Reyna ng Pelikulang Pilipino

Posted on July 18, 2010 by @ffv Standard

Si Celso Ad Castillo ay marami nang naunang eksperimento. Pero pumaltos sa pamantayan ng mga manunuri. Maraming nagsuspetsa na may ibubuga siya, pero hindi lang talaga maibuga nang nasa tiempo. Malimit ang kanyang pelikula ay maingay at maraming sobra. Halimbawa, maraming karahasan na wala namang katuturan ang kanyang Madugong Daigdig ni Salvacion, seksing walang kadahilanan (pinagandang garapal) ang kanyang Pinakamagandang Hayop sa Balat ng Lupa, numero unong manggagaya ang kanyang Maligno, at sabog-sabog ang kanyang pinakamagandang nagawa, ang Daluyong at Habagat. Kung may magkamali mang pumuri kay Celso, iyon nama’y halos pakunsuelo-debobo lamang, at hindi ito sapat para itaas ang kanyang pedestal sa ranggo nina Bernal, Brocka at Romero. Wari ngang napako sa komersiyalismo ang direktor na inaabangan maglalabas ng natatagong talino.

Lalong nagduda sa kanyang kakayahan ang mga kritiko nang kumalat ang balita na gagawa siya ng serye sa TV na ala Cleopatra Jones na papamagatan naman niyang O’Hara. Pero ang direktor na ipinapalagay na laos ay biglang pumalag nang walang kaabog-abog. Bigla’y nabalitang may inihanda raw itong pang-festival na ikinataas na naman ng kilay ng kanyang mga kritiko. “Aber tingnan,” ang pasalubong sa balita. At sa preview ng kanyang Burlesk Queen, biglang napa-mea culpa ang ayaw maniwalang may ibubuga si Celso. Tiyak na naiiba ang Burlesk Queen, kahit ikumpara sa mga naunang trabaho ni Celso at sa iba pang direktor na nagtangkang tumalakay sa paksang ito.

Matagal-tagal na rin namang nauso ang kaputahan sa pelikula, pero walang nakapagbigay ng katarungan sa lahi ni Eba bilang Pilipina at bilang puta. Sa Burlesk Queen, para kay Celso ay hindi nangangahulugan ng pagpapakita lamang ng utong, puwit o singit, kung hindi isang seryosong pagtalakay sa damdamin ng mga tauhan sa isang kapanipaniwalang dahilan na nangyari sa isang makatotohanang kapaligiran. Sa kanya, ang tao ay hindi basta maghuhubad at magtatalik. Maraming pangyayari sa buhay ang dapat munang linawin at unawain, at iyon ang basehan ng kasaysayan.

Simple lamang ang plot. Isang tinedyer si Vilma Santos na alalay ng isang original burlesk queen, si Rosemarie Gil. May tatay na lumpo si Vilma, si Leopoldo Salcedo. Si Rosemarie naman ay may kabit na isang hustler, si Roldan Aquino. Nang iwanan ni Roldan si Rose, nagwala ang huli. Naging lasengga siya at tumangging magsayaw sa tanghalan. Mabibitin ang palatuntunan, kaya’t si Vilma na talaga namang may ambisyong magsayaw ang pumalit. Hit naman sa manonood si Vilma. Sa bahay, pilit kinukumbinsi ni Vilma si Pol na payagan na siyang maging full time dancer. Ayaw ni Pol, mas mahalaga sa kanya ang prinsipyo at delikadesa. Sapagkat wala namang ibang pagkakakitaan, si Vilma rin ang nasunod sa bandang huli. Nag-suicide si Pol nang hindi na niya masikmura ang pasiya ng anak. Si Rollie Quizon naman ang binatilyong masama ang tama kay Vilma. Nagtanan sila at nagsama. Pero hindi sanay sa hirap si Rollie. Sa pagpili sa pag-ibig o ginhawa sa buhay, ang huli ang pinahalagahan niya. Nagkataon namang buntis na si Vilma. Sa pag-iisa sa buhay, nagbalik siya sa pagsasayaw. Nagsayaw siya ng nagsayaw hanggang duguin siya sa tanghalan at malaglag ang kanyang dinadala. Bagamat simple ang plot ay hindi naman masasabing simple ang pamamaraang ginawa rito ni Celso.

Sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon ay nangyari sa isang pelikula ang pagsasama-sama ng magandang istorya, mahusay na direksyon, magaling na pag-arte ng mga tauhan, masinop na musika, magaling na editing at angkop na sinematograpiya. Sa Burlesk Queen ay nagsama-sama ang talino ni Celso (direktor), Mauro Gia Samonte (story and screenplay), George Canseco (musical director), Ben Lobo (cinematographer), at Abelardo Hulleza (editor). Kung may ipipintas sa pelikula, iyon ay ang hindi malinaw na pagbuhay sa panahon na nangyari ang kuwento. Kung minsa’y maiisip na nagyari ito sa panahon ng kasikatan ni Elvis noong 1950s. Pero kapag pinansin na maraming long hair sa extra, may wall paper at synthetic na sako ang bahay nina Vilma ay maaari namang sabihing baka naman pa-Elvis craze lamang ang mga tao roon. Pero may pulitiko, at Yabut, at may dagdag pang Connie Francis bukod sa motorsiklong Lambretta at mga kotseng Buick. Kung sabagay, maliliit na detalye lamang ito na agad makakalimutan kapag ang inasikaso ay pagbuklat sa magagandang punto ng istorya.

Tingnan natin ang ilang magandang eksena sa pelikula. Sa ikalawang eksena ay nagtatanong si Vilma kay Rosemarie kung puwede rin siyang maging dancer. Walang malinaw na sagot si Rose, pero ang timing ng background music na It’s Now or Never ay makahulugan. It’s Now or Never nga, payo ni Elvis. At kung kailan siya maaaring mag-umpisa, Tomorrow, sabi ng kanta. Ang ganitong sagot ay nasa mukha ni Rose, pero hindi na kailangang sabihin. Ang ganitong pamamaraan ay tinatawag na creativity ng direktor, na nagdagdag ng ibang pamamaraan sa paghahayag ng damdamin ng tauhan. Sa paglakad ng istorya, dapat ding pansinin kung paano ang characterization ay binubuhay dito. Halimbawa, sa isang eksena na nangyari sa isang patahian ay nag-abot sina Dexter Doria, ang bagong kabit ni Roldan Aquino, at si Rose. Naroroon din si Vilma at sa hindi kalayuan ay si Rollie. Maliwanag na may kani-kanyang pangangailangan ang mga tauhan at magkakasama sila sa iisang eksena. Walang nakawan ng eksena na naganap dito. Naginsultuhan sina Dexter at Rose, natameme si Roldan at waring walang pakialam sina Rollie at Vilma na panay na panay ang kindatan. Lalo namang walang pakialam ang dalawang pulubi na tumutugtog ng violin (na siya ring background music) sa mga nangyayari. Limos ang mahalaga sa kanila.

