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Remembering ‘Da King’ Fernando Poe Jr through his iconic films

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Nikka Avegail Sabio

Push Team

<p>Today marks the 87th birth anniversary of one of the legends of Philippine cinema, Fernando Poe Jr., also known as “Da King.” His extensive filmography as an actor, director, and filmmaker reflected his dedication and love for his craft.</p><div> </div><p>Across decades of action films and dramatic roles, FPJ portrayed characters defined by courage, justice, family, and an unwavering sense of duty. These roles helped make him one of the most enduring icons in Filipino entertainment and an inspiration to generations of Filipinos.</p><div> </div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1787214145546OTD_30-FPJ-Birthday.png" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div><strong> </strong></div><p>Remembering him on his special day, here are seven films that revisit some of the memorable roles that shaped his remarkable career:</p><div> </div><div><strong>Ang Panday (1980)</strong></div><p>FPJ took on the iconic role of Flavio, a blacksmith who rises against the forces of evil to defend his people. Based on Carlo J. Caparas’ comic book series, <em>Ang Panday</em> follows Flavio and his magical dagger as he faces the forces of Lizardo.</p><div> </div><p>Top-billed and produced by FPJ himself, the film became a major success and was followed by three sequels. It also inspired several remakes over the years, cementing <em>Ang Panday</em> as one of the most recognizable action-fantasy film franchises in Philippine cinema.</p><div> </div><div><iframe width="1059" height="595" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YB7fRsTUlqA" title="Ang Hari FPJ on ABS-CBN: Ang Panday April 7, 2019 Teaser" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>Isang Bala Ka Lang (1983)</strong></div><p>In this action drama, FPJ portrayed Berting Rodriguez, a former policeman whose attempt to leave his violent past behind is challenged by circumstances that force him to seek justice.</p><div> </div><p>The film, which also starred Julie Vega, Marianne de la Riva, and Paquito Diaz, further showcased the action-hero persona that audiences had come to associate with FPJ. Its title, <em>Isang Bala Ka Lang</em>, would also become one of the most recognizable phrases from the local films.</p><div> </div><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=425&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FFPJProductionsInc%2Fvideos%2F4153839638220566%2F&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=560&amp;t=0" width="560" height="425" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>Ang Padrino (1984)</strong></div><p>FPJ starred as Emong Sanchez, a respected man who confronts corruption and threats within his community. Beyond playing the lead role, FPJ also directed and co-wrote the film, highlighting his work behind the camera as a filmmaker.</p><div> </div><p><em>Ang Padrino</em> was among the films that demonstrated FPJ’s involvement in shaping his own stories, both in front of and behind the camera.</p><div> </div><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FFPJProductionsInc%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0286zpNDhJJhfbDS1yVqDJEcdheo7n5wBHFNV4QiygDDDbyNbPdZnuU3Wt8vjWq147l&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" width="500" height="815" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>Dito Sa Pitong Gatang (1992)</strong></div><p>FPJ played another Berting in this action-comedy, this time as the barangay chairman of Pitong Gatang. His character crosses paths with Lambing, played by Nanette Medved, the strict, tough, and idealistic chairman of the neighboring barangay of Mariposa.</p><div> </div><p>The two strong-willed leaders initially clash but eventually fall in love, giving the film a mix of action, romance, and comedy. It also showed FPJ’s lighter side and his ability to bring warmth and humor to his larger-than-life characters.</p><div> </div><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=425&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FFPJProductionsInc%2Fvideos%2F1585525615664916%2F&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=560&amp;t=0" width="560" height="425" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>Ang Probinsyano (1997)</strong></div><p>One of FPJ’s most iconic films, <em>Ang Probinsyano</em> follows Kardo, a provincial police officer who assumes the identity of his deceased twin brother, Ador, to track down those responsible for his death. FPJ co-wrote, directed, and produced the film, which was followed by <em>Ang Pagbabalik ng Probinsyano </em>in 1998. </p><div> </div><p>Nearly two decades after its release, the story was adapted into a television series starring Coco Martin, which ran for almost seven years.</p><div> </div><div><iframe width="922" height="622" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/STTJznobUH4" title="FPJ&#x27;s: Ang Probinsyano Teaser: Soon on ABS-CBN!" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>Isusumbong Kita sa Tatay Ko (1999)</strong></div><p>FPJ took on the role of Badong Rivera, a devoted father whose relationship with his daughter Joey, played by Judy Ann Santos, is tested as they both navigate matters of the heart. The film offered a more personal and family-centered side of FPJ while retaining elements of the trademark of his action genre. </p><div> </div><p>One of its memorable moments was FPJ and Judy Ann’s playful song-and-dance performance of VST &amp; Company’s “Awitin Mo, Isasayaw Ko.”</p><div> </div><div><iframe width="1059" height="595" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/A6LvuovONP4" title="‘Isusumbong Kita sa Tatay Ko’ FULL MOVIE | Fernando Poe Jr., Judy Ann Santos" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>Pakners (2003)</strong></div><p>Marking his final film appearance, FPJ starred alongside billiards champion Efren “Bata” Reyes in Pakners. He played Nanding Escalante, a jeepney driver who forms an unlikely partnership with Manuel, played by Efren. The two bond over their passion and skill for billiards and team up to recover Manuel’s lost money, while Nanding also seeks to settle a score connected to his past.</p><div> </div><div><iframe width="1059" height="595" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ur5e4-8Re7s" title="Ang Hari FPJ on ABS-CBN: Pakners September 29, 2019 Teaser" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><strong> </strong></div><p>From the legendary Flavio to fathers, community leaders, police officers, and men seeking justice, FPJ’s roles reflected the values and struggles that resonated with Filipino audiences.</p><div> </div><div><iframe width="1059" height="595" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4TyGSrdLLOY" title="FPJ - Hari: The Making of Da King (Full Documentary)| ABS-CBN News" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2026/8/19/zoren-legaspi-says-he-is-emotionally-proud-seeing-success-of-alex-eala-1942" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>READ: Zoren Legaspi says he is ‘emotionally proud’ seeing success of Alex Eala</strong></a><strong></strong><br/></div><div> </div><p>More than two decades after his passing, his films continue to keep his work alive and preserve the legacy of “Da King” in Philippine cinema.</p>

<p><b>Today marks ‘Da King’ Fernando Poe Jr’s 87th birth anniversary.</b></p>

ON THIS DAY: Remembering ‘Da King’ Fernando Poe Jr through his iconic films

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ON THIS DAY: Remembering ‘Da King’ Fernando Poe Jr through his iconic films

Nikka Sabio,

Push Team

Published August 20, 2026 04:31 PM PHT

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