She was a typical movie fan in the late '50s and early 60s. Her favorite actress was Gloria Romero. Still is.

One day, while vacationing in Manila (their family was then residing in Bacolod which was not a city then), an uncle took her to a visit to the Sampaguita Studios so she could see Gloria in person.

She remembers she was watching Gloria enact a scene when a kind-looking gentleman with a moustache approached her and asked her if she would want to try the movies.

He turned out to be Dr. Jose Perez, owner of Sampaguita Studios.

Dr. Perez suggested that she submitted herself to an audition.

Manay Ichu (Maceda), eldest daughter of Dr. Perez recalls that when she first saw Susan in the living room of their mansion inside the Vera-Perez compound, she was not at all impressed with her. Although she was flawless and pretty, she looked chubby and every inch a probinsyana.

When finally she emerged Queen of Philippine Movies, she was impressed not just with the "magic" her father did, but more so, what she did to herself.

In June 2005 she was one of the key figures calling for the resignation of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. In a fiery speech, she claimed that "She stole the presidency not once, but twice!"

Her very first movie was "Boksingera," where she played the title role and where she was teamed up with Luis Gonzales.

This was followed by many other movies. Her star, however, shone brighter when she teamed up with Juancho Gutierrez, Jose Mari Gonzales, Romeo Vasquez, and Eddie Gutierrez.

Surprisingly, not one among these gentlemen, Susan now says, courted her. Which is, perhaps, the reason why she has remained friends with them. Eddie, in particular, is always a permanent fixture in any gathering which she organizes. And vice versa.

She is also a good friend of Eddie's wife, Annabelle Rama.

She married Ronnie Poe in December 1968. Their marriage has remained one of the most enduring among all showbiz marriages.

Not the type who would talk much about her private life, she has yet to share with anyone why her marriage to Ronnie has remained intact through the years. In any case, they look the perfect couple anywhere and in any occasion they attend. She is, after all, considered the Queen and he, Da King.

They are doting grandparents to the two children of their daughter, Grace, the eldest of whom is 11 years old. In a few months, there will be an additional grandchild since Grace is pregnant with her third baby; the prospect gives Susan and Ronnie much excitement.

For a while, she chose not to do films. Nor would she consent to appear on television. She felt contented playing just the role of housewife to Ronnie Poe and a gracious and loving lola to her apos and pamangkins.

An exciting and challenging role has prompted her to agree to stage a movie comeback-that of the first wife, a Filipina, of an affluent Chinese businessman (played with aplomb by Christopher de Leon).

The film, "Mano Po 2," Regal Entertainment's entry in this year's Metro Manila Filmfest (MMFF) is doing very well at the tills.

She found it a pleasurable, if not challenging experience, working with a new set of stars who she describes as real professionals. Her scenes with Lorna Tolentino (who, incidentally, started as a child star in "Divina Gracia," a movie which Susan's movie outfit, Rosas Productions, produced) and Zsa Zsa Padilla, who played the other two wives of Christopher, are inimitable.

She would have loved to do more films, except that now Ronnie has announced his decision to run for Philippine President, so she will have to support and be at his beck and call most of the time.

• Erstwhile sister-in-law of Ricky Belmonte.
• Earned the tag "Queen of Philippine Movies".
• Her husband, 'Fernando Poe, Jr.', is the acknowledged "King of Philippine Movies".

Filmography :

1952 - Mga Bituin ng Kinabukasan - Nepomuceno Pictures
1956 - Miss Tilapya - Sampaguita Pictures
1956 - Boksingera - Sampaguita Pictures
1956 - Kulang sa 7 - Sampaguita Pictures
1957 - Sino ang Maysala - Vera Perez Pictures
1957 - Pasang Krus - Sampaguita Pictures
1957 - Mga Anak ng Diyos - Vera Perez Pictures
1957 - Mga Ligaw na Bulaklak - Sampaguita Pictures
1957 - Prinsesang Gusgusin - Sampaguita Pictures
1958 - Ako ang Maysala - Vera Perez Pictures
1958 - Mga Reyna ng Vicks - Sampaguita Pictures
1958 - Madaling Araw - Sampaguita Pictures
1958 - Tawag ng Tanghalan - Vera Perez Pictures
1958 - Ulilang Anghel - Sampaguita Pictures
1959 - Wedding Bells - Sampaguita Pictures
1959 - Mga Anghel sa Lansangan - Sampaguita Pictures
1960 - Beatnik - Sampaguita Pictures
1964 - The Dolly Sisters - Sampaguita Pictures
1965- Portrait of My Love - Sampaguita Pictures
1968 - To Susan with Love
1968 - Bakasin Mo sa Gunita
1968 - Bandana
1968 - Sorrento
1968 - Maruja
1968 - Kulay Rosas ang Pag-ibig
1969 - Perlas ng Silangan FPJ Production
1974 - Patayin Mo sa Sindak si Barbara
1977 - Gumising ka, Maruja
1986 - Payaso aka Clown
1988 - Buy One, Take One - Viva Films
1989 - Mundo Man ay Magunaw
1990 - Feel na Feel - Regal Films
1997 - Isinakdal ko ang Aking Ina
2003 - Mano Po 2: My Home