This Time…Vilma Meets Michael Jackson!

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“Seings pictorial” na naman ang pagtatagpin ng our very own superstar Vilma Santos and supersinger Michael Jackson ng The Jackson 5. It was a pictorial na kamuntik ng hindi matuloy dahil pareho silang busy sa kani-kanilang activities. Not them, if there’s a will, there’s a way. Long before na dumating sa ating bansa si Michael, he has been a favorite singer of Vilma. Pumunta kayo sa house niya sa Dasmarinas and you will find a complete collection nf mga plaka ni Michael at ng kanyang mga kapatid. Vi simply drools over the voice of Michael especially kapag kinakanta niya ang Ben or Happy. And up to now, ngayong hindi na niya kinakanta ang await na patungkol sa rats, siya pa rin ang idol ni Vi as he begins to sing more about love. On the other hand, what does Michael know about Vilma? Sad to say, very little nang maipakilala siya ay sak lamang niya nalaman na siya pala ay big star dito sa atin. Bago sila nagtagpo, Vilma made sure na napanood niya muna ang pagtatanghal nito sa FAT. At itinapat pa niya sa Valentine’s Day upang maging very memorable for her. Doubly memorable in fact dahil ang kanyang partner noong galing panoorin niya ang pagtatanghal ay walang iba kundi si Ronnie Henares.

Michael was not even informed na present sa audience that evening si Vilma. Kung napasabihan laman siya, tiyak na ang isa sa mga roses na kanyang ipinamigay noong gabing yaon ay kay Vilma tutungo. One wonders kung ano ang say ni Ronnie about this. In fact, before the Love Jive started ay sumayaw pa sina Vilma at Ronnie bilang pagpapaunlak, paanyaya ni Archie Lacson during the Penthhouse 7 front-act. On the show, completely spellbound si Vi sa kanyang nasaksihan. “Magaling, napakagaling nilang talaga especially Michael,” was what Vi uttered. She noticed na malaki na ang ipinagbago ni Michael sa pagkanta and she really admired the showmanship ng grupo. She would have loved to repeat the show kung ito’y magkaroon ng extended shows sa Araneta Colliseum but then its Salsa time para sa Lea kung kaya’t hindi niya ito napanood muli. And so came their meeting. As usual, a little introduction dahil nga they are completely strangers to one another. But after the handshake and hello, aba have many things in common. For instance, pareho silang singers although si Vi na rin ang nag-correct that she would rather be known as an actress. Biro pa nga ni Michael ay kung puwede silang mag-duet pero smile lang ang naging sagot ni Vi. “You teach me how to sing first,” ang kanyang biro kay Michael. – Remy Umerez, Kislap, No. 393, 25 Mar 1976

Vi with Michael Jackson

Vi with Michael Jackson

Mayor Vi at Lipa Cathedral’s 400th

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ARTICLES - Lipa Cathedral

I set my alarm at 3am. I’ve read in the papers that San Sebastian Cathedral in Lipa City will be celebrating its 400 Anniversary on April 30. The concelebrated mass is at 10am, so I made plans with Cesar, a fellow Vilmanian, to meet at the bus station at 5am. We have to get out of Manila before 6am, so that we can get to Lipa at least an hour before the mass starts. Dapat maaga para maganda ang lugar naming sa simbahan! Cesar, for a change was early, I was late. Anyways, we left the bus station at 6am and arrived at Lipa at 8:30am. Ang aga naming, ano? We decided to take breakfast first, but while walking for the food chain, a black van stopped beside us. Niloko ko pa si Cesar, “Andito na pala si Ate Vi” pointing at the van, dahil kamukha ng van ni ate Vi. Pero matalas ang mata ni Cesar. Nakita at nakilala niya ang driver ng van si Fermin! Si Fermin nga na driver ni ate Vi for the longest time! Bumukas ang pinto sa harap at bumaba ang isa sa mga security escort ni ate Vi, na si Piolo (kamukha kasi siya ni Piolo), tapos ang isang pinto naman ang bumukas at bumaba si ate Emelyn kasunod si ate Vi! Caught unguarded!

