MANILA - Some of the most popular local singers gathered on the "ASAP" stage on Sunday to pay tribute to the late "King of Philippine Movies" Fernando Poe, Jr.

Today would have been Poe's 78th birthday.

Among those who performed were Martin Nievera, Angeline Quinto, Rico J. Puno, Erik Santos and Rachelle Alejandro.

Zsa Zsa Padilla, Kuh Ledesma, Piolo Pascual, Toni Gonzaga and Sarah Geronimo also took part in the moving tribute.

They sang the theme songs of FPJ's movies including "Kamusta Ka, "Kapalaran," "Iduyan Mo," "Bato sa Buhangin, "Awitin Mo, Isasayaw Ko," "Kahit Konting Pagtingin" and "Doon Lang."

Speaking after the tribute, screen veteran Susan Roces said she really appreciated the gesture made by "ASAP" and ABS-CBN for her late husband.

"Una sa lahat, maraming maraming salamat sa inyong lahat sa inyong napakagandang awitin. Nagbabalik alaala ako habang ako habang ako ay nakaupo doon," she said. "Maraming salamat sa pagbibigay pugay ninyo kay FPJ sa ika-78 birthday niya kung siyang nabubuhay."

Also with Roces onstage was Senator Grace Poe, who revealed that her father used to serenade her mother all the time back when he was still alive.

Prior to the "ASAP" tribute, Roces and Poe led a gathering of family members, friends and long-time supporters of the actor at the Manila North Cemetery.

The Poe family expressed their appreciation and gratitude to the "die-hard" supporters who came from around the country.

"Sa mga sitwasyon, ang importante ay hindi tayo mawalan ng direksyon kung ano ba talaga ang tama at nararapat at ipagdasal natin na we remain courageous and compassionate. 'Yun ang dalawang bagay na hindi tayo maging duwag at hindi tayo mawalan ng awa at pagmamahal dahil 'pag meron tayo nun kahit na napakahirap ng hamon ay tatayo at tatayo tayo at ipaglalaban natin ang nararapat at tutulong tayo lalung lalo na sa mga mahihirap at walang boses," the senator said.

Poe said her father's memory remains alive, sharing how he urged Filipinos to help the poor and the needy.

"Si FPJ, hindi lamang sa pelikula nakipaglaban sa katarungan. Sa tunay na buhay, ang katarungan ay ibinigay sa mga nangangailangan. Hindi lang naman laging boxing lang si FPJtulong rin sa may sakit, tulong rin sa matatanda, tulong rin sa mga may problema sa batas na kailangan ng representasyon. Sa inyong lahat na hindi nakakalimot sa inspirasyon at turo ni FPJ, maraming, maraming salamat po," the senator added.