Remembering Jaclyn Jose: 5 iconic films of the award-winning actress

Jaclyn Jose was one of the most talented Filipina actresses of her generation. With her passing, she leaves behind a stellar legacy with her memorable roles and award-winning performances in both the big screen and the silver screen.

Celebrities have been pouring tributes to the veteran actress, who died on Saturday according to her talent management agency PPL Entertainment.

Let us remember Jaclyn with five of her most iconic films that left a mark in the Philippine entertainment industry.

1. Ma’ Rosa (2016)

“Ma’ Rosa” is a 2016 Filipino drama film directed by Brillante Mendoza. It stars Jaclyn as Rosa, and Julio Diaz, who played the role of Rosa’s husband Nestor. It follows the story of a poor family in Manila involved in the illegal drug trade. 

“Ma’ Rosa” is one of Jaclyn’s most critically acclaimed films, which earned her the Best Actress award at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival for her role as Rosa. She became the first Filipino and Southeast Asian actress to win such an award. 

2. White Slavery (1985)

The film “White Slavery” directed by renowned filmmaker Lino Brocka is one of Jaclyn’s first roles as an actress.

She played the role of Linet, one of the three poor girls from the province who were lured to go to Manila and were tricked into working in the sex trade.

3. Patay na si Hesus (2016)

“Patay na si Hesus” is a 2016 Filipino comedy film that follows the journey of a dysfunctional family from Cebu as they travel to attend the funeral of the family patriarch, Hesus. 

Jaclyn played the role of Iyay, a mother who dragged her family from Cebu to Dumaguete to attend the wake of her ex-husband.

4. Flor Contemplacion (1995)

Jaclyn played a supporting role in the 1995 movie “Flor Contemplacion,” directed by Joel Lamangan. The movie followed the true story of Flor Contemplacion (played by Nora Aunor), a Filipino domestic worker in Singapore who was convicted and executed for the murders of a fellow maid and a four-year-old boy.

Her role as Neneng, the mistress of Flor’s husband, Efren Contemplacion, earned her numerous acting accolades and nominations, including a FAMAS Best Supporting Actress nomination, and Best Supporting Actress awards from Gawad Urian and Luna Awards. 

5. Olongapo: The Great American Dream (1987) 

“Olongapo: The Gream American Dream” was also one of the first acting roles of Jaclyn Jose.

In the movie directed by Chito S. Roño, Jaclyn plays the role of Raquel who works in a hostess bar in Olongapo in hopes of making her American dreams come true. 

—MGP, GMA Integrated News