MANILA, Philippines — The Embassy of Mexico celebrated the Day of the Dead or “Dia De Los Muertos” through a reception and exhibit of the Mexican Ofrenda last Tuesday, November 8, at the Official Residence of Mexico.
This year, their traditional Altar de Muertos or ofrenda is dedicated to two beloved characters in Mexico and in the Philippines — Filipino veteran artist Susan Roces, also known as the “Queen of Philippine cinema” and Mexican ranchera singer Vicente Fernández, a cultural icon with more than 100 albums and more than 30 films.
As the Dia De Los Muertos in Mexico coincides with the Filipino commemoration of Araw ng mga Patay, the Embassy of Mexico incorporates Philippine elements, in recognition of this beautiful nation, such as banig, rataan kwintas, abaniko, coconuts and palm leaves. There are also the typical components of these dates, such as catrinas and sugar skulls, pan de muerto, salt and cempasúchil (marigold) flowers, whose characteristic smell is said to please and attract souls, and, of course, our ofrenda also includes colourful papel picado, in commemoration of life and the possibility of having a visit from our departed loved ones, even if only for a brief moment.
Susan Roces (real name Jesusa Sonora Poe) is also the widow of ‘The King’ Fernando Poe Jr., also a Filipino Icon. The actress died on Friday evening, May 20, 2022.
Roces starred in over 100 Filipino films. She also starred in ABS-CBN major TV Series such as ‘Walang Hanggan’, ‘Sana Bukas Pa ang Kahapon’ and the ongoing Action Drama Series ‘Ang Probinsyano’ where she was famously known for her role as ‘Lola Flora.’