Ang dalawang camera na dala ko parehong nasa bag ko pa! Hindi ko alam kung ano ang uunahin ko ang tignan ng walang sawa ang ganda ni ate Vi at batiin siya o ang kunin ang camera sa bag ko at umpisahan na ang pagkuha ng pictures? I must admit, I’ve seen her several times, pero kahit ilan beses ko siyang makita, palagi pa rin akong natutulala! Syempre naman, nasa harap ko yata ang “best actress and most important actress of the country!” At isang future national artist at Ramon Magsaysay awardee, ayon naman kay garmar! After several minutes, I finally got my camera out of my bag. Nagtig-isa kami ng hawak na camera ni Cesar and we started clicking. Ang ganda talaga ni ate Vi, lalo na sa suot niyang Filipina dress na gawa ng kanyang favorite na si JC Buendia. Very tasteful and elegant din ang suot niyang jewelry, south sea pearl earring and pearl choker. Very feminine din ang bulaklak sa buhok niya. She positioned herself, together with Mr. Danny Dolor and other Lipa bigwigs sa may pintuan ng simbahan to greet the visitors.

The Concelebrated Mass started exactly at 10am. Si Lipa Archibishop Ramon Arguelles ang main celebrant together with 5 bishops and more than 30 priests of the province. Si Cardinal Vidal of Cebu sana ang magdeliver ng homily, pero dahil hindi pa siya nakabalik mula sa Rome, si Arch. Arguelles na rin ang nagbigay ng homily. (A little trivia lang, si Cardinal Vidal ay dating Archibishop ng Lipa; ang pumalit kay Cardinal Sin as Archbishop of Manila na si Arch. Rosales ay galing din sa Lipa). The mass is celebrated in Latin – lahat pati ang mga dasal at kanta. Sana andoon si Fr. J para mag-translate. The mass was over at 11:30 at nagkaroon ng konting picture taking with ate Vi, Lipa City officials, Arch. Arguelles and the other celebrants. Filipiniana ang motif ng okasyon at talaga namang nakuha ni ate Vi ang cooperation ng mga taga Lipa. They really came with the best filipiniana attire! Kahit pa nga super init sa loob ng simbahan dahil sa dami ng tao, talaga namang naka saya sila at terno! Napakagandang tignan lalo na iyong mga matatanda na, na halos ay inaakay na pero umattend pa rin sa misa at naka filipiniana rin.

Siguro mga 90% ng dumalo ang naka filipiniana. Sa offertory, ang nag-offer ay tatlong nakasakay sa hammock – isang bata, isang teen-ager, isang magulang at isang matandang lola – to signify the four centuries of the cathedral. Syanga pala, ang tawag ni Arch. Arguelles kay ate Vi ay “Mayor Ate Vi.” Nagulat kami ni Cesar dahil akala naming sanay na ang mga taga-Lipa na makita si Ate Vi, pero talaga namang pinagkaguluhan pa rin siya! This will explain kung bakit ang ibang pictures na kuha ko ay out of focus o kaya naman ay may ulo na nakuhanan. Meron ngang isang lola na talagang gusto niyang magpakuha ng picture kay ate Vi kaya lang wala naman siyang dalang camera. I ended up taking their picture. Sa maigsing pakikipagusap naming kay ate Vi, nabanggit niya na hindi siya makaka-attend sa Cannes dahil papunta siya ng China for a convention together with Sen. Ralph, VP Noli de Castro and other Senators. Nasabi rin niya na may tatlong shooting days pa siya for MMK, hindi lang niya binanggit kung saan ang location.

