Erich is Grace Poe in 'Maalaala Mo Kaya'

Tonton Gutierrez, Sheryl Cruz portray FPJ, Susan

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) -- Erich Gonzales will portray Grace Poe-Llamanzares in a TV re-telling of the life story of the former Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) chairperson.

Tonton Gutierrez, Erich Gonzales and Sheryl Cruz will portray Fernando Poe, Jr., Grace Poe-Llamanzares and Susan Roces, respectively, in an upcoming episode of "Maalaala Mo Kaya".

The 22-year-old actress has been tapped to play the senatorial aspirant in an upcoming episode of the long-running drama anthology "Maalaala Mo Kaya."

"Isa nga pong malaking karangalan na gumanap bilang isang Ms. Grace Poe dito sa life story niya. Makikita natin 'yung mga pinagdaanan niya, nung bata siya, nung paglaki niya, 'yung relationship niya po sa mga magulang niya, na king and queen and Philippine movies," Gonzales told ABS-CBN News on Tuesday.

The 44-year-old Poe-Llamanzares is the adopted daughter of the late film icon Fernando Poe, Jr. and veteran actress Susan Roces.

Gonzales said that while she has yet to meet Poe-Llamanzares in person, she intends to study her mannerisms and behavior by watching her interviews.

Portraying "Da King" and Roces in the upcoming "MMK" episode are Tonton Gutierrez and Sheryl Cruz, respectively.

Calling his being chosen to play FPJ an "honor," Gutierrez said he sought the "help" of the late National Artist to do the portrayal justice.

"He's been an institution in this business. Kumbaga nakikita ko siya, hindi ko man siya nakakasama sa pelikula, nakakausap ko siya, so lahat nung memories na 'yun, binabalik ko lang, kung paano siya kumilos, kung paano siya magsalita," Gutierrez said.

"Kinakabahan ako, but of course, sabi ko nga kay Tito Ron, 'Tito Ron, help me out.' It's an honor for me to be playing FPJ," he said.

Poe-Llamanzares, who is running for a seat in Senate in May, said she she hopes her story "will inspire others and will highlight the virtue of adoption."

"I also would like the story to pay tribute to the selflessness and generous spirit of my parents," Poe-Llamanzares told ABS-CBN News on Tuesday.

In November last year, the former MTRCB head said she hoped actress Bea Alonzo would portray her in a possible biopic.

"Although initially I expressed interest in having Bea Alonzo play my character, I understand her demanding work schedule. I am glad and thankful that Erich Gonzales, a good actress, was chosen for the role," she said.