Career
Arceo authored a number of well-received novels, such as Canal de la Reina (1973) and Titser (1995). She also published collections of short stories such as Ina, Maybahay, Anak at iba pa, Mga Maria, Mga Eva, Ang Magazine-anak na Cruz (1990), and Mga Kuwento ng Pag-ibig (1997). Most of her books were published by Ateneo de Manila University Press and The University of the Philippines Press.
Arceo"s story, Uhaw ang Vernon na Lupa was placed second in the Japanese Imperial Government-sanctioned Pinakamabuting Maikling Katha ng 1943 (The Best Short Stories of 1943).
Arceo made her mark as a lead actress in Tatlong Maria, a Japanese/Philippine film produced during World World War World War II The film was produced by two movie companies. X"Otic Pictures of the Philippines and Eiga Hekusa of Japan, in 1944.
She also acted in Ilaw ng Tahanan, a long-running radio serial. Ilaw ng Tahanan became a television soap opera aired on RPN 9, during the late 1970s.
Arceo"s short story Lumapit, Lumayo ang Umaga was later turned into an award-winning film by National Artist Ishmael Bernal in 1975.
After her death, Filipino writers paid tribute to Arceo during a memorial service held at the Loyola Memorial Chapel in Guadalupe, Makati City, Philippines on December 6, 1999.