Very apologetic siya dahil hindi raw niya kami nakausap ng matagal, ang dami kasi ng tao at talagang pinagkakaguluhan na siya. Anyways, sapat na sa amin ang sandaling pakikiharap niya sa amin at ang makita naming kung gaano pa rin siya kamahal ng mga taga-Lipa at maging ng mga pari ng Batangas. Sa bus pabalik ng Manila, napag-usapan naming ni Cesar na hindi naming akalain na magiging Mayor si Ate Vi. Sabi nga si Cesar, tinawag siya para sa trabahong ito at hindi niya pinili. Malay natin baka ilan panahon pa aa Malacanang na ako nakikipagsiksikan at kumukuha ng litrato. – Eric Nadurata, V Magazine, April – May 2005 (READ MORE)

VILMA and ME

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ARTICLES - Vilma and Me

I must admit that it is an honor for me to be counted among the millions of loyal Vilmanians. When I begun chatting with other fans of Ate Vi, it was just to pass some of my time. However, as days and weeks and months, passed by, I begun to feel that chatting in this group is now a part of my vocation.

I believe that there is more to chatting, there is more in sharing stories and news about the STAR OF ALL SEASONS AND REASONS. This is the reason why I am sharing with you my thoughts about VILMA. Vilma Santos, the longest reigning QUEEN of the PHILIPPINE MOVIES, should be admired not only for exceptional talents but for the good examples that she has shown us and continue to show us throughout the years. Ate Vi does not only entertain us through her works in movies and television but she has shown us how to touch other people’s lives through her life in public service.

Ate Vi, the Mayor of Lipa, has deeply touched the lives of the people of that city and beyond. She shows us how to use her God-given talents and resources for the benefit and good of others. She once said: “If I depend on my salary as a mayor, it is not enough to help the people who come to my office and ask for financial help.” In other words, Ate Vi truly acknowledges that her blessings are truly a gift from ABOVE and that is why she shares this with others especially among the most unfortunate ones.

My dear Vilmanians, as we continue to follow the latest happenings with our idol, may we also imitate the good things she has been doing. Let us reach out to others, Vilmanians and non-Vilmanians alike, especially the less fortunate among us. Let us continue to share our resources with them because through our acts of charity that they will see God’s love. Let us be instruments of God’s peace and generosity with others.

As a servant of God, please be assured of my continuous prayers for you and your loved ones. May the Good Lord continue to bless us all especially our dear Ate Vi. Let us continue to make a difference in this world by what we say, think and do. Long Live, Vilma Santos, our QUEENSTAR! – Father J (READ MORE)

ARTICLES - Fiesta NY 2005 7

The 2004 Awards Season

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FILM - MANO PO 16

When all is said and done, the best actress race contest for 2004 is between forever arch rivals, in alphabetical order, Nora Aunor (Naglalayag) and Vilma Santos (Mano Po III-My Love). Junior actress Judy Ann Santos was a surprise spoiler when she beats the veteran actresses at the 2nd. EnPress awards for best dramatic actress. She won for Sabel. At the 2004 Manila Film Festival where Sabel was an entry versus Naglalayag. Judy Ann lost to Nora Aunor for best actress. It was a sweet double victory for Judy Ann, beating the two fierce rivals, but more of a vengeance for her versus Nora, than Vilma, for clobbering the superstar at Enpress for the same movies they appeared in the 2004 MFF. This is Judy Ann’s first best actress win. She is also expected to win at the FAMAS where Nora and Vilma, both Hall of Famers, are not in the running. But because of Judy Ann’s double nominations, Sabel and Aishite for best actress, she might just be eclipsed by dark horse Claudine Barreto for her more internalized and powerful performance in Milan.

So far, Nora, minus the YCC, where she almost won as best performer, has garnered these awards for Naglalayag: Manila Film Festival, Brussels Intl. Film Fest, First YHC (Young Hearts Club), First BALATCA, Tanglaw (tie with Vilma Santos), PASADO. Vilma Santos has won the following so far for Mano Po III: Metro Manila Film Festival, First Gawad Suri, Tanglaw (tie with Nora Aunor), PMPC Star. Based on the above trend, Nora and Vilma have the lion’s share of awards. With the FAP and the Urian (Both Judy Ann will win this last two – RV) waiting in the wings to crown their choices, it looks like there is no potential grand slam winner. Vilma holds the most number of grand slams, four in all to Nora’s one. Technically even if Nora wins in the FAP and Urian, Vilma still holds the record of the actress with the most acting trophies won ever since she won as best a child actress at the FAMAS in 1963. But Nora will have an uphill climb at the FAP and Urian as Vilma’s riveting and intense performance in MPIII matches if not eclipses her marvelous performance in Naglalayag.