Sa eksenang ito’y may gamit ang lahat ng tauhan, wala sa kanilang nagsilbing dekorasyon, walang nag-o.a. at parepareho nilang ginawang makatotohanan ang komprontasyon. Magandang halimbawa ito ng synchronized acting. Kung allusions naman ang pag-uusapan, marami ritong mga sariwang metaphor na mababanggit. Isa rito ang mahusay na pagpapakita na birhen pa si Vilma sa sex act nila ni Rollie. Habang nasa likod ng tanghalan ay may nagaganap sa magkasintahan, sa tanghalan ay nang-aliw naman ang mga acrobats na sinundan ng isang madyikero na tumutusok ng sariling noo, nagbabaon ng pako sa ilong at lumululon ng espada. Masakit tingnan iyon. At ganoon din ang nararanasan ni Vilma sa likod ng tanghalan sa piling ni Rollie.

Hindi rin madaldal ang pelikula. Kung itatanong kung paano tinanggap ni Pol ang pasiya ng anak, nagtulos na lamang siya ng isang makahulugang kandila sa altar na para na ring sinabing “bahala na ang Diyos sa iyo”. Kung paano naman ipinakitang naging mananayaw na nga si Vilma, sapat nang ipakita ang isang trak na nagbababa ng isang wheel chair na ipapalit sa lumang tumba-tumba ng ama. Maging ang paglakad ng panahon ay nararamdaman din ng manonood kahit hindi ikuwento o ipakita ang kinagawiang pamamaraan at ulat ng “nalalaglag na dahon ng kalendaryo o dahon ng puno kaya”. Sunod-sunod na cuts na nagpapakita sa uri ng palabas sa tanghalang kinabibilangan ni Vilma ang ginawa ni Celso. Saka ito sinundan ng kuha naman sa bahay nina Vilma at Rollie. Nag-iinit ng tubig si Vilma habang nakikinig ng dula sa radyo tungkol sa buhay ng isang asawang tamad at iresponsable.

Ganoon nga ang nangyayari sa buhay ng dalawa, at may kasunod ring “abangan sa susunod na kabanata”. Sa paghihiwalay ng dalawa, sapat na ring iparinig ang awiting You’re All I Want For Christmas, para buhayin ang irony na nagaganap sa relasyon ng dalawa. Kung makinis ang exposition at pagbuhay sa conflict ng istorya, malinaw rin ang paghahanda sa wakas ng pelikula. Si Rose na laos na ay naging mumurahing puta. Si Dexter kahit hindi ipakita ay maliwanag na sumama na sa ibang lalaki. Si Roldan ay may bago nang kabit at napatay sa spiral staircase ng tanghalan na siya rin niyang dinadaanan sa paghahatid sa dalawang naunang kabit. Si Rollie, ang mama’s boy, ay natural bawiin ng ina. Si Vilma ay nagsayaw-nangnagsayaw. Sa simula’y mahinhin at nakangiti at kaakit-akit hanggang sa pagbilis ng pulso ng tambol at pompiyang ay naubusan ng ngiti, tumagaktak ang pawis at manghina ang ligwak ng kanyang balakang, upang sa pagbuhay sa damdamin ng manonood ay siya namang maging dahilan ng pagkalaglag ng sanggol na kanyang dinadala.

Sa labas, matapos ang pagtatanghal, may tatlong bagabundong naiwan na nakatangkod sa larawang pang ‘come on’ ng burlesk queen, habang ang kadilima’y bumabalot sa kapaligiran. Kung matino ang kaanyuan ng pelikula, ay ganoon din ang masasabi sa nilalaman. Makatotohanan at masinop ang pagtalakay sa buhay ng isang abang mananayaw. Tinalakay rin dito kung paano siya tinatanggap ng lipunan at inuusig ng mga tagapangalaga raw ng moralidad. Maging ang empresaryo ng tanghalan na ginampanan ni Joonee Gamboa ay may konsiyensiya rin at nagtatanong sa atin kung anong panoorin ang dapat ibigay sa isang ordinaryong Pilipino na hindi kayang pumunta sa mga mamahaling kainan upang manood tulad halimbawa ng Merry Widow at Boys in the Band. Sila, aniya ng mga ‘dakilang alagad ng moralidad na nagdidikta at kumu-kontrol sa moralidad ng komunidad’, katapat ng munting kasiyahan ng isang Pilipinong hindi ‘kaya ang bayad sa mga ekslusibong palabas ng mayayaman.’ Samantala’y busy tayo sa paglilibang at sa kanila’y walang pakialam ngunit may handang pintas at pula sa mangahas lumabas sa batas ng moralidad ng lipunan. – Jun Cruz Reyes, Miyembro Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino Manila Magazine Dec. 1-31, 1977

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26 Days in Amsterdam

Posted on July 6, 2010 by @ffv Standard

There was both sunshine and a little rain when the KLM 747 flight which took us from Manila to Amsterdam finally landed at the Amsterdam Schipol airport. The air terminal was huge, but bigger was the crowd, mostly Filipinos residing in Amsterdam, who welcomed us. Although there were happy smiles in their faces, I eagerly looked around for familiar faces. Sure enough, Gil Portes, my Miss X director, and Mark Gil, my leading man, were there. Both waved happily at me. I waved back at them.

“Where to now?” I heard my mommy ask Gil when all the proper and necessary introductions were conducted. “Since it is a Sunday,” Gil suggests, “Why don’t we hear mass at the church of the Bigginhoff?” The church is situated in a strategic area, along several residential houses, and it is one of the only two Catholic churches in Amsterdam. Since between the two churches, it is the Bigginhoff which celebrates one mass in English, it is where most Filipinos attend their Sunday mass. The front yard of the church, after the mass, serves as a melting pot of sorts for most Filipinos. It si here where they renew acquaintances, exchange tete-a-tete, or get the latest tsismis about a fellow Filipinos. It is in this area where my group and I chanced upon Eddie Gutierrez, who was on the last leg of his European tour. Eddie works as a promotional salesman for Belcraft International, a firm which has its main office in Canada and which specializes in household wares.

We had a hearty meal at the Aide residence (the man of the house, Albert, is a jolly fellow; we all think he would do well as a comedian. Gil and his group stayed with him and his wife, Mila, and their only daughter, four year old Rachel) with the newly assigned utility girl for the production, Batangas beauty, Rose Perez, and her assistant, Arthur Dotollo, serving us their own concoction of Filipino dishes. Actually, it was because of Rose and Arthur and, of course, my mommy why we never missed a serving of whatever Filipino food that catches our fancy.

