Grace Poe recalls fondest memories with late dad Fernando Poe Jr.

It's been 20 years since Fernando Poe Jr. died, but his memory will forever remain in the mind and heart of his daughter, Senator Grace Poe.

On the sidelines of FPJ Productions Inc.'s contract signing with GMA Network on Tuesday, the lawmaker spoke to GMA News Online and looked back on her fondest memories with her late dad. 

Poe said FPJ was a loving and protective father.

"Alam mo ang pinakamasaya kong alaala ko kay FPJ ay palaging kapag niyayakap niya ako. Kapag nagluluto siya para sa akin. Nagluluto 'yan eh, paminsan-minsan," Poe said, adding that her favorite cuisines of her dad are "prinitong adobo" and the "gambas" dish made of shrimp.

"Tsaka si FPJ talagang iba iba ang pakiramdam eh. Kahit na sabihing tatay mo, o uncle mo, kung nakikita mo siya sa tunay na buhay at sa pelikula ganon. Parang larger than life talaga. So para sa akin hindi ko makakalimutan ang pag-aruga niya sa akin." 

FPJ, whose name is Ronald Allan Kelley Poe in real life, suffered a stroke and succumbed to multiple organ failure on December 14, 2004.

Before his passing, the action star left a stellar legacy in the Philippine entertainment industry, immortalizing himself in the hearts and minds of the Filipino masses. He had become an important figure in Filipino pop culture, often being referred to as "Da King" and the "King of Philippine Movies."

FPJ starred in numerous iconic films, such as "Ang Panday," "Iyo ang Tondo, Akin ang Cavite," and more in his over 40-year career.

He bagged numerous accolades, including a FAMAS Hall of Fame Award and a Lifetime Achievement Award from Gawad Urian. He was also conferred a posthumous National Artist Award, which his family formally accepted in 2012.

—MGP, GMA Integrated News