Special Film: Kampanerang Kuba

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Kampanerang Kuba (1974) (lit. Hunchbacked Lady Bellringer) was a fantasy soap opera television series broadcast by ABS-CBN in the Philippines. It was inspired by 1973 film with same title, which was starred by Vilma Santos and Bobot Mortiz. It was tagged as Pinoy Disney. It was originally based from a comic book series written by Pablo Gomez. – Wikipedia (READ MORE)

“…Kampanerang Kuba’s convoluted long story maybe attributed to the original comics material written by Pablo Gomez. A good director should iron out all the unbelievable plots specially all the one-dimensional characters. For example, Celia Rodriguez character, Tateng. She is so masochistic that viewer might wonder why she is so mean. Also, with her tower-nesque beauty, why she decided to remained in a town where everything seems to be so trivial and everyone seems loves to gossip, even the men. Nilo Saez (with Jose Flores Sibal wrote the script) failed miserably in this regard. Shot in Nagcarlan Laguna, Kampanerang Kuba showcased the old Filipino beliefs in patron saints, religious rituals and miracles. It also demonstrates that people can be so cruel, can passed judgement, and can asked for forgiveness that quick when confronted with truth. All will be forgiving without taking into account all the harm that they have done. In the real world, these people will be punished. Celia Rodriguez seems to be wooden in so many scenes but equally infuriating when she started to do her verbal and physical abuse of Andang. With limited dialogue, a young Dindo Fernando portrayed Tateng’s lover convincingly. All the other supporting roles including Perla Bautista, Ernie Garcia and others gave forgettable performances. About the two main lead, Edgar Mortiz and Vilma Santos, both did what they can to portrayed their respective roles. Edgar Mortiz seems to be trying very hard to be effective as the priest but acting is clearly not his forte. Would this be different if Jay Ilagan did this role? Vilma Santos succeed more with her solo scenes, talking to the patron saints and the bell tower, eating with her bare hands and trying to beautify her ugly face. She appeared to be gearing up for more versatile roles that requires her not to sing but to act…” – RV (READ MORE)

Source: gobitz69

FAIR USE NOTICE (NOT FOR COMMERCIAL USE): This site contains copyrighted materials the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to preserve the film legacies of actress, Vilma Santos, and to make her career information available to future generations. We believe this is NOT an infringement of any such copyrighted materials as in accordance to the the fair dealing clauses of both the Canadian and U.S. Copyright legislation, both of which allows users to engage in certain activities relating to research, private study, criticism, review, or news reporting. We are making an exerted effort to mention the source of the material, along with the name of the author, performer, maker, or broadcaster for the dealing to be fair, again in accordance with the allowable clauses. – Wikipedia (READ MORE)

Charmed Life of Maria Rosa Vilma (Repost)

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Isang Martes ng umaga, ika-3 ng Nobyembre, 1953, sa Trozo, Magdalena, Tondo, Maynila ay may isinilang na isang cute bouncing baby girl sa Galang’s Maternity Clinic. Ang batang ito ay ipinaglihi sa kesong puti at labis labis na pagmamahal. Ang ina ay nagsilang na din ng isang batang babae two years earlier pero dito sa pangalawang batang ito ay walang pagsidlan sa kaligayahan ang kanyang nadarama. May “premonition” siya na ang batang ito ay lalaking “somebody special” and that she will lead a “charmed life.” Pinangalanan ng mag-asawang Amado Santos at Milagros Tuazon Santos ang kanilang baby ng Maria Rosa Vilma.

Ang ama, Amado Santos, na isang tubong Bamban, Tarlac ay dating isang bit player sa Premiere, LVN at Larry Santiago Productions. Lumabas siya kasama ang mga big stars ng mga nasabing produksiyon at ang pinsan niyang si direktor Felicing Constantino ang nagkumbinse sa kanya para subukan ang pelikula.

Ang ina, Milagros Tuazon Santos, na isang tubong San Isidro, Nueva Ecija ay isang pharmacist by profession at eksperto sa sayaw nang kanyang kabataan. Sa MCU, kung saan siya nagtapos ng kanyang “degree” ay palaging may libreng costume para lang maipakita ang kanyang “terpsichorean talent” sa mga importanteng school programs. Sa pagkakataong ito, saan pa ba magmamana si Vi ng kanyang galing sa pagsasayaw?

Ang Santos family ay nakatira sa ground floor ng isang maliit na apartment at sa itaas naman ay ang isang close relative. Isang araw habang nasa kusina si Papa Amado ay bigla siyang nakarinig ng ingay na parang kalabog ng isang nahulog sa hagdanan. Dali dali siyang tumakbo papunta sa hagdanan at nagulantang siya nang makita niya na si Vilma pala ang nahulog sa hagdanan. Agad nila itong isinugod sa ospital, pina-xray at salamat sa Diyos dahil sinabi ng attending physician na very slight fracture lang ang nangyari sa bata.

When Rosa Vilma was already of age, ipinasok siya sa St. Mary’s Academy at noong nasa kindergarten pa siya ay dito na umarangkada ang kanyang pagiging artista dahil palagi siyang kinukuha sa mga school play. Gustong-gusto niya yung ilang oras na nasa stage, behind gleaming footlights, in fancy costume and make-up. At pagkatapos ng “play” ay ang malakas na palakpakan at pagbati sa kanya ng publiko. Nakalimutan na niya ang title ng play at kung anong okasyon ng eskwelahan ito ipinalabas subali’t tandang-tanda pa niya na ang role niya dito ay isang madre na pagkaraan pala ng tatlong dekada ay lalabas din siya sa role ng isang nun-turned-radical film Sister Stella L na dinirehe ni Mike de Leon.

Noong anim na taong gulang pa lamang si Rosa Vilma ay sinabi niya sa kanyang magulang na magiging “painter” siya someday. Gusto daw niyang kunin ay “Fine Arts” sa University of Sto. Tomas, maging isang matagumpay na artist at maging mayaman. Mahilig siyang mag-drowing – crayon sketches of birds, flowers, trees, houses at kahit saan ay nagdodrowing siya pati na sa dingding ng kanilang bahay. Dahil dito, si Papa Amado ay palaging nag-a-apply ng coat ng pintura sa kanilang sala tuwing ikalawang linggo at hindi lang yun dahil binabantayan din niya ang batang si Rosa Vilma na baka mahulog sa baso ng gatas ang mga krayola niyang ginagamit. Si Mama Milagros naman ay nagtrabaho sa isang garment department ng Aguinaldo’s kasama ang hindi pa kilalang manlililip na si Rene Salud.

