More than 7,000 fans of Fernando Poe Jr. gathered over the weekend at the Fernando Poe Jr. Esplanade and Eco Park in Pangasinan to commemorate the action superstar's 21st death anniversary and witness the unveiling of his statue in his hometown.
Billed as FPJ Lives On: The Unveiling and Legacy Concert, the event highlighted Poe's deep roots in San Carlos City -- hometown of the Poe family and the birthplace of his father, Fernando Poe Sr.
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The highlight of the celebration was the unveiling of Poe’s statue at the esplanade, accompanied by a plaque formally recognizing him as a son of San Carlos City.
The tribute honors Poe, affectionately known as “Da King,” as a symbol of courage, integrity and compassion — virtues rooted in his Pangasinense heritage. The statue serves as a lasting reminder of the national icon’s enduring influence on generations of Filipinos.
San Carlos City Mayor Ayoy Resuello also announced plans to recognize Poe's birthday annually.
“Dahil ang Da King ay taga-syudad ng San Carlos, kami po ay magpapasa doon sa Sangguniang Panglungsod, na tuwing August 20 po, ito ay magiging FPJ Day,” he said in a press release.
Poe's grandson, FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-list Congressman Brian Poe, expressed his gratitude to the people of Pangasinan for their continued support and pride in FPJ’s legacy.
“Kailangan nating maging proud na isang National Artist at naging Hari ng Pelikulang Pilipino ay taga dito sa atin sa San Carlos. Maraming salamat po sa tuloy-tuloy na suporta sa pamilya namin at sa tuloy-tuloy na pagmamahal kay FPJ,” he said.
Poe's daughter. former Senator Grace Poe, also recalled the unprecedented public outpouring of love during FPJ’s passing, underscoring why his legacy continues to resonate with Filipinos decades later.
“Noong December 14, 2004, alam po ninyo sa kasaysayan ng Pilipinas, iyon lang ang pagkakataon na siyam na araw ang lamay sa isang tao na walang patid ang pila. Kaya minahal ng tao si FPJ, hindi lamang dahil magaling siyang artista kung hindi alam ng tao na tapat siyang tumutulong sa kanyang mga kababayan,” she said.
The event concluded with performances by The MNY, LA Santos, and Itchyworms.