It also doesn’t help that she was arrested at the LA airport for shabu and glass pipe possession which may turn off FAP voters. As in the Oscars where “peer to peer” endearments factor helps win votes, that “dark episode” in Nora’s troubled life may turn in her favor, because of sympathy votes. You know how Filipinos are suckers for sob stories. As far as the Urian is concerned, which is looked up to in the industry as the most credible award-giving body, my prediction is that it is a toss up, or a tie, as the group is notorious for having the most “tie” wins in award-giving business. But if Urian should know better, Vilma Santos should win solo as she has given a better performance than Nora. Not only does she hold the movie together but is given more situations to show her range as an actress, From Nestor Torre’s review: “We liked the way Vilma Santos’ character was written, as a former activist who became a crusader against crime and corruption. It was also good that the movie’s central conflict revolved around her, so Vilma was given every opportunity to display her acting prowess.” That said, I predict a FAP and Urian sweep for Vilma Santos, not because I am a Vilmanian, but because Ms. Santos – performance is the best last year. – Mar Garces, V Magazine, April – May 2005 (READ MORE)

The GP 2005 Coverage: Who nominated Ate Vi?

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MEMORABILIA - News Clippines - Gawad Plaridel 1

Nakausap ko kanina si Bb. Irene Zamora na nagtatrabaho sa U.P. College of Mass Comm. Hiniling kong makuha ang pangalan ng institusyon at ang taong nag-nominate kay Mayor sa Plaridel upang mapasalamatan sila kahit na papaano. I gathered that the person responsible for this glorious moment is none other than: Mrs. Namnette de la Pena of: Concerned Parents International Foundation. Sa aking panayam kay Irene, nagkuwento siya ng mga pangyayari leading to the awarding ceremony na idinaos kahapon. Eto ang mga samut-sari:

  • Pito ang mga original na na-nominate hanggang sa naging tatlo. Dumayo raw ang ilang mga maka-Nora sa naturang kolehiyo para maggprotesta nang hindi mapasama ang idolo nila sa natitirang tatlo ngunit umuwi silang luhaan. Nangako raw silang babalik.
  • Ang mga nag-cast ng vote sa natitirang tatlo ay mga guro na lamang ng Dept. of Film Institute. Alam natin na wagi si Mayor sa huli.
  • Oo. Vilmanian nga daw si Mrs. Nanette de la Pena and most of her colleagues.
  • Punong-puno ang Cine Adarna at lahat ay nakapasok. Aside from friends, family and followers of the Mayor, ibat-ibang delegasyon ng mga mag-aaral galing sa Metro Manila at Batangas ang dumating.
  • Inaantabayanan daw ng mga mass comm employees ang threat ng mga maka-Nora ngunit walang dumating.
  • Walang halong pulitika daw ang ceremonya. Si Sen. Ralph Recto lamang ang politiko sa mga dumalo.
  • Tumagal ng 45 minutos ang lecture ni Mayor with matching audio/visuals.
  • Pagkatapos ng ceremony, nagbigay ng salusalo ang butihing presidente ng U.P. at ng ilang opisyales in VS’ honor sa Executive-House sa campus din. – Agra Amaury (READ MORE)

The GP 2005 Coverage: Gawad Plaridel Citation (31 May 2005)