Bukod sa pagkanta at pagsayaw sa mga school plays, ang batang si Rosa Vilma ay nagpakita din ng kanyang galing sa pag-iyak dahil sa pakikinig niya ng mga soap operas sa radyo. Mahilig siyang makinig ng mga drama sa radyo at doon ay tutulo na lamang ang kanyang luha. May mga okasyon pa nga na bigla na lang papasok sa kuwarto niya sina Papa Amado at Mama Milagros at nakikita nila na nasa salamin ang batang si Rosa Vilma at nagda-drama.

Noong later part ng 1962, nagkaroon sila ng family reunion sa nilipatan nilang apartment sa La Loma at ang isa sa mga naging bisita nila ay si Amaury Agra na isang cameraman sa Sampaguita Pictures. Si Amaury ay isang malayong tiyuhin ni Rosa Vilma, na ang asawa ay pinsan ni Papa Amado. Noong makita ni Amaury si Rosa Vilma ay agad niya itong tinanong kung gusto niyang mag-artista dahil ang Sampaguita Pictures ay naghahanap ng isang batang lalabas sa kanilang susunod na pelikula, ang Trudis Liit na sinulat ni Mars Ravelo at natutunghayan sa Liwayway Magazine.

Noong una ay ayaw ng mag-asawang Amado at Milagros na pumasok sa pag-aartista ang batang si Rosa Vilma dahil pareho silang abala sa trabaho, bukod pa sa gusto nila na pag-aaral muna ang asikasuhin ng batang si Rosa Vilma, subali’t isang araw ay nakatanggap sila ng sulat mula kay Amaury at sinabing ipinalista niya ang pangalan ni Rosa Vilma para mag-audition sa Sampaguita Pictures kung saan si Dr. Jose R. Perez ang isa sa mga screening committees.

Dahil hindi nila mapahindian si Amaury kaya’t nag-day off muna si Mama Milagros sa Aguinaldo’s para samahan si Rosa Vilma sa Sampaguita studio. “Diyos ko po,” ang nasambit ni Mama Milagros dahil mahigit yata sa tatlong daan ang mga batang nag-a-apply, lima lamang ang magiging finalists at sa limang finalists ay dalawa lamang ang kukunin, isang batang babae at isang batang lalaki na gaganap na kapatid ni Trudis Liit.

Ang suwerte naman, dahil ni-reveal ni Dr. Perez na bago pa sila nagpa-audition nang araw na yun ay meron na silang napiling limang finalists noong previous screening at inisip ni Mama Milagros na lahat ng nag-audition nang araw na yun ay wala ng pag-asa pero sinabi ni Amaury na gusto lang niyang mag-try out si Rosa Vilma para sa susunod nilang pelikulang pang-mahal na araw ng 1963 na pinamagatang Anak Ang Iyong Ina.

Si Amaury ay nasa location shooting noong araw na yun. Samantala, nang si Rosa Vilma na ang nag-audition, sa harap ni Dr. Perez at ni Direktor Jose de Villa at nang ipinagyugyugan na si Rosa Vilma ni Bella Flores ay parang gripong tumutulo ang kanyang mga luha. Nakita ni Mama Milagros sina Dr. Perez at Direktor de Villa na nagtitinginan at pagkatapos ng screening ay sinamahan ni Direk De Villa ang mag-ina sa opisina ni Dr. Perez na nag-extend ng congratulations kay Rosa Vilma na siyang gaganap na Trudis Liit at yung limang finalists ay gagawin na lang supporting sa mga forthcoming na pelikula ng Sampaguita Pictures.

Suot ng isang magarang damit, pumunta na ang mag-ina para sa isang screen test subali’t ang magandang damit ay pinalitan ng gula-gulanit, parang basahan. Inumpisahan nang lagyan ng make-up ni Jesse Lopez, ang make-up artist ng studio sapol pa noong era nina Carmen Rosales hanggang sa era ni Amalia Fuentes si Rosa Vilma. Nagtanong pa ang batang si Rosa Vilma kung bakit pa siya kailangang lagyan ng make-up at ang gusto lang daw niya ay huwag masyadong makapal at kung pwede ay pulbos lang.

Gumiling ang camera…..sumigaw ang direktor ng” Action!” Nag-umpisang mandilat ang mata ni Bella at cry to death naman ang Rosa Vilma. “CUT!” sabi ng direktor. “Very good!”. Si Bella ay niyakap ang batang si Rosa Vilma at sinabing…. .Aba, first take lang nakuha mo kaagad. Ang galing. Congratulations, Trudis Liit. The whole set was no screen test, but an actual take. Si Maria Rosa Vilma Tuazon Santos ay isa ng ganap na bituin sa edad na siyam na taon.

May mga tanong noon kung ano ang itatawag nila kay Rosa Vilma onscreen. Ang mag-asawang Amado at Milagros ay gustong i-retain na lang ang pangalang Rosa Vilma subali’t si Dr. Perez ay nag-object dahil marami na daw Rosa sa pelikulang Tagalog, merong Rosa Mia, Rosa Rosal, Rosa Aguirre. Nag-suggest na lang si Dr. Perez na alisin ang Rosa at tawagin na lang na VILMA SANTOS. Sa Trudis Liit, ang batang si Vilma ay binayaran ng Php 1,000 sa isang kondisyon na sa susunod na pelikula ay lalabas ulit siya at ito nga ay yung Anak Ang Iyong Ina. Dito sa Anak Ang Iyong Ina ay Php 700 ang kanyang take-home pay.

Bukod kay Bella Flores, kasama rin ni Vilma sina Lolita Rodriguez, Luis Gonzales at Connie Angeles sa Trudis Liit, “The Motion Picture That Will Tear Your Heart To Pieces” (as proclaimed by the film’s ad). Ito ay sa screenpaly ni Chito Tapawan. Nagkamit ng FAMAS Best Child Actress si Vilma dito sa Trudis Liit.