In any case, you would think that because of the seemingly endless 20-hour flight we went through, I would choose to have a long nap after meal. No, I didn’t. Instead, right after we had unpacked our luggage at the house assigned to us (located at 24 Vanhouweningestraat and owned by Chit Mallo), I asked Gil and Mark to accompany me in making rounds of Amsterdam. Since they’d come ahead of me; they mush know the place like hell, I even kidded them.

“But Vi, stores in Amsterdam are closed on Sundays, ” Gil warned me. Apparently, he thought I wanted to go on a shopping spree, as is the usual case among woman travelers. “But Gil,” I reasoned, “at least, give me the chance to get the “feel” of Amsterdam before we start shooting tomorrow morning.” Indeed, I wanted, in particular, to ge the ambiance of the popular “red light” district before we finally explore the area for the much-needed highlights in Miss X.

As expected, touring the entire Red Light district, watching the girls do their “thing” inside their display windows and accommodating a customer for a 15-.minute moment of pleasure was a truly marvelous experience. But mind you, the girls have class, and with a capital C, no less.

There is no age limit among the participants, I noticed. Thus, there are girls on display who appeared even much younger than my sister Winnie (and she is 17), while a few looked old enough to be grandmothers. But most of the girls are about 18 and above. Sila rin and pinuputakti ng mga marino. Where their dressing habits are concerned, there seems no particular requirements. So, you see them clad in different attires, but mostly the attires enhance the girls’ ’exiness. But they are quite expensive attires. There are a few, though, who take to wearing just a panty and a bra. Me, when my turn came to be “one among them,” I chose to wear a fiorrucci one-piece bathing suit, Ano, patatalbog?

Inside their “cubicle,” actually the size of an ordinary excaparate which can house one mannequin, the girls can pose any way they want. Hence, you find someone sitting atop a table reading a book or a magazine. Or, there is one in a reclining position and she usually has for company her dog. Yes, kahit sa pagdi-display sa sarili, kanya kanya silang patalbugan. But one thing apparent in all these cubicles is the small red bulb, placed at an angle where it would help enhance the occupant’s prominent features.

Let me tell ou about the “room” where the girls usually take their customers, granting that they have agreed on the price. It is a small and compact room, no different from the smaller room in two-bedroom apartments. There is a double bed on one side, and across it are two toilet bowls, one for the male customer and the other for the lady occupant.

There is a small bar along the doorway and on display are bottles of wine of different sizes and brands. Funny, but we had no chance to ask whether a customer pays more for a gulp or two of any of the brands. But one thing about the room, it si spotlessly clean. And guess what, only a red lamp lights the room.

It is said that each girl in the escaparate, even on what is known as the lean season, gets as much as 300 to 400 guilders a day. Which is big moola, if you ask me. No wonder, when Gil and Danny Datu, acting producer of Miss X in Amsterdam, talked to the girls for a short appearance in the flick, they had a hard time convincing them. But it is of course, going ahead of the story.

The weather suddenly became extremely bad when we had our first day of shooting. Since I promised to be thoroughly authentic even with my costumes in this particular movie, I had mommy shop for me new jackets, gloves, shoes and some other paraphernalia. The amount she spent was a big dent in our pockets, considering the fact that we were spending in pesos but buying in guilders (a guilder is equivalent to four bucks, Philippine money). But what is an extra amount compared to what my wardrobe would contribute to the credibility of the flick?

Really, if not for an unpleasant incident, which involved the loss of our cameraman, Mang Bert Bitong, Nagra, the Polaroid camera which Miss X assistant director, Roger Vivero used for continuity purposes, and Mark’s newly bought pair of boots, we actually had encountered no problem in the shooting.

More of less, here’s how the robbery incident happened. Since the scene which to be shot would see Mark walking along an area where disco clubs and nightclubs abound, Albert, who acted as both our driver and tour guide, parked the utility van, which the entire group used for the shooting at a place close by.

Obviously, Albert has had no experience of being burglarized in all of his six years in Amsterdam. Thus, when they discovered what happened, he was so surprised, it took a while before he managed to brace himself. Then, he said, “Don’t you worry, magtatanong ako kung paano mababai iyon.”

“No need to worry really,” say someone who overheard Albert, “somebody will call you tomorrow morning.” True enough, Albert got an early call from the supposed leader of the group and he demanded the amount of 600 guilders for the return of the nagra. Poor us, we had no choice but to accede to the demand.

Happily for all of us, nothing untoward happened since then. We managed to even finish shooting the entire movie ahead of schedule.

Now that I am back home, things which I should have done and which I shouldn’t keep rushing back into my mind. Truly, my days in Amsterdam continue to evoke memories for me, both pleasant and otherwise. For example, how can I forget the group who made up Miss X? They were such a happy lot that I would love working with them again. Gil, my director, despite himself, is a dear. I love the guy, since I know he loves me, too.

Mark G., my leading man, will forever hold a special place in my heart. He proved so sweet, so pleasant to work with, so much so, I pray he will succeed. And my Ductch leading man, Max van Os, he did make my last days in Amsterdam memorable. I will always take him as one of the most warm-heated persons I’ve ever met in my whole life.

My memories of Amsterdam will never be complete without me mentioning the kindness and generosity of the Filipinos residing there. The way they welcomed and treated us in their respective homes truly amazed me. I love them all and will cherish their memories for a long, long time. – “26 Days in Amsterdam” by Vilma Santos as told to Ethelwolda A. Ramos, Photographed by Bing Cruz, Expressweek December 20, 1979 Source: Pelikula At Iba Pa

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Kisapmata Wins Nine Awards

Posted on July 6, 2010 by @ffv Standard

Kisapmata, a movie about a deranged retired policeman, got nine of the 13 awards, including best picture, in the 1981 Metro Manila film festival awards ceremonies held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines last night.

The movie, earlier banned from being shown until the hearing on a suit involving it starts on Jan. 4, also won for Mike de Leon the best director award, De Leon, together with Clodualdo del Mundo and Raquel Villavicencio, also won the best screenplay award. Vic Silayan, the lead actor in Kisapmata, won the best actor award, Jay Ilagan and Charito Solis were adjudged best supporting actor and actress, respectively. Kisapmata, produced by Bancom Audiovision, also got the best production design, best sound, and best editing awards.

This year’s best actress is Vilma Santos, who appeared in Sining Silangan’s Karma. Other awards went to Pagbabalik ng Panday, for best cinematography and best child performer (Bentot Jr.); Kamlon, best musical scoring; Kapitan Kidlat, also for best child performer (Dranreb). Press photographers walked out shortly after the evening show started. A man who was directing people on the stage shooed the photographers away, saying they were not allowed near the stage. – The Times journal December 28, 1981, Source: Video 48 (READ MORE)

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family life in the 70s

Posted on July 5, 2010 by @ffv Standard

Ate Vi’s family life in the 70s Nostalgia ang theme natin for this issue. So, I will write about Ate Vi noong October 1970. After staying in an apartment sa may Bambang, Tondo, Manila and later sa isa uling apartment sa La Loma, QC, nakabili na si Ate Vi ng bahay sa isang bagong subdivision sa Quezon City rin.