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Gawad Plaridel Citation

  • For crafting and creating her varied cinematic roles with consummate artistry,  making us empathize with whatever character she is portraying by delineating for us the character’s history, problems, and aspirations, in dynamic interaction with the film’s ensemble of of other characters.
  • For bravely using her popularity as an actor to choose roles which brings to the public attention an astounding range of female experiences as well as an array of problems confronting women of different classes and sectors in contemporary Filipino society, even if these experiences or problems would not only not enhance but could even detract from her mass appeal.
  • For bringing to life on screen characters whose stories have the effect of raising or transforming the consciousness of women, leading them a few steps closer to a deeper understanding of their situation vis-à-vis the patriarchy and to the ability to control their own lives and make choices of their own.
  • For courageously playing maverick characters which dared to speak the truth in a period of intense political repression and reprisal, thereby showing a concern not for her own self but for a Filipino society fighting for basic human rights under a dictatorial regime.
  • For building a brilliant career which saw her grow from popular icon to professional actor through selfdiscipline and tireless honing of her craft, thereby challenging writers, directors, and producers to come up with films that would be worthy of her enormous artistic resources and repaying their efforts with some of the most unforgettable performances in Filipino cinema.
  • For showing that the movie star can place the stamp of her own individuality and talent on the films she choose to make, thereby proving that the star can be regarded as an auteur in her own right.
  • For excellence, integrity, and social responsibility which have distinguished her major performances, and for being a model of professionalism to other actors and technicians engaged in the creation of a Filipino national cinema.

The U.P. Gawad Plaridel 2005 is given to Rosa Vilma Santos on the 4th day of July 2005 by the U.P. College of Mass Communication at the Cine Adarna, U.P. Film Institute, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City. – Emerlinda R. Roman, Ph.D.President, University of the Philippines; Sergio S. Cao, Ph.D.Chancellor, U.P. Diliman; Nicanor G. Tiongson, Ph.D.Dean, U.P. College of Mass Communication. (READ MORE)

The GP 2005 Coverage: Who and How they Voted?

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The Second U.P. Gawad Plaridel (2005, Film) For 2005, the award is given to an outstanding film practitioner. The U.P. CMC received nine nominations from various media organizations and academic institutions on April 8, 2005, the deadline for nominations. The nine nominees were Nora Aunor, Celso Ad. Castillo, Ricky Lee, Mike de Leon, Lily Monteverde, Eddie Romero and Vilma Santos.

The first round of deliberations was held on April 19, 2005. The screening committee was composed of the following : Dr. Nicanor G. Tiongson (Dean, U.P. CMC), Dr. Rolando B. Tolentino (Acting Director and Professor, U.P. Film Institute), Dr. Grace J. Alfonso (Professor, U.P. Film Institute), Ms. Eliza Cornejo (Instructor, U.P. Film Institute), Prof. Anne Marie G. de Guzman (Assistant Professor, U.P. Film Institute), Prof. Roehl J. Jamon (Assistant Professor, U.P. Film Institute), Prof. Eduardo J. Lejano (Assistant Professor, U.P. Film Institute), Prof. Eduardo J. Piano (Assistant Professor, U.P. Film Institute), Prof. Arminda V. Santiago (Assistant Professor, U.P. Film Institute). This committee recommended three nominees, Mike de Leon, Eddie Romero and Vilma Santos as finalists for the awards.

The second screening with the representatives of the three departments of the U.P. CMC took place on May 11, 2005. The body, known as the U.P. CMC Gawad Plaridel Faculty Committee, was composed of the following: Dr. Nicanor G. Tiongson (Dean, U.P. CMC and Chair, CMC Faculty Committee), Dr. Lourdes M. Portus (College Secretary, U.P. CMC), Dr. Rolando B. Tolentino (Acting Director and Professor, U.P. Film Institute), Prof. Eduardo J. Lejano (Assistant Professor, U.P. Film Institute), Prof. Victor C. Avecilla (OIC, Dept. of Broadcast Communication), Mr. Fernando A. Austria (Instructor, Dept. of Broadcast Communication), Prof. Ma. Cristina I. Rara (Assistant Professor and Chair, Dept. of Journalism), Prof. Luis V. Teodoro, Jr. (Professor, Dept, of Journalism), Dr. Aleli A. Quirante (Associate Professor, Dept. of Communication Research), Ms. Alexandra More M. San Joaquin (Instructor, Dept. of Communication Research), Prof. Elizabeth L. Enriquez (Assistant Professor, Dept. of Graduate Studies).