Impressed na impressed si Direk De Villa sa batang si Vilma dahil sa isang explanation lang eh nakukuha na kaagad nito ang mga instructions. Sabi ng mga co-workers ni Vilma, si Vilma ay merong fantastic memory and can easily dish out even a kilometric dialogue.

Pagkatapos ng Trudis Liit at Anak Ang Iyong Ina, sunod sunod na ang ginawa niyang pelikula katulad ng King and Queen For A Day, Aninong Bakal, Morena Martir, Iginuhit Ng Tadhana at Pinagbuklod Ng Langit.

Samantala, gumawa rin ang batang si Vilma ng isang weekly tv series sa ABS (the former KBS in Roxas Boulevard) sa direksiyon ni Jose Miranda Cruz na may pamagat na Larawan Ng Pag-ibig kasama sina Willie Sotelo at Zeny Zabala at tumagal ito ng dalawang taon sa ere. In between tapings of Larawan Ng Pag-ibig and schoolwork, siya ay gumawa rin ng mga pelikula sa iba’t ibang outfits katulad ng Ging, Naligaw Na Anghel at Sa Bawa’t Pintig Ng Puso. Later on, ginawa ring pelikula ang Larawan Ng Pag-ibig.

Gumawa rin siya sa Larry Santiago Productions ng mga pelikulang Maria Cecilia, Kay Tagal Ng Umaga at Hindi Nahahati Ang Langit. Sa mga sumunod na taon ay ginawa rin niya ang mga pelikulang Ito Ang Dahilan, De Colores, Kasalanan Kaya?, Sino Ang May Karapatan? at Sa Baril Magtuos. Dito sa Sa Baril Magtuos ay kasama niya sina Ronald Remy at Romeo Vasquez.

Noong 1967 ay ginawa ni Vilma ang The Longest Hundred Miles, isang war movie for international release sa pangunguna ng Hollywood actor na si Ricardo Montalban, Doug McLure at Katherine Ross.

Noong nagsisimula pa lang si Vilma sa Sampaguita Pictures, isa sa mga pelikulang pinanood niya kasama ang buong pamilya ay ang award-winning na The Miracle Worker. Ang role ni Patty Duke as the young Helen Keller ang kanyang pinakapaborito at ninais niya hanggang sa ngayon na makagawa siya ng pelikulang katulad nito.

Sabi ni Papa Amado, si Vilma ay hindi “spoiled” dahil kahit artista na siya, pinapalo pa rin daw niya ito kung sa palagay niya ay may nagawang kasalanan. Sabi naman ni Mama Milagros si Vilma pag may isang bagay ng gustong gawin, ito ay kanyang itinutuloy. Sabi naman ng movie scribe na si Ched Gonzales, si Vilma daw ay katulad din ng isang ordinaryong tao na mahilig sa manggang hilaw na may bagoong at sa sitsirya katulad ng popcorn, pretzel, chicharon at butong pakwan. Gustong gusto daw nito na may kinukukut-kukut.

Noong 1968, si Vilma ay nominado ng FAMAS para sa best supporting actress category, kasama sina Lolita Rodriguez at Eddie Rodriguez sa pelikulang Kasalanan Kaya? Siya ang pinakabatang aktres an nominado sa kategoryang ito. Hindi man siya pinalad na manalo sa FAMAS subali’t ang San Beda College ay binigyan siya ng Best Supporting Actress award.

Sa pagsasara ng dekada 60, si Vilma ay naging popular sa mga television shows kagaya ng Tinno Lapus’ Eskwelahang Munti sa Channel 7. Dito ay itinambal siya sa undefeated Tawag Ng Tanghalan champion for twelve weeks na si Edgar Mortiz. Ang unang pelikulang pinagtambalan ni Vilma at Edgar ay ang JBC Productions’ My Darling Eddie topbilled by the late Eddie Peregrina.

Noong 1970, ginawa in Vilma at Edgar ang pelikulang Love Is For The Two Of Us kasama sina Helen Gamboa at Ricky Belmonte. Sa telebisyon, si Vilma at Edgar ay may regular shows na Oh My Love at The Sensations sa Channel 2. Ang kanilang tambalan ay tinawag na “subok na matibay, subok na matatag.”

Noong Enero 1, 1970, ipinalabas ang superhit na pelikula ng VP Pictures na Young Love kasama ang loveteam nina Nora Aunor at Tirso Cruz III. Dito na nagsimula ang rivalry ng Vilma-Edgar loveteam at Nora-Tirso loveteam.

Noong 1971, ang tv show na The Sensations ay ginawa ring pelikula ng Tagalog Ilang Ilang Productions sa direksiyon ni Tony Santos, Sr. Noong Nobyembre 1971, ang popular lovebirds ay pumunta ng Hawaii at Estados Unidos para gawin ang mga pelikulang Aloha My Love at Don’t Ever Say Goodbye.

Marami pa ding mga pelikulang ginawa sina Vilma at Edgar at kabilang na dito ay ang mga pelikulang I Do Love You, From The Bottom of My Heart, Because You’re Mine, Eternally, Edgar Loves Vilma, Vilma My Darling, My Love At First Sight, The Wonderful World of Music, Remembrance, Renee Rose, Angelica, I Love You Honey, Our Love Affair, Mga Batang Bangketa, Baby Vi, Dulce Corazon, Anak Ng Aswang at ang inilahok sa 1972 Quezon City Film Festival na Dama de Noche kung saan hindi man siya ang naging best actress dito subali’t sa FAMAS nang sumunod na taon ay siya ang naging Best Actress ka-tie si Boots Anson Roa.