Isang katamtamang laki ng bungalow sa may Cenacle Drive ng Arfel Subdivision ang bagong bahay ni Ate Vi. Simplicity at elegance ang masasabing keynote ng bagong bahay na ito. May tatlong bedroom na pawang carpeted and all covered by wallpapers, which was the fad then. Incidentally, the said bedrooms ay pulos air-conditioned ding lahat. Carpeted din ang loob ng kanilang living room na kumpleto ng mga makabagong furniture. Adjacent to the living room is the dining room with a fabulous dining set good for 12 person. Dalawa ang kusina. The dirty kitchen is situated at the back of the house while the main kitchen is connected to the servant’s quarter. Kumpleto rin ang nasabing dalawang kitchen ng modern equipments. At the back of the house ay ang isang maluwang na terrace na sadyang pinagawa ni Ate Vi para sa kanyang mga fans. Sa may bandang gate ay ang wide at cemented driveway na siyang tinitigilan ng kanilang dalawang kotse. Ang landscaping ng buong bahay ay simple lang ang pagkakagawa yet very fascinating naman to everyone’s eyes. Sa may gilid ng bahay ay may grotto rin na palaging inaalayan ni Ate Vi ng bulaklak. Katabi ng bahay ni Edgar Mortiz. After Arfel, tumira si Ate Vi sa Bel-Air Subd, Makati, then sa Dasmarinas Village sa Makati rin. She also had a house sa Monterey Hills Subd. sa Marikina. Ang alam ko hindi niya tinirhan ang bahay niya sa Monterey, although dito siya nag-celebrate ng kanyang 20th birthday. For practical reasons, dahil na nga sa sobrang laki ng bahay sa Dasmarinas Vill., they decided to sell it at bumili sila ng isang mas maliit na bahay sa Magallanes Village, also in Makati, although hindi rin naman maliit ang bahay sa Magallanes, it has 5 bedrooms at may basement at swimming pool pa ito. Dito nagtagal si Ate Vi, until she bought the house where she is staying until now sa Green Meadows sa QC. Curious lang ako, ano na kaya ang itsura ng unang bahay ni Ate Vi ngayon? Sino kaya ang nakatira doon ngayon? Siguro, it will take another issue for that. Meanwhile, let us enjoy how it looked like to live in the ‘70s. –Written by Eric Nadurata, V Magazine 2007

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Governor Vilma Santos talks about her family, showbiz, and politics

Posted on July 5, 2010 by @ffv Standard

Mauurong sa isang taon ang shooting sa New York ng Star For All Season at Batangas Governor na si Vilma Santos para sa unang pelikula na pagsasamahan nila ni John Lloyd Cruz under Star Cinema, na supposed to be ay kukunan ngayong Nobyembre. Napabalita kasi na posibleng sa New York na rin magse-celebrate ng kanyang birthday si Governor Vi on November 3.

“Hindi,” tanggi ni Governor Vi sa panayam sa kanya ng PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal). “Dito ako magbe-birthday. Alam ko nga magku-co-host ako sa Wowowee. Tapos nangako si Kris [Aquino] na dadalhin niya sa Batangas ‘yung Deal or No Deal. So, looking forward ako diyan.”

Sobrang nag-enjoy naman si Governor Vi sa naging experience niya as celebrity contestant sa Kapamilya Deal or No Deal last Friday, August 17. Mapapanood ang episode ni Governor Vi ngayong Huwebes, August 23.

Mula sa taping niya ng Deal Or No Deal, dumiretso si Governor Vi at ang mga naimbitahan niya for dinner sa Annabel’s restaurant sa Tomas Morato, Quezon City.

EDU MANZANO. Dito nakipagkwentuhan si Governor Vi sa ilang entertainment press na sinamahan siya sa taping. Obviously, na-miss ni Governor Vi ang showbiz kaya ang dami-dami niyang kuwento. Naging biruan at tuksuhan ang paglabas ng ex-husband niya na si Edu Manzano sa guesting niya sa Deal Or No Deal.

Nasorpresa si Governor Vi kay Edu dahil akala niya ay si Banker ang bababa at makikipagsayaw sa kanya. Walang choice si Governor Vi kundi ang makisayaw kay Edu sa tugtog ng ‘theme song’ nito sa Pilipinas, Game KNB. Naniniwala ba si Governor Vi sa kasabihang “old flames can be friends”?

“Ay, siguro that’s one perfect example kami ni Eduardo,” sabi ni Vilma. “In spite of everything, we’re still very close friends. We always talk ‘tsaka ano, e, kapag kailangan niya ako, nandun ako. Kapag kailangan ko siya, nandun siya. And yet, meron na kaming sari-sariling buhay.

“Nirerespeto niya si Ralph [Recto, her second husband]. Ako naman, nirerespeto ko rin ‘yung partner niya [Edu] at mga anak niya. Si Lucky [Luis Manzano], nandiyan palagi sa kanya. Mahal siya ni Ryan [Christian, her youngest son with former Senator Recto].”

RYAN & LUIS. Nagkasama na noon sina Edu at Ryan sa dating sitcom ng una with Aga Muhlach sa ABS-CBN kaya kahit papaano ay may bonding na silang dalawa. Ngayon, pinayagan na rin ni Governor Vi na mag-artista si Ryan gaya ng kanyang Kuya Luis.

“Hindi naman ‘yung talagang mag-aartista na si Ryan. Special guest, uh, permanent special guest ng Goin’ Bulilit siya once a month.”

Bakit hindi pa maging regular member ng show si Ryan?

“Huwag, nag-aaral pa, e,” sabi ng actress-governor. “Pinagbibigyan ko lang, gusto kasi ring mag-artista. Mahilig talaga si Ryan. Kaya once a month, ‘Sige, mag-guest ka anak.’ Sabado naman ang taping, e. Si Bobot [Edgar Mortiz] pa ang direktor. I trust Bobot naman. ‘Tsaka maganda naman ang grade niya [Ryan].”

How true na dinagdagan niya ng P100,000 ang talent fee ni Ryan?

“Hindi naman!” natatawang sagot ni Governor Vi. “Pinagbibigyan ko lang ‘yung hilig ng bata. At least, kapag maganda naman ang grade niya at saka he has his own money na. Kasi gusto ko ma-experience niya ‘yung tinatrabaho niya, ‘yung pera niya. And then, ina-appreciate niya kasi like, ‘Mommy, can I buy toys?’ ‘Okay,’ sasabihin ko naman sa kanya. Kasi pera niya ‘yon at wala namang problema sa grades niya.

