting career spanned half a century, he is an icon of the Filipino movies and a stabilizing force in an industry often rocked by controversy. Too bad he died too soon.