After deliberating on the credentials of the three finalists, the committee chose Ms. Rosa Vilma Santos as the recipient of the U.P. Gawad Plaridel for 2005. She is scheduled to receive the U.P. Gawad Plaridel trophy and deliver the Second Plaridel Lecture on July 4, 2005 at the Cine Adarna of the U.P. Film Institute. – Eric A. Nadurata, 31 May 2005 (READ MORE)

Mga “Kakuwanan” ni Vil sa Bahay

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Dalagang-dalaga na si Vi. Dyan. Maging sa kilos ay hindi na sugar n spice in everythin’ nice. Deliciously adult na. Ngunit, seems na hindi niya completely ma-shake-off ang teenage kakuwanan niya. Kahit anong pilit niya, they always come back. Kaya’t sa kanila, madalas ay napapakamot na lang ng ulo ang mga kasambahay niya. For instance, kung minsa’y magigising si Vi ng ala-5 ng umaga (What an unholy hour!). Ang gagawin pupunta sa kusina at maghahanap na kung ano ang puwede niyang lutuin. (Yup, luvs, yes read right.) O kundin man magluluto, basta’t mag-iimbento siya ng putahe. Tulad ng minsan, Mommy, kabukas-bukas ko ng refrigerator, I saw mga naging mansanas, papaya, avocado. Sabi ko kay Marie (Balbacui) na ilabas lahat. Maya-maya, hiniwa-hiwa na namin ang fruits. ‘Tapos pinakuha ko ang mayonaise, leche condensada. Siya. Pinaghalo-halo ko na! Then ibinalik ko sa refrigerator. After one hour, sabi ko’y tamang-tama nang kainin. Tinikman ko, aba’y may nalasa ba naman akong mapait-pait. Alam mo bang ano iyon? ‘Yun pala, hindi natalupan ang avocado! Patay! Speaking of the refrigerator, kahit na si Vi ang nagbukas nito, pagdating niya mula sa trabaho, bago siya matulog at basta nasa bahay siya every now and then ay ginagawa niya ito. Wala namang purpose. Basta’t sisilip lang sa loob!

At si Vi basta’t kumakain lalo na kung naka-kamay, panay ang back sa mga daliri niya. Para bang ang lahat ng kinakai’y licking’ good. At sa pagdila niya sa mga daliri, laging kalingkingan ang inuuna. It is always that way. At si Vi, basta’t ganado sa kinakain, kausapin mo nang kausapin, no pansin ka. Para bang ang concentration niya’y nasa pagkaing lahat. Lalo na’t kung butong pagkuwan. Nakakaubos siya nito ng isang supot. Kulay suka na ang labi, arya pa rin ng kukot ng butong pakuwan. Let’s say naman na mula 10 piyem hanggang alas-3 ng umaga’y nakatulog na si Vi. Babangon iyan, magso-shorts at skipper at lalabas ng bahay, maglalakad na sa paligid-ligid ng kanilang bahay. After one hour, uwi siya uli, suot uli ng pajama at bagsak uli sa kama. Maya-maya, tulog na. Parang walang anumang ginawa. May gabi pa si Vi na laging inaabangan ng mga kasama sa bahay na gawin niya. At kung hindi gawin nito, dissapointed sila. Iyon bang bago umalis, lahat ng salamin ay daraanan at sisilip doon. Hindi para manalamin lang. Basta’t naging habit na niya iyon. Oh yes, luvs. Palagay nating sinumpong si Vi na magluto (o mag-concot ng anumang makakain…niya), at magma-manjong o magbibinggo o anuman ang ilang kasambahay niya, ipatatanong kung gusto ng mga itong matikman ang kanyang lulutuin. At pag hindi pinansin ang pagtatanong niya ay siya…pag nakaluto na siya at saka the group voice their desire na sampolin ang niluto ni Vi…sorry na lang. Hindi na sila patitikman. Iirapan pa niya ang grupo. Dalaga na nga si Vi. Ngunit, hindi pa rin niya maiwawaksi ang ilang teenage kakuwanan niya. Maybe, that’s why she looks as young as always. – Cleo Cruz, Bulaklak, No. 164, 21 Aug 1974