“But now, I tell him na, ‘You work hard on it, use your money.’ Iyon ang ginagamit niya. Di ba as early as that, e, natututo siya? E, ganyan din ang training ko kay Lucky.”

Speaking of Luis, hindi ba siya naiinip na mag-asawa na si Luis?

“Naku, hindi!” tawa ni Governor Vi. “Bayaan na muna siya kasi natutuwa ako na ganyan lang siya. Nakikita ko na every time na nag-uusap kami, nakikita ko pa ang enjoyment niya.

“Ngayon pa? Ang mga bata ngayon, matatatagal na mag-asawa and not for anything, lalaki pa si Lucky. So, 26 [years old] lang siya, bayaan mo na siya. Kaya lang, kapag may makita lang na kasama ng anak ko, parang girlfriend na niya.

“Kapag malapit lang naman siya, malambing lang siya. ‘Tsaka yung ginagawa niya, ganyan talaga siya, di ba? Nagsu-surprise siya ng dinner, nagsosorpresa siya ng bulaklak. He’s really like that.”

Si Mariel Rodriguez daw ang pinakamalapit sa puso ngayon ni Luis. Ano ang masasabi ni Ate Vi rito?

“Okay lang sa akin,” sagot niya. “Walang problema kung sino ang gusto niya. Hindi naman ako ang makikisama Nakikita ko lang si Mariel, pero ‘yung sabihin mo nagkilala na kami ni Mariel, hindi pa.”

What about si Anne Curtis?

“Yes, si Anne nakilala ko rin siya,” sabi ni Governor Vi. “Ano naman niya ‘yon, e, parang soulmate niya, di ba? Okay naman ‘yon.

“E, si Angel [Locsin] naman…” patuloy niya. “Ano ba itong kay Angel? Ano ba ‘yan? Kilala ko si Angel, e, hindi ba nagkasama kami sa Mano Po 3? Mabait ang batang ‘yan. They’re close.”

Masuwerte raw si Governor Vi sa mga anak dahil bukod sa mapagmahal, may malaking interes pa ang mga ito sa pag-aaral.

“Kahit anong pagod ko, sila ang nagibibigay ng adrenalin sa akin. I thank God kasi intact ang pamilya ko. Kung ‘yan makakagulo sa pamilya ako, hindi ako tatakbo,” pahayag niya.

RALPH RECTO. Wala raw political agenda si Governor Vi after her first term as governor of Batangas. Lagi lang daw niyang iniisip ang kapanakanan ng kanyang constituents sa tuwing iniluluklok siya sa public office.

“Sa ngayon, we’re still in the process of housekeeping. Siguro by second or third week of September, maluwag na. Kasi ngayon, inaalam ko na lahat. Inaayos ko ‘yung fiscal management, ‘yung financial status ng Batangas. Tinutulungan ako ni Ralph.

“Alam mo, laking tulong sa akin ni Ralph kasi pagpasok ko, hindi magulo. Ngayon, itinatama ni Ralph ngayon ang pagsasaayos ng financial status ng Batangas na magiging madali sa akin to understand. Kasi may budget dito, nandidito; may budget dito, nandidito. So, inaayos ngayon ni Ralph sa akin na kung ano ‘yung klase ng pag-aayos ng budget ko sa Lipa. Ganun niya inaayos para mas maging kumportable ako,” lahad ng gobernador.

May naiwang pera naman daw ang dating nakaupo sa Kapitolyo ng lalawigan ng Batangas.

“Tama naman,” sabi ni Governor Vi. “Ayun, naka-ready na ako for my one hundred-days project. Naka-ready na ako ng six months. Ginagawa na namin ang 2008 budget. Tinutulungan ako ni Ralph, malaking bagay ‘yon.”

Kumusta naman si Ralph na hindi pinalad nang tumakbo itong muli para senador noong huling halalan.

“He’s much better now. Sabi ko nga, e, huwag namang ipahintulot ni Lord…sabi ko nga, blessing din ‘yung ano [pagkatalo]. Kasi I cannot imagine myself, buong Batangas na, tapos hindi ko maayos nang tama ‘yan? Kaya napakalaki ng tulong ni Ralph sa akin ngayon.

“Ngayon, isang sabi na lang, alam ko na agad. E, nung una, hindi ko alam kung saan ko kukunin ang budget. Ngayon, inaayos niya para pag magdesisyon ako, alam ko na agad.”

Ayon kay Governor Vi, may posisyon daw na inaalok kay Ralph sa gobyerno. Tatanggapin ba ito ng mister niya?

“Why not? Pero sabi niya, i-feel muna natin ang panahon kung nararapat kasi tatakbo ulit siya 2010. Definite na ‘yon,” aniya.

KORINA & NORA. During the May elections, nabalita na nagkatampuhan sila ng news personality ng ABS-CBN na si Korina Sanchez. Okay na ba sila ngayon?

“Wala naman,” sabi ni Governor Vi. “Nakausap ko na si Korina. I mean, at this point in time, para ano pang magtatampo ka? Magtatampo ka for a while, pero para itanim mo pa? Tapos nakikita mo kung ano ang nangyayari diyan?”

Bilang panghuli, kinuha namin ang pahayag si Ate Vi tungkol sa kanyang archrival at superstar na si Nora Aunor na naninirahan ngayon sa Amerika. Ayaw na raw kasing bumalik ng Pilipinas ni Ate Guy hangga’t hindi bumababa or nagpapalit ng administrasyon ang pamahalaan ng Pilipinas at balita ring nagpakasal ito sa kanyang manager na si Norie Sayo.

Tahimik muna si Governor Vi ng ilang sandali. Hangga’t maaari raw ay ayaw niyang magbigay ng pahayag, lalo na sa ganyang isyu. “Mahirap, e. Kahit ano ang sabihin ko, still, may mga magre-react. Sa akin, let’s just respect her decision,” pagtatapos ni Governor Vi. – Written by Julie Bonifacio, Tuesday, August 21, 2007, PEP

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Quotes from Peers

Posted on July 5, 2010 by @ffv Standard

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As I browse my compilations of old magazines i realized how ate vi is being idolized by her colleagues in showbiz. Here are some quotes from them.

Armida Siguion Reyna – Simula ng mapanood ko si Vilma sa Trudis Liit naging Vilmanian na ako. Nobody comes close to her.

Snooky Serna – Naging huwaran ko si ate Vi hindi lang sa career ko kundi maging sa personal kong buhay. I am very proud to be a Vilmanian.

Sharon Cuneta – Bata pa ako hindi pa ako artista talagang idol ko na si Ate Vi. Pinupuntahan ko pa yan sa bahay niya para lang makita at maka-usap kahit ako lang mag-isa.

Kristine Garcia – Kahit 1/4 lang ng tagumpay ni ate Vi ang marating ko masayang masaya na ako. Talagang idol ko siya. Idol siya ng buong pamilya ko.