Samantala, Abril 28, 1974 nang maghiwalay ng landas sina Vilma at Edgar. Maraming Vilma-Edgar Fans ang nalungkot at inisip nila na magkakabalikan din ang dalawa subali’t hindi na ito nangyari hanggang sa si Vilma ay itinambal sa iba’t ibang leading men. Pero bago pa sila naghiwalay ay itinambal na din si Vilma kina Paolo Romero sa pelikula ng Virgo Productions na Ikaw Lamang kung saan nagkamit ito ng Best Picture sa 1973 Quezon City Film Festival, Manny de Leon sa mga pelikulang Teen-age Señorita at Cariñosa, Walter Navarro sa Sweet Sweet Love at Dalagang Nayon, Jay Ilagan sa Tsismosang Tindera, Ang Konduktora at Inspirasyon, Tirso Cruz III sa Dingdong, Nobody’s Child at Give Me Your Love, Victor Wood sa My Little Darling, Victor Laurel sa Ophelia At Paris, Prinsipe Paris Walang Kaparis, Jojit Paredes sa Tok Tok Palatok, Ronnie Henares sa Let’s Do The Salsa at nitong huli ay kay Christopher de Leon sa Tag-ulan sa Tag-araw.

Talagang poor second lang noon si Vilma kay Nora Aunor, subali’t nang gawin niya ang trilogy film ng Sine Pilipino na Lipad Darna Lipad ay talagang lumipad ng husto ang kanyang box office appeal. Sinundan pa ito ng mga pelikulang Takbo Vilma Dali at Hatinggabi Na Vilma.

Anupa’t itinambal din si Vilma sa mga matured leading man na katulad nina Eddie Rodriguez sa mga pelikulang Nakakahiya, Hindi Nakakahiya Part 2 kung saan nagkamit siya ng Best Actress Award sa 1st Bacolod City Film Festival at Simula Ng Walang Katapusan, Dante Rivero sa Susan Kelly Edad 20, Chiquito sa Teribol Dobol, Dolphy sa Buhay Artista Ngayon, Joseph Estrada sa King Khayan & I, Fernando Poe Jr. sa Batya’t Palu Palo at Bato Sa Buhangin, Jun Aristorenas sa Mapagbigay Ang Mister Ko, Dindo Fernando sa Langis at Tubig at Muling Buksan Ang Puso at Romeo Vasquez sa Nag-aapoy Na Damdamin, Dalawang Pugad Isang Ibon, Pulot Gata Pwede Kaya at Pag-ibig Ko Sa ‘Yo Lang Ibibigay.

Nagkasunod sunod na ang kanyang box office hit movie, hanggang sa inoperan siya ng Ian Films ng pelikulang Burlesk Queen kasama si Rollie Quizon kung saan hinakot nito ang halos lahat ng award including the Best Actress Award sa 1977 Metro Manila Film Festival. Hindi lang awards ang nakopo ng pelikulang ito dahil ang Burlesk Queen pa rin ang itinanghal na Top Grosser sa nasabing pestibal. Gumawa rin siya ng mga pelikulang siya mismo ang prodyuser katulad ng 1978 FAMAS and Urian Best Picture na Pagputi ng Uwak Pag-itim ng Tagak katambal si Bembol Roco, Halik Sa Paa Halik Sa Kamay kasama si Ronald Corveau at Eddie Rodriguez, Coed kasama si Jay Ilagan at iba pa.

Noong taong 1978, ginawa ni Vilma ang isang pelikula kung saan lumabas siyang isang rape victim kasama sina Philip Salvador at Matt Ranillo III ng Sampaguita VP Pictures na pinamagatang Rubia Servios. Hindi siya pinalad na maging Best Actress sa pelikulang ito, si Nora Aunor ang nanalo sa pelikulang Atsay, bagama’t marami ang humuhula na siya ang tatanghaling Best Actress dahil kahit ang direktor ng pelikulang Atsay na si Eddie Garcia ay si Vilma ang hinalikan at binati subali’t kinabukasan ay lalong lumakas sa takilya ang Rubia Servios at tinalo nito ang Atsay. Talagang iniyakan ni Vilma ang kanyang pagkatalo.

Taong 1978 din nang lumabas ang betamax issue sa kanila ni Romeo Vasquez subali’t sa halip na kumulimlim ang kanyang pagkabituin ay lalo pa siyang pumaimbulog paitaas at sa bandang huli ay hindi naman napatunayan ang balitang ito.

Noong July 19, 1980 ay nagpakasal si Vilma kay Edu Manzano sa Las Vegas, Nevada habang ginagawa nila ang pelikulang Romansa at April 21, 1981 nang isilang ni Vilma si Luis Manzano. Gusto ni Edu na maging plain housewife lang si Vilma subali’t hindi ito nangyari dahil sa natuklasan ni Vilma na baon na pala siya sa utang kaya gumawa siya ng mga pelikula.

Talagang puro good karma ang dumating sa buhay ni Vilma dahil after niyang makapanganak ay gumawa siya ng sunod-sunod na mga box-office hit na pelikula katulad ng Ex-Wife, Hiwalay, Sinasamba Kita, Gaano Kadalas Ang Minsan?, Paano Ba Ang Mangarap?, Relasyon, Tagos Ng Dugo, Saan Nagtatago Ang Pag-ibig? Yesterday Today & Tomorrow at iba pa.

Sunod-sunod rin ang kanyang Best Actress award katulad ng kanyang grand slam sa mga pelikulang Relasyon, Dahil Mahal Kita: Dolzura Cortez Story, Bata Bata Paano Ka Ginawa? at Dekada ’70. Naging best actress din siya sa mga pelikulang Broken Marriage, Mano Po 3: My Love, Sister Stella L, Tagos Ng Dugo, Pakawalan Mo Ako, Ibulong Mo Sa Diyos, Pahiram Ng Isang Umaga, Sinungaling Mong Puso at Anak. Sunod-sunod rin naman ang kanyang Box Office Queen award. Hindi lang best actress at box office queen award ana kanyang natanggap kundi nagwagi din siya ng 2005 Gawad Plaridel.

Samantala, sa pagsasara ng ABS CBN dahil sa martial law, ay nagsara din ang tv show ni Vilma na The Sensations datapwa’t may mga humalili din dito katulad ng Santos, Mortiz & Associates, Ayan Eh, Vilma Santos Very Special at Vilma In Person (VIP) sa BBC 2. Ang VIP ay lumipat sa GMA 7 at ito ay ginawa nilang VILMA. Ang VILMA ay nagtagal ng labinglimang taon at sa loob ng mga taong ito ay consistent top rater ito kaya naman siya ang highest paid tv star nang panahong iyon.

