27 Reasons why they love Susan Roces

If you ask me, my reason is this: I love Susan because up to now she’s still “The Face That Refreshes.”

Tomorrow, July 28, is Susan Roces’ ’ty-two birthday and the date also happens to be The STAR’s 27th anniversary — two stars shining with distinctive brilliance in their respective firmaments — so I asked 27 people close to Susan to give their own reasons.

1. Marichu “Manay Ichu” Maceda: She has a very positive attitude about life. She looks at everything with a half-filled glass, never as a half-empty one.

2. Regal Matriarch Mother Lily Monteverde: I want to call Susan Miss Sunshine because she can turn a gloomy day into a bright one with her infectious smile.

3. Charo Santos-Concio: If there’s one person in the industry who I admire for having so much grace, professionalism, worthy of emulation and honorable integrity, it would be Susan Roces. This explains why she has been in this industry for so long.

4. Gloria Romero: I love Susan because she is very down-to-earth, a true friend, and she will always be a queen in my heart.

5. Sen. Chiz Escudero: Because she’s frank and intelligent, and will always tell you the way it is with a mother’s love and concern.

6. Boots Anson-Roa: Susan is proof positive that “If you love life, it will love you in return!” Happy birthday, Susan!

7. Helen Gamboa: I love Ate Sue/Ate Henya, as I fondly call her, because she is a very positive and very nice person inside-out. I will always treasure the time we spent working in Walang Hanggan where I felt we were really sisters!

8. Sen. Loren Legarda: I love Ate Susan because of her strength in facing even the most difficult challenges in life, including FPJ’s death, yet she exudes a compassionate persona. She’s a woman of courage and an amazing grace.

9. Sen. Grace Poe: She is a loving mom and my best friend. She is my most ardent ally and life coach.

10. Lorna Tolentino: I love Susan because she is very loving, thoughtful, kind, generous and positive!

11. Barbara Perez: I love Susan for her thoughtfulness. This she has shown over the years we have known each other, and for her sweet disposition as well.

12. Liberty Ilagan: I love Susan because she is so sweet and thoughtful. She is a giving person. She finds time to be with friends in happy and sad times. She shares fruit harvest of her farm.

13. Pempe Rodrigo: Susan is a beloved friend, a treasure and sister always ready to help others. She always makes you feel that you are not alone. Thanks, Susan, for being part of my life. God bless you always. Much love!

14. Baby K. Jimenez (BKJ): She’s constantly sincere, true and extremely thoughtful. She has taught me the different definitions of friendship…all in 49 years!

15. Pat-P Daza: I love Tita Susan because she laughs at my jokes, she’s so down-to-earth, easy to get along with and has a great sense of humor!

16. Danny Dolor: I love to listen to her melodious voice and the sound of her laughter. It’s so contagious! I love Susan for her immaculate image na para bagang walang bahid ng anumang pagkakasala. She’s like a solitary LILY that blooms in the morning of December.

17. Ronald Constantino: Susan speaks with wisdom. She sees the good side of people…even those hard to like.

18. Ethel Ramos: Susan, actress, friend and a fellow late-FPJ fan.

19. June Torrejon-Rufino: She is a sincere person who cares for people. And she is malambing, a true-blooded Ilongga.

20. Shirley Kuan: I love Manang Inday kasi totoong tao siya. Very simple and down-to-earth. A mark of a true Queen!

21. Lolit Solis: I love Susan because she makes you feel her kindness, saka sarap niya kausap. Well-rounded siya, ang dami niyang alam. Sayang, siya sana ang pinakamagandang First Lady na mag-bibigay pride sa Pilipinas.

22. Malou Choa-Fagar: I love Susan because she gives back the love that you give her.

23. Girlie Rodis: I love Susan Roces because as a child, I remembered meeting her with her sisters at a party at (Sampaguita boss) Dr. (Jose) Perez’s house. She was everything as child looked up to in a movie star. Four decades later, up close and personal, she is still everything a movie star should be — regal, elegant and engaging.

24. Dolor Guevarra: Totoong tao!

25. Lillibeth Perez-Nakpil: I love Tita Susan because in my opinion she is truly a woman of substance…and I do not only love her but admire her as well because she is every inch a lady yet strong, kind and very principled in life!!!

26. Lawrence Tan: I love Susan for her grace and integrity in everything she does. There is always a quiet intensity about her that is always honest and thoughtful of others.

27. Bing Manalo (recruitment head of GMA Artist Center and good friend of long standing of Susan’s family): I eternally love Tita Susan because among all movie queens who reigned in Philippine Showbiz, she is the only one who maintained the true essence of a queen in all aspects of her life, both on and off camera, yet she has remained humble and reachable, a trait worth emulating by everyone in and out of the industry. On a personal level, I am always overwhelmed and blown away by the surprises she gives me. Love you, Tita Susan!

(E-mail reactions at [email protected]. You may also send your questions to [email protected]. For more updates, photos and videos visit www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on www.twitter/therealrickylo.)