Ai-Ai Delas Alas – Kung alam lang ni ate Vi kung ilang beses akong nadapa sa paghahabol na makita siya. Siya ang naging inspirasyon ko sa pagpasok ko sa showbiz.

Korina Sanchez – Simula noon hanggang ngayon pagbalibaligtarin man ang panahon VILMANIAN PA RIN AKO.

Amy Austria – Si Vilma Santos ang idol ko. Maganda na , magaling pa.

Rio Locsin – Type ko siya. Ang husay husay niya.

Lea Salonga – Vilma is an actress that can compete with the top caliber actresses in Hollywood. She is an epitome of a real queen of Philippine Cinema. I really look up to her.

Dawn Zulueta – Makasama ko lang si Ate Vi sa pelikula gagawin ko kahit libre.

Carlos Agassi – Ng makasama ko si mMama Vi sa pelikula feeling ko puwede na akong mamatay.

Donna Villa – Hindi kumpleto at walang katuturan ang pagiging producer ko kung hindi ako makagawa ng pelikula na bida ang hinahangaan kong si Vilma Santos.

Alvin Patrimonio – It would be a great fullfilment if I make a movie with nmy favorite Actress Vilma Santos.

Martin Nieverra – Vilma is my favorite actress. She is the only actress Ive known. Shes Great.

Jaclyn Jose – Bago ako pumasok sa showbiz, die hard Vilmanian na ako. Nakikipag-away pa nga ako dahil kay Vilma.

Ana Capri – Nangangatog ako ng una ko siyang ma-meet in person. Ganoon pala talaga ang feeling kapag naka face to face mo ang idol mo.

Glydel Mercado – Bata pa ako ginagaya ko na ang acting ni ate Vi. Idol siya ng Nanay ko kaya naging idol namin siya.

Rufa Gutierrez – I am very flattered when Lino Brocka said that I am the next Vilma Santos. But Vilma Santos is Vilma Santos shes incomparable.

Gabby Concepcion – For me Vilma Santos is the Greatest Actress of all times. – A Roll-on, V magazine, 2005

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Vilma…Born Winner

Posted on June 27, 2010 by @ffv Standard

And the winner is…Vilma Santos. The U.P. College of Mass Communication announces the choice of Ms. Vilma Santos as the recipient of Gawad Plaridel 2005. Born winner ngang matatawag ang QueenStar na si Vilma Santos dahil halos lahat ng larangan ng kanyang pinasukan ay naging matagumpay,hindi nga lang siguro siya Star for All Seasons and Reasons sa punto ng pagiging aktres. Laging kinikilala sa kanyang kahusayan sa magkakaibang panahon ng pamamayagpag, making her an actress for all seasons, indeed! Like the fabled Midas Touch, Vilma Santos seemingly has that power to transform into gold, whatever her petite hands can touch. In the movies and on television, she is the undisputed Star for All Seasons.On the domestic front, she is victorious mom to Luis and Ryan Christian.

Huling pinasok at sinubukan ni Ate Vi ang magulong daigdig ng pulitika. Sa kanyang huling termino bilang Ina ng Lipa City, pinatunayan niya kung gaano siya kaseryoso bilang aktres ay mas lalong pursigido na mapagbuti ang kalagayan ng kanyang kababayan at nasasakupan. Wala na ngang dapat patunayan pa si Ate Vi, tunay ngang siya’y na namumukod-tangi bilang bituin. Katangi-tangi siya bilang artista at lingkod-bayan. Sa malao’t madali, magbubunga ng maganda ang kanyang pagpupunyagi. Ipinapalagay na kundi man gobernador ng Batangas, nakatakdang tumuntong si Ate Vi sa Senado.

But all things considered, isa lang ang vision nais ni Mayor Vilma in 10 years from now, a place in Malacanang. Ang maging First Lady na hindi malayong mangyari. If ever na matupad, the Vilmanians will rejoice at sasabihing “Heaven.” And “You’re such a victorious lady.” As a star, Vilma Santos, is the last of the great movie queen. As an actress, well, she has nothing to prove anymore. Unarguably, Ate Vi has etched her mark in the local showbiz industry and maintain that status. Already being considered a pillar in the celluloid world, Vilma has claimed not only to great results of her movies, but to the critical acclaim that her movies enjoy.

Even the most rabid Noranians will have to concede to Vilma’s enduring popularity and spell-binding mass appeal. Bluntly and simply stated, Vilma is the country’s reigning movie queen, Sharon Cunetas’ presence notwithstanding. Vilma Santos is undeniably the country’s uncontested Star for All Seasons and QueenStar. Without a modicum of an exaggeration, her lofty achievements in the industry still have to be duplicated nor equalled by anyone. She is definitely one of the highest paid star, darling of the press and without scintilla of a doubt, showbusiness personified. She is the quintessential image of a real movie star-beautiful and glamorous, well-mannered and a seasoned actress. It is easy to be awed by Vilma Santos. The name warrants all caps in the Philippine entertainment: charisma that goes beyond unquestioned talent. – Written by Willie Fernandez V Mag 2005

Related Reading:

2005 Gawad Plaridel 1/2 (Video)
2005 Gawad Plaridel 2/2 (Video)

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Repost: Woman For All Seasons

Posted on June 27, 2010 by @ffv Standard

MAG 063

Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos proved that every woman could conquer whatever field she wants to pursue as long as she gives her heart and soul to it.

She’s so petite and yet so tall in all her accomplishments in life: as a loving and dedicated wife, a devoted mother to her two sons, a multi-awarded actress, a dedicated public servant and most especially a woman worth emulating. Indeed, Vilma Santos-Recto is also a woman for all seasons. She was able to cross the border of many boundaries in life, in her chosen profession as an actress and now as a public servant. “Gusto ko ang mga challenges sa buhay. Pag sinabi nila na hindi ko kaya, pinatutunayan kong mali sila (I love challenges in life. Whenever they underestimate my ability, I’ll prove to them that I can), ‘Vilma says when asked by Cito Beltran during the launching of Ponstan SF where she was launched as its official model endorser.

BEGINNINGS – Maria Rosa Vilma Tuazon Santos started as a child actress at the age of nine in Tudis Liit in 1963, the same movie that gave her first FAMAS best child actress award. The daughter of Milagros and the late Amado Santos, Vilma was seen by her mother as a real trooper. Mrs. Milagros recalls, “When she was still a little girl, I saw her ability to make it big someday.” Her mother, who was also present during the launching, was acknowledged by Vilma to have introduced her to Ponstan when she was just 21 years old. From Trudis Liit, Vilma transformed to be a lovely teen icon in the late ’60s until the ’70s with blockbuster movies like Lipad, Darna, Lipad, Dyesebel at ang Mahiwagang Kabibi, Kampanerang Kuba, among others.