Cleo Cruz was Vilma Santos’ publicist in the early part of her movie career. Vi normally calls her, “Mommy” or Mommy Cleo. Now retired from entertainment journalism, Cleo Cruz is reportedly now living in the United States. She referred Vi’s followers in many of her columns and articles as “Luvs.” – RV

Araw-araw, Alive ang Bahay nina Vi

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Naku, Mommy! Totoong nakakapagod! Pero happy naman ako. Iyan ang sabi ni Vi nang minsang magcomment ako tungkol sa sitwasyon nila ngayon ni sa bahay na nilipatan sa Bel Air, Makati. Buhat nang malipat kasi sila roon, araw-araw ay lagi silang may bisita. Parang laging may party roon, bagama’t wala ng usual trappings ng isang party. Its just that the house never seems to sleep. Ano’t nagkagayon ngayon kina Vi? -Well, baka sabi nila’y free to accept visitors na ako, -biro ni Vi. Biro lang sa ganang kay Vi. But many are saying that, that is the reason nga. Wala na silang inaalala ngayon. Light-hearted na silang nakakapasyal doon. Ang mga bumibisita ngayon kay Vi ay mga kaibigan nito. Ilan na’y sina Manny de Leon, Zaldy Zshornack, Ike Lozada, Divina Valencia, Annabelle Rama at marami pang colleagues niya sa showbiz. Siyempre, may ilan ding chess ang pakay. Tulad ni Jojit Paredes at ni Les McCoy. Ang dalawang ito’y higit na malimit ang pagdalaw kay Vi. Ang Americano, basta’t may pagkakataon, kahit sa Clark Field siya magmumula, ay hindi sagabal at dadalaw kay Vi. Marami na ring movie press people na dumalaw kay Vi. And boy! Always fun sila basta’t naruon. Nagi-stay in pa. Nagsu-swimming, nakikupagkuwntuhan, etc. And they are always weelcomed.

Tulad nang nasabi ni Vi, happy naman siya’t pinapasyalan siya ng kayang friends. Kahit pagod sa trabaho, very accomodating siya. Love ko ang mga tao. Lalo na’t mga kaibigan ko. Anumang pagod ko’y nawawala kung makapiling ko sila. Of course, hula rin nami’y ang ibang nagpapasyal doon, bukod sa pagdalaw kay Vi, ay para magusyoso rin ang bahay na nilipatan nito. Ang always, hanga sila sa bahay. Ganda kasi, malaki pa. At mababait ang mga taong nakatira roon. Very hospitable. Ganyang talaga ang Santos family saan man sila mapadako. But kung alive man lagi ang Santos household doon, hindi naman madalas. Happy vibrations lang ang mapupuna. Laging bright ang atmosphere. Lalo na’t kung naroon sina Vi at Mama Santos. Natutuwa naman ako’t nakikita kong masaya ngayon si Vi. Di mo ba napapansing lagi siyang lively ngayon? Parang wala nang problema. Madalas ko ngang tinutukan ng: Aba, kumare! Nagagalak nga ako’t nasisiyahan sila sa pagdalaw sa amin. At sa ganang akin, they always welcome here. Mga kaibigan namin sila. Yep, luvs! Halos araw-araw nga’y may bisita sina Vi sa Bel Air. Kasi, it is a happy place. It is not a house, it is a home. – Cleo Cruz, Bulaklak, No. 164, 21 Aug 1974

Cleo Cruz was Vilma Santos’ publicist in the early part of her movie career. Vi normally calls her, “Mommy” or Mommy Cleo. Now retired from entertainment journalism, Cleo Cruz is reportedly now living in the United States. She referred Vi’s followers in many of her columns and articles as “Luvs.” – RV