Noong December 12, 1992 ay ikinasal naman si Vilma sa noo’y congressman ng 2nd District ng Batangas na si Ralph Recto. Bumaha ang taong dumalo at nanood ng kanilang kasal sa San Sebastian Church sa Lungsod ng Lipa at noong March 29, 1996 ay ipinanganak si Ryan Christian Recto.

Noong 1998, hinikayat siya ng iba’t ibang sektor ng lipunan para kumandidatong punong-bayan ng Lungsod na Lipa at matapos niyang gawin ang pelikulang Bata Bata Paano Ka Ginawa? ay miniting niya ang mga Vilmanians at sinabing humihingi lang siya ng isang “sign” para matuloy siyang kamandidatong mayor ng Lipa at ito ay nangyari.

Naging punong-lungsod siya ng Lipa at sa loob ng siyam na taong panunungkulan ay masasabing ang Lungsod ng Lipa ang isa sa mga pinakaprogresibong lungsod sa Pilipinas. Noong May 14, 2007, siya ay nahilingan naman na kumandidato bilang gobernador ng Batangas at dahil sa kanyang magandang nagawa sa Lungsod ng Lipa, siya ay pinalad na manalo sa posisyong ito. Katatapos lang iselebreyt ni Governor Vi ang kanyang 100 araw na panunungkulan bilang gobernador ng lalawigan ng Batangas at nagkaroon siya ng State of Provincial Address nitong nakaraang October 8, 2007.

Sabi nga ni Governor Vi, sa nagayon ay prioridad niya ang kanyang pamilya, pangalawa ay ang pagiging gobernador ng Batangas at pangatlo na lamang ay ang kanyang pagiging artista. Maraming movie offers ang kanyang natatanggap katulad ng pagsasamahan nila ni John Lloyd Cruz, meron pang digital film na La Independencia ni Raya Martin na automatic na ilalahok sa Cannes Film Festival kung magagawa niya (sana lang!). Meron ding offer na stage play (pero malabo na ito dahil maraming oras ang kakainin nito lalo na sa rehearsals). Meron ding mga commercials at marami pang iba.

Ano pa kaya ang naghihintay sa isang VILMA SANTOS-RECTO? Marami pa, marami pa, di ba Governor Vi? Happy 54th Birthday Governor VI! – Alfonso Valencia, Alam Nyo Ba? Part 41, V Mag 2006 (READ MORE)

Related Reading:

A Very Long Rivalry – 1976

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Pre-1976 – Although Vilma Santos showed great promise the previous year, all with her dramatic projects like “Nakakahiya?” with Eddie Rodriguez; “Karugtong ng Kahapon” with Eddie Garcia and Gloria Romero and “Tag-ulan sa Tag-araw with Christopher de Leon, it was Nora Aunor who owns 1976, at least in terms of notable films.

Landmark Performance – “…Nagkakalaban pa rin sina Nora at Vilma sa FAMAS, pero kapwa sila talunan. Especially Vilma, who didn’t win another FAMAS Best Actress trophy until 1982 (with Elwood Perez’s 1981 meager Pakawalan Mo Ako). In 1976, Nora Aunor’s “landmark performance ” in Mario O’Hara’s Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos won nods from the FAMAS voters as well as from the Gawad Urian critic-jurors bilang Best Actress. Hindi si Vilma ang naging mahigpit na kalaban ni Nora, kundi si Hilda Koronel (for Lino Brocka’s Insiang). Sa MMFF in December 1976, si Hilda ang Best Actress, but Nora’s performance in Lupita Kashiwahara’s Minsa’y Isang Gamugamo was equally acclaimed by the critics. (Minsa’y…won as FAMAS Best Picture in 1977.) It was the first year of the Gawad Urian (organized by film critics collectively known as the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino), at si Nora ang nag-buena-mano as Best Actress. Henceforth, hindi na lamang ang FAMAS ang kinilalang tagapagbigay-parangal sa industriya ng pelikulang lokal. Sa mga sumunod na taon, dumami ang award-giving body sa movie industry. Bukod dito, ang mga filmfest sa iba’t ibang siyudad outside Metro Manila; like in Davao City, where Nora Aunor once won as Best Actress for Tito Sanchez’s Ibilanggo si Neneng Magtanggol…” – William Reyes (READ MORE)

Nora Aunor’s 1976 Films (9): (Ang Bulag, ang Pipi at ang Bingi; Big Ike’s Happening; Kaming Matatapang ang Apog; Magandang Gabi sa Inyong Lahat; Minsa’y Isang Gamu-gamo; Relaks Lang Mama, Sagot Kita; Sapagka’t Kami’y Mga Misis Lamang; Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos; Wanted: Deb or Alayb Agad-agad) – After “Banaue” of previous year, Nora Aunor produced another memorable film, “Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos,” directed by Mario O’Harra where she won all the best actress, from the only two award giving bodies during this time. Aside from this remarkable feat, she also did an equally notable film under Premiere Productions, “Minsa’y Isang Gamo-gamo.”

Vilma Santos’ Films (10): (Bato sa Buhangin; Bertang Kerengkeng; Big Ike’s Happening; Hindi Nakakahiya; Let’s Do the Salsa; Makahiya at Talahib; Mapagbigay ang Mister Ko; Mga Reynang Walang Trono; Mga Rosas sa Putikan; Nag-aapoy na Damdamin) – In terms of notable projects, there was no award deserving films that Vilma did this year but she remained bankable with commercial success of “Bato sa Buhangin,” film with FPJ, Hindi Nakakahiya,” film with Eddie Rodriguez; “Makahiya at Talahib,” film with Rudy Fernandez and “Nag-aapoy na Damdamin,” film with Romeo Vasquez.

Nora Aunor’s 1976 acting recognition (2) – Best Actress from FAMAS; URIAN for “Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos.”