WOMAN’S ROLES – With almost 200 films under her belt, Vilma is regarded as the longest reigning Box-Office Queen of Philippine Cinema. And among these films are critically acclaimed for tackling roles on various women’s issues. Burlesk Queen was one of the turning points in Vilma’s life and career. From being a sweet teen icon, she proved to be a mature actress in this movie. It was followed by other award-winning movies like Rubia Servious, Relasyon, Sister Stella L, Dolzura Cortez, Dekada ’70, Bata, Bata, Paano Ka Ginawa?, and Anak. A versatile and intense actress, Vilma honed her craft through the various top caliber directors, writers and actors she worked with.

MUSICAL SHOWS – Though Vilma admitted that only her fans would love to hear her singing prowess, Vilma’s musical variety TV shows emerged on top for many years – The Sensations, VIP and the long-running multi-awarded Vilma. Again, Vilma proved that she can make wonders whatever it takes. “It’s really blood, sweat and tears. But when you love your work, it will love you back,” she says recalling her struggles to stay on top of the entertainment industry.

THE BIG LEAP – Marrying Ralph Recto was one of the happiest changes in Vilma’s life and it turned to be the road to another career in her life. “I never thought that I will be a public servant, not in my wildest imagination,” Vilma admitted while talking to a lot of eager reporters and writers she obviously missed for a long time. “But this is the life I have now and I believe it was given to me because He (referring to GOD) wants me to make a difference in other people’s lives,” Vilma enthuses. The first woman mayor of Lipa and now the first woman governor of Batangas, Vilma considers herself lucky for having earned the trust of Batangueños. “Their faith in me is priceless,” says Vilma in another interview.

WOMAN STRATEGY – A real woman in all her endeavors, Vilma considers herself the mother of all her constituents in Batangas. She looks upon them as children who need her care and attention. “At first, I did the housekeeping of the province. We had the poverty diagnostic approach to know the concerns of all the constituents of Batangas, then when we got the budget we allocated to my HEARTS priorities,’ Vilma shares when asked about her priority projects for Batangas. HEARTS means health, education, agriculture, road (infrastructure), tourism and security. “I believe in teamwork and family approach. I consider them my family, that’s why last Valentine, I gave chocolates to all the departments of the governor’s office to let them know that we can make HEARTS work if we are team,'” Vilma recalls.

ACTING AGAIN – For this year, Vilma has two wishes: to start implementing her projects and to make movie. “There are three movies I committed to finish – one with John Lloyd, one with my son Luis and one with Sharon Cuneta but because I became the governor of Batangas, I have to ask for extension because I have to see to it that I implement my projects in Batangas first,” Vilma explains begging her fans to wait for her. But she quickly adds, “Whatever I have now is because I am a showbiz personality. I owe it to my first profession but my role is real life. Isang pagkakamali ko lang at pumalpak, masisira ako at ang mga constituent ko. Ayaw kong sumugal (One mistake and it will ruin not only my name but also the lives of my constituents, and I don’t gamble).

FIRST PRIORITY – But above all these priorities, Vilma admits that being a wife to Ralph and mother to her two sons Luis and Ryan are still her number one priority. Still a woman devoted to her husband, Vilma always acknowledge Ralph’s help and inspiration in her career as a public servant. “Public service is Ralph’s life and I learned to embrace it through him. Though we have differences in ideas, sometimes we clash, at hindi naman ako magpapatalo (I will not give in without a fight), I listen to Ralph. After all, whatever I achieve as a public servant, I owe it to my husband who has been my mentor up to now,” Vilma enthuses. With Luis, Vilma is a doting mother who just listens to his son’s escapades and love life. “I don’t want to meddle with my son’s life. I just advice him to enjoy life and to do what is right so that he will not commit mistakes that he might eventually regret.” She also finds time to help Ryan in his studies. “I help him in doing his projects especially when there are art works and proud ako na honor student ang anak ko,” Vilma says.

TIME FOR MYSELF – With all her roles in life, Vilma sees to it that she finds time for herself. “Ah, yan ang hindi mawawala. Every weekend, I do the treadmill, tae boxing, and yes, even swimming,” she proudly says. I also eat anything but always in moderation. Medyo conscious na ako kasi 38 na ako eh,” she jokingly says. Vilma will turn 55 this year and is not scared to age gracefully. “I think when you’re happy, you’re comfortable, you find time for yourself, you exercise, you eat good food in moderation and you love what you’re doing, then it’s the secret.” As a parting word Vilma says, “When I was able to make a difference in other people’s lives, then it adds to my positive outlook in life and it inspire me to do more.”

UNSTOPPABLE PARTNERSHIP – For more than four decades, Ponstan has been relieving body aches, pains, making it a household name when it comes to reliable fast relief. Just about the same time when Ponstan was strongly gaining the trust of consumers, the public witnessed the emergence of a talented and eye-catching young performer who will later become the country’s multi-awarded actress and eventually the first woman governor of the province of Batangas. “We are very excited and honored to have Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto as our celebrity endorser. We could not have chosen anyone else to effectively communicate the brand’s message to the public,” says Laiza Filart, Ponstan SF product manager. Filart further states that the choice to have Gov. Vi as the latest face behind Ponstan is the striking parallelism between the brand and the hardworking public official. “They are really fit to be unstoppable partners,” she adds. Gov. Vi has been known to pull all the stops whenever she sets her eye on her goals. As a show business personality, she aimed only for the best, which made her the most awarded actress in the country. As a politician, she willingly took the challenge posed by her constituents and run for the gubernatorial seat in the province of Batangas in 2007, earning her the title Ina ng Batangas. And as a family woman, she is never short in filling their home with love, respect and happiness. As Gov. Vi juggles her schedule as a politician, an actress, a wife and a mom, she sometimes finds herself in pain – whether in the form of a headache or backache. Whenever such pains strike, Gov. Vi relies on Ponstan to help her get through the day. “My work is physically, mentally and emotionally demanding. So when I get a headache, I immediately take Ponstan to relieve the pain.” states Gov. Vi.

Source: “Woman For All Seasons” by Lea Manto-Beltran, HEALTH NEWS magazine, Mar 2008, Vol. 12 No. 4, Transcribed by Alfonso Valencia and posted at the three Vilma Santos Yahoo e-groups, March 2008.

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Ang Sarap ng Buhay Kapag May Isang Vilma Santos

Posted on June 27, 2010 by @ffv Standard

Yan po ay katagang namutawi sa labi ng isa nating magaling na taga-panulat at kasama sa Editorial staff ng VS Newsletter, ang VILMA!

Ang tinutukoy ko po ay ang kasama nating Vilmanian na si Mr. Mario Garces na ngayo’y naka-base sa New Jersey, U.S.A. Hihiramin ko po panandalian ang katagang yan ni kuya Mar as I fondly called him with his kind permission upang maibahagi at maipadama sa inyo ang nararamdaman ng milyun-milyong Vilmanians all over the GLOBE sa patuloy na tagumpay na ipinagkakaloob ng Maykapal sa Nag-iisang Bituin at Reyna ng Pelikulang Pilipino, Ms. Vilma Santos-Recto. Tunay na maipagmamalaki ng kahit sinumang Vilmanians (at maging ng mga di Vilmanians) ang isang Vilma Santos.

Patunay niyan ay ang bagong karangalang iginawad sa tinaguriang Star for All Seasons, ang 2005 Plaridel Award for Film na kamakailan ay iginawad ng U.P. College of Mass Communications sa seremonyang ginanap sa Cine Adarna (formerly U.P. Film Center) nung nakaraang ika-apat ng Hulyo ng taong kasalukuyan. Ito ang ikalawang taon ng pagkakaloob ng U.P. College of MassCom ng karangalan sa mga alagad ng sining na nakapag-ambag ng malaking kontribusyon sa larangang kanilang ginagalawan, tulad ng film or cinema. Nung nakaraang taon ang recipient ng prestihiyosong award na ito ay si Gng. Eugenia Apostol, ang founding chair ng Philippine Daily Inquirer. Ito’y sa larangan naman ng print media. At sa taon ngang ito ang butihing Mayor ng Lipa at kilalang “Ate Vi” sa karamihang Pilipino mula Appari hanggang Jolo ang ginawaran ng Plaridel Award sa larangan ng film.

Maituturing ito na pinakamataas at prestihiyosong karangalang natanggap ng iginagalang na aktres simula ng pasukin niya ang mundo ng pelikula sa edad ng siyam sa pelikulang “Trudis Liit” kung saan siya ang title role. Sa pelikulang ito natanggap niya ang kauna-unahang karangalan, ang FAMAS Best Child Actress nung 1963. Makalipas ang apatnapung-taon, ang dating “Trudis Liit” ay isa ng nirerespetong haligi ng sining ng pelikula, ang Gawad Plaridel awardee for film.

Ang Gawad Plaridel na kanyang natanggap ay patunay sa angking galing at respeto na ibinibigay sa nangungunang aktres ng bansa at sa kanyang naiambag sa industriya ng Pelikulang Pilipino. She prevailed over her co-nominees for this award, namely, the 2003 National Artist awardee for cinema, Mr. Eddie Romero, and the highly-rated and A-1 Director, Mr. Mike de Leon, whose body of works include the now classic and De Leon’s most awarded film “Sister Stella L” that stars Ms. Vilma Santos herself.

Kung kaya’t napakasarap ng pakiramdam sa isang Vilmanian na tulad ko. If I may borrow the now famous line of Ate Vi, “Heaven” ang feeling. Lalo na’t kung maririnig mo ang mga papuri na ibinibigay ng iba’t ibang tao sa iba’t ibang antas ng lipunan. Tulad na lamang ng mga pananalitang ito na binitawan ng mga nakasaksi sa seremonyang ginanap sa Cine Adarna.

“Ms. Santos’ speech, for me, was very profound and candid. I always had great respect and admiration for her as a person, public servant, and actress. After the lecture, that respect and admiration hot-air-ballooned. It became clear to me that even if this person is now worthy of having a constellation named after her, she is still as human and feet-on-the-ground as possible.” (written by Ringhithion at 07:16 pm, posted in VS-R egroup on 13 July 2005).

“Natatawa ako habang kumukuha ng pictures, dahil dumadaloy pa rin pala kay mama ang dugong Vilmanian kahit ang tagal-tagal na. Umuwi kaming parang nasa langit si mama dahil nakamayan pa nya si Vilma Santos” (shared by Jeannie Wong in Vilma’s eGroups, as taken from http://www.livejournal.com/users/armidoodles). “She gambles her popularity to widen her scope as an actress,” proclaims Dr. Nicanor Tiongson, Dean of the College of Mass Communication of the University of the Philippines (UP). He adds, “She proves popularity and ratings need not degrade the craft.” (taken from an article by Rome Jorge)

“Star power is real power. It is the power to move people to tears, to make them cry and laugh and urge them to by with endorsements. It is to make them think what you want them to think, to make them feel what you feel. They should use it wisely, make people do good and aspire for better lives.” (Dr. Sergio Cao, chancellor of UP Diliman who confessed being a star-struck fan, “I had to nebulize before coming here; I couldn’t breath.”)

“Because of her dedication to her craft and her portrayal of roles important to women and society, Ms. Santos deserves recognition not only from the viewing public, but also from the academic community.” (UP President Emerlinda Roman)

Producer Atty. Espiridion Laxa says Vilma “has reached this incomparable height of success because of several good traits: her discipline, her determination to excel in her acting profession and her knack for choosing the right roles.” (takern from Sights and Sounds by Gigi Javier-Alfonso)

Producer/ actress Charo Santos-Concio speaks of her as a “passionate thespian, her filmography boasts of a list films that are audacious, artistic, classic and socially relevant. Inevitably, she has brought to the limelight ordinary people with extraordinary lives and has created awareness of various socio-political issues.” (also from Sights and Sounds).

Ilan lamang ito sa maraming papuring natanggap, natatanggap at patuloy na tatanggapin pa ng Nag-iisang Bituin. Tunay ngang “napakasarap ng buhay kapag may isang Vilma Santos.” May inspirasyon at palaging ngiti ka sa iyong labi. And what the next stop? Di malayong ang kasunod nito’y ang “Gawad Pambansang Alagad Ng Sining” na o ang National Artist Award. Am I dreaming? Nope, am not. After all, “Trudis Liit” is not the small lady anymore in the movie screen. She’s gone a long, long way, dwarfing all pretending to the throne. Vilma, mabuhay ka! – Written by Charlie Gomez, published in V magazine 2005

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The Ultimate Vilma Santos Scrapbook

Posted on June 27, 2010 by @ffv Standard

There was a time when a fan’s devotion to his or her idol wasn’t measured by how much they’ve spent on all the advertised merchandise made available to the public. Not every fan was able to afford the style of clothes sported by the stars, let alone be able to purchase the latest glossy magazine with their idol’s perfect smile on the cover. It was a time when making a scrapbook was enough to call one a devotee. Chosen photos collected from all sorts of publications were recycled, and carefully pasted on a simple spiral ring notebook. This would be one of many treasured volumes of personalized scrapbooks that would be shared, traded, and admired by other adoring fans. Here’s a look at an original late 60’s scrapbook made by a Vilma Santos fan. Many thanks to our good friend Edward De Los Santos for sharing scans of this amazing Vilma Santos scrapbook. For the best source of classic records, vintage magazines, and other amazing vintage collectibles, visit his Ebay stores: philippine.music (Ebay Philippines), and oldbestseller (Ebay USA). – Nostalgia Manila web-site