Vilma Santos’ 1976 acting recognition (0) – none

Means Business – “…People who used to smile and wink when they talk of Nora Aunor as an actress should see this film, because the lady is determined to show everybody that she means business both as an actress and as a producer. In this film she is successful as both…In the end, Mario O’Hara symbolizes man’s fate as helpless creature buffeted by the winds of adversity but still turning to God by a blind man who lights a candle as a procession enters the church to mark the return of normalcy. The tragic fate of Rosario, Crispin and Masugi goes against the grain if traditional “cine Pilipino” which insists on a happy ending. And for this we must thank conscientious craftsmen like Mario O’Hara and Nora Aunor for their concerted effort. “Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos” is without doubt one of the best films of 1976…” – Pio de Castro III, The Times Journal 1976 (READ MORE)

Good Sign – “…Then she did Mga Rosas Sa Putikan for her own VS Films where she played a country girl forced into prostitution in the big city. The movie did fairly well at the tills. Good sign…” – Ricardo F. Lo, Expressweek, Jan 19 1978 (READ MORE)

Post-1976 – After Nora’s triumph in both FAMAS and Gawad Urian, Vilma seems to be reawakened the following year by the success of “Burlesk Queen.”  The film earned her nominations from Famas and Gawad Urian but failed to secure her the trophies. Despite this, 1977 seems to favor Vilma more than Nora in terms of quality output.  Aside from Burlesk Queen, she did “Dalawang Pugad Isang Ibon” directed by Bernal, “Masarap Masakit Ang Umibig” directed by Elwood Perez, “Pulot-gata, Pwede Kaya?” with Romeo Vasquez and “Susan Kelly, Edad 20” with Dante Rivero, these films were smash hits. Meanwhile, Nora did twelve films, her only award worthy film was “Ibilanggo si Neneng Magtanggol” where she won the best actress in Davao Film Festival and a nomination from the Metro Manila Film Festival for “Bakya Mo Neneng.”  Like Vilma in her past year, Nora had a similar run, “high on output and commercial success but low on quality, worthy of acting awards” (“Little Christmas Tree” wirh FPJ and “Bakya Mo Neneng” with Joseph Estrada were both mediocre films).  With Vi and Guy’s careers on fire in term of box office success, the next year would be a test on who will sustain popularity, as more worthy project will come their way.

Related Reading:

The houses that Vilma built (Repost)

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Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos had the first-hand experience of waking up one day only to realize she had lost everything — as in everything: Money, vehicles and even her home.

Ever persevering she worked triply hard — to the point of sacrificing her marriage (she had no choice) — in order to be able to bounce back financially. She did — and recovered her Magallanes home from getting foreclosed by the bank.

Vilma is one of those intelligent and sensible people who know that having your own home is an excellent form of investment. She has wisely invested on real estate through the decades and that has made life a lot more comfortable for her (she could live off the rentals).

Raised in the Sta. Cruz district of Manila, Vilma didn’t really have to work as a child star because both her parents were employed and could very well afford to feed the brood. But what do you do with a precocious daughter loaded with talent and itching to act in the movies? Vilma has never stopped working since she was cast in the title role of Trudis Liit at age nine.

When she was a teen star, she got a house for her and her family in one of those subdivisions (was it Arfel Homes?) off Visayas Avenue. When her residence was featured in one of the fan magazines that time, the readers gushed over her choice of a round bed — as opposed to the conventional rectangular bed of rival Nora Aunor whose own bedroom was featured in the opposite page.

Vilma eventually moved to Magallanes Village where son Luis was eventually born. When he was a kid, Luis decided to raise a pair of pigeons and Vilma was just too happy to see her then only son learning how to be responsible. From two, however, the pigeons multiplied to about 40 and they were all nesting on the roof of the Magallanes home. Some found their way inside the ceiling where they continued to grow in number.

In a scene that could have come straight from Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds, the residents, Vilma included, were eventually terrorized by the avian creatures because these started pecking on the ceiling of the bedrooms and only heaven knew when the entire roof would collapse (and endanger the lives of the people below) from all that weight. Vilma was left with no choice but to ask Luis to give up this hobby.

In the early ’90s, Vilma felt that it was time to move to another residence and found one in Green Meadows, then a relatively new subdivision. She didn’t sell the Magallanes home, however (she worked hard to recover that, remember?) and used it as storage for pieces of furniture and appliances that couldn’t be accommodated in her new house. The trophies she won for having been proclaimed Box-Office Queen many times over, for instance, had to be left behind in the old residence because compared to the small glass citations being given away now those were huge and bulky back then — some even measuring three feet in height. But in time, Vilma decided to have the Magallanes residence rented out for additional income. Recently, it was torn down and rebuilt and is now being rented out again.

I never saw that Magallanes home, but I’ve been to the one in Green Meadows. In fact, I was there during the blessing where a dinner reception followed. The house on Green Meadows has four rooms, but one had to be turned into Vilma’s dressing room and closet (a star of her stature needs a huge closet space). The other two were divided between sister Emelyn and Luis.

According to the other Green Meadows celebrity residents, they had no problem with Vilma as a neigHBOr. Joey de Leon would even tell me that whenever he and wife Eileen Macapagal would host parties at their home, they would sometimes call Vilma to join them and if she was home and wasn’t doing anything, she’d drive over and join in the celebration until the wee hours of the morning. Vilma, however, is no longer a Green Meadows resident. The house had actually been turned over to Luis, who is now enjoying his independence (he is a responsible kid and I know he can take care of himself).

For the past couple of years now, Vilma, her husband, former Sen. Ralph Recto (now very much in the news), and their son Ryan Christian had been staying in Alabang. No, I haven’t been there. Neither had it been shown to the public in the past.

Tonight, we will be given the chance to finally have a peek at this very private residence because it will be featured — along with Vilma as wife and mother — in Vilma: A Woman for All Seasons after Charo Santos’ Maalaala Mo Kaya on ABS-CBN. (Ai-Ai de las Alas is the guest co-host for this episode.)

The house is said to be tastefully designed by Budji Layug. It’s mostly wood and done in minimalist style. Yes, it is Vilma’s dream house and so don’t miss it for the world. After all, it’s an invitation from no less than the star for all seasons herself. Best of all, you don’t have to travel to far Alabang. – Butch Francisco (telebisyon.net)

2006 Diwata Awards

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The Diwata Awards – “…The Diwata Award recognizes and honors women and bestows this award to women who have successfully contributed original text to the growing materials and narratives on women sensibilities that aim to empower women who have been marginalized in the traditional film text. It also pays tribute to their outstanding contributions to their field of cinema. The Diwata in Philippine folklore is likened to the muse that inspires artists in crystallizing ideas, concepts, and conversations as they interact with their materials…”

March 8, 2006 – “…Vilma Santos had a meeting with her Vilmanians the other Friday at Max’s Libis. She reported that she had finally finished shooting her Maalaala Mo Kaya episode with Ricky Davao and Maja Salvador, directed by Olive Lamasan. “One year in the making ito, bale two episodes, but it’s really worth it and I’m impressed with the work of Direk Olive,” she says. “It’s based on the true story of a woman from Lipa.” She said she got an offer to do a stage play at the CCP. She’s willing to try the theatre but when she was told she has to rehearse for two months, she had to turn it down as she still has her duties as Lipa City mayor to attend to. She revealed she has new movie offers, but most of them are heavy drama. She wants to do something lighter that will be more appealing to the masa. Last March 8, Vilma was given the First Diwata Award in celebration of International Women’s Day. That coincided with the 16th International Women’s Film Festival by the UP Film Institute, the longest-running women’s filmfest in the country. She was cited for her roles in films like Sister Stella L, Relasyon, The Dolzura Cortez Story, Bata, Bata, Paano Ka Ginawa? and Dekada ’70, which are about women empowerment. She was honored with Lily Monteverde, Charo Santos-Concio and writer Lualhati Bautista. Vilma was warmly applauded by an adulating crowd and she delivered a very inspirational message, saying: “I strongly believe in these films with strong messages. It’s about time men believe in women empowerment. Don’t underestimate us, women and artists!” Ate Vi left Thursday with husband Sen. Ralph Recto to attend the investiture rites of our new cardinal in Rome (she was personally invited). After that, she will take a cruise with Ralph and meet with her family in Los Angeles…” – Mario Bautista, People’s Journal March 26 2006 (READ MORE)

University of the Philippines – “…In 2005, the University of the Philippines conferred to her the Gawad Plaridel Award for her achievements and contributions both as an actress and a public servant. In the same year, she was conferred an honorary doctorate degree (honoris causa) in humanities by the Lipa City College. She was again honored in 2006 by the University of the Philippines as one of the four awardees in UP’s First Diwata Awards. “Ako’y napakarelihiyosong tao sa maniwala ka o hindi. Sa aking kalooban, inaalay ko sa Diyos ang aking mga tagumpay at mga suliranin. Nagpapasalamat ako sa Kanya sa mga magaganda’t mabubuting nangyari sa akin. Kung hindi naman, iniaalay ko pa rin sa Kanya kung iyon ang kalooban Niya. Ang hinihiling ko lamang sa Kanya’y tamang patnubay (“I’m a very religious person, whether you believe it or not. Deep inside, I offer all my success and problems to God. If they’re beautiful and good, I thank Him. If they aren’t, I still offer them to Him if that is what He wants to happen. What I only ask from Him is proper guidance),” she said…” – Rogelio Constantino Medina (READ MORE)

The Awardees – “…The following are the distinguished women who were awarded the Diwata Award…Ms. Charo Santos-Concio, Ms. Vilma Santos, Ms. Lily Monteverde, Ms. Lualhati Bautista, Ms. Laurice Guillen, Ms. Marilou Diaz-Abaya, Ms. Bella Flores…”

Vilma Santos, is the Philippines’ most awarded and critically acclaimed actress and longest reigning box office queen. One of the original Philippine movie queens, she rose up to become the versatile actress that has been given the fitting title of “Star for All Seasons” and more recently “Woman for all Seasons” because of her capacity to adapt to the changing mores and values of the Filipino woman, giving a face to their plight and struggles. She is currently in politics as the Governor of Batangas province, Philippines. She was also formerly Mayor of Lipa City, Batangas. – Agimat (READ MORE)

Maria Rosario Santos known as Charo Santos-Concio or Charo Santos (born October 27, 1953) is a Filipina television executive, host, actress, and film producer who hosts the network’s longest-running drama anthology Maalaala Mo Kaya. She is the President of ABS-CBN Corporation, and plays a powerful role in TV and film production in the Philippines. On March 3, 2008, Ms. Charo Santos-Concio was promoted as 5th president of ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation and in charge of the company’s total business portfolio, taking over from interim president Eugenio Lopez III. – Wikipedia (READ MORE)

Lily Monteverde – Lily Yu Monteverde (nickname Mother Lily) is a prominent Filipino film producer and businesswoman. Lily Monteverde has produced nearly 300 films in the Philippines since the early 1960s. She operated Regal Films, in the Philippines for many years. In August 1996 she invested much of her substantial wealth into hotels in Quezon City. She opened the Imperial Palace Suites on the site of an old gasoline station at the corner of Tomas Morato and Timog avenues in Quezon. In 2000, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Cinemanila International Film Festival. – Wikipedia (READ MORE)

Lualhati Torres Bautista (born Manila, Philippines December 2, 1945) is one of the foremost Filipino female novelists in the history of contemporary Philippine Literature. Her novels include Dekada ’70, Bata, Bata, Pa’no Ka Ginawa?, and ‘GAPÔ. Bautista was born in Tondo, Manila, Philippines on December 2, 1945 to Esteban Bautista and Gloria Torres. She graduated from Emilio Jacinto Elementary School in 1958, and from Torres High School in 1962. She was a journalism student at the Lyceum of the Philippines, but dropped out even before she finished her freshman year. Despite a lack of formal training, Bautista as the writer became known for her honest realism, courageous exploration of Philippine women’s issues, and her compelling female protagonists, who confront difficult situations at home and in the workplace with uncommon grit and strength. – Wikipedia (READ MORE)

Laurice Guillen is a Filipino actress and director. Guillen studied at St. Theresa’s College, Cebu City, before working on a Masters in Mass Communication at Ateneo de Manila University, followed by a television production course under Nestor Torre, in 1967. She then began work as an actress, starring in productions of Mrs. Warren’s Profession, before crossing over to film and television work, playing a seductress in Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang, and Corazon Aquino in the drama A Dangerous Life. In 2009 she accepted a role in the indie film Karera, her first role in an independent production. Other credits include in the film Sister Stella L and Moral. – Wikipedia (READ MORE)

Marilou Diaz-Abaya (March 7, 1955 – October 8, 2012) was a multi-awarded film director in the Philippines. She was the founder and president of the Marilou Diaz-Abaya Film Institute and Arts Center, a film school based in Antipolo City, Philippines. She was the director of the 1998 film José Rizal, a biopicture on the Philippines’ national hero. – Wikipedia (READ MORE)

Bella Flores – “…She is Bella Flores and proud that she has played the wicked tormentor of children from Tessie Agana in 1951 in Roberta, to Vilma Santos in Trudis Liit in 1963, to Maricel Soriano in Inday Bote in 1970. “I walk alone. I pray alone. I talk to God na huwag ako pababayaan. There are times I feel lonely, natural lang yun. I know God is always with me.” While she relates her story, of how she distrusts everyone which is why she opts to live alone and refuses to hire a live-in driver, there is something in her demeanor that tells you it is possibly just another role she is playing. “I don’t have close friends. We meet on the set, then go home. But there are people like Susan Roces, Gloria Romero, Pablo Gomez whom I like. Friends are the ballroom dancing friends, although I stopped dancing in 2002 when I became very busy,” she continues sounding much like the sure-fire recipe on how to be hated by an audience…” – Bibsy M. Carballo, The Star, 14 March 2008 (READ MORE)

Related Reading:

TRIVIA

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I will venture into my friend Al’s territory for this issue of V Mag.  Mag-trivia muna tayo para pag may nagtanong sa atin tungkol kay ate Vi ay hindi tayo mapaupo sa last row, sa tabi ng garbage can.

  • Ate Vi was born on a Tuesday, 03 November of 1953 at Galang Hospital in Blumentritt Street, Manila.
  • She weighed 6.5 lbs.
  • Si Mama Milagros Tuazon-Santos ay taga Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, samantalang taga Bamban, Tarlac naman si Papa Amado Constantino Santos.
  • Pinaglihi si ate Vi sa kesong puti.
  • Pangalawa si ate Vi sa limang magkakapatid. Panganay si at Emelyn, sumunod kay ate Vi si Maritess, na sinundan nina Winnie at Sonny.
  • Nag-aral si ate Vi sa St. Mary’s Academy sa Trozo st., Bambang, Manila mula Kinder hanggang High School. Samantala kumuha siya ng special course on Local Governance sa University of the Philippines – Diliman.
  • Takot si ate Vi sa ipis at ayaw niyang nakakarinig ng daing ng babae.
  • Nagtitinda si ate Vi ng minatamis na sampaloc noong nag-aaral pa siya.
  • Marami na ring bahay na natirhan si ate Vi. Una silang tumira sa Trozo St., Bambang. Manila at tumagal sila doon hanggang naging 12 years old siya. Sa la Loma, QC naman sila lumipat hanggang sa mag 17 years old siya. 1970 ng lumipat sila sa Cinnacle Drive, Proj. 6, QC. Mula rito ay lumipat naman sila sa Morado St., Dasmarinas Village, Makati. Sumundo ay tumira naman sila sa Amapola St., Bel Air Village, Makati. Matagal din silang tumira sa Margarita St., Magallanes Village, Makati. 1990 ng lumipat naman sila sa Swallow Drive, GreenMeadows Subd., QC. 2007 ng lumipat sila sa Ayala Alabang Village in Taguig City.  Bukod ditto may bahay pa rin sila sa LPL Compound in Lipa City, Batangas. May rest house rin siya sa Tagaytay. May bahay pa rin siya sa West Covina, CA. Nagkaroon din siya ng bahay sa Monterey Hills, Marikina.
  • Nagkasakit si ate Vi ng pneumonia noong siya ay limang taong gulang. Na-confine siya sa Galang Hospital.
  • Hindi marunong magluto si ate Vi pero may specialty siya. Ito ay ang Meal-in-One na may spaghetti, corned beef, sweet corn at mushroom.
  • Opel record na kulay Silver Blue ang unang kotse niya.
  • Unang bansa na narrating niya ay HongKong.
  • Five feet and half inch ang height niya.
  • May malaking nunal si ate Vi sa likod.
  • Una siyang gumanap sa stage bilang isang madre sa tanghalan ng St. Mary’s noong siyaý nasa Kindergarten. Gumanap rin siya bilang Veronica sa Dulang pam-Mahal na Araw sa Culural Center of the Phils. noong 1971.
  • Tatlong beses niya nakasama si Amalia Fuentes sa pelikula: Bulaklak at Paru-paro (1970), Mga Reynang Walang Trono (1976) at Asawa ko, Huwag Mong Agawin (1986). Samantala, ang karibal ni Amalia na si Susan Roces ay hindi pa niya nakasama sa pelikula.
  • Si Dona Josefa Edralin-Marcos ang nagputong ng kanyang korona bilang Miss Philippine Movies of 1971 at Box Office Queen of Phil. Movies 1978.
  • Magaling mag-drawing si ate Vi, kaya nga binalak niyang kumuha ng Fine Arts kundi lang siya lubhang naging abala sa mga showbiz commitments niya.
  • Special added attraction ang film coverage ng Debut niya sa pelikulang Eternally na ipinalabas noong 1971.
  • Unang pelikula niyang ginawa sa abroad ang Aloha, My Love (1972), sinundan ng mga Don’t Ever Say Goodbye (1972), Pinay, American Style (1979), Miss X (1980), Gusto Kita, Mahal Ko Siya (1980), at Romansa (1980). Samantala may ilang eksenang kinunan sa HongKong ang Anak (2000) at sa Bangkok ang Mano Po 3, My Love (2004).
  • Idinaos ang kanyang debut noong Nov. 3, 1971 sa The Plaza Restaurant sa Makati. Isang sosyal at sikat na restaurant noong panahong iyong ang naturang resto. Dito rin idinaos ang reception ng lasal nina FPJ at Susan Roces noong 1968. Si Ben Farrales ang nagdesenyo at tumahi ng kanyang gown. Si Danilo Franco ang nagburda ng kanyang gown, baguhan pa lamang noon si Danilo at nagtratrabaho kay Mang Ben.
  • Si Auggie Cordero ang gumawa ng wedding gown ni Ate Vi na ginamit sa kanyang Lux Commercial. Samantalang ang National Artist for Film na si Gerry de Leon ang nagdirect ng naturang commercial. Nagkaroon ng Lux and Vi TV special na dinaluhan ng mga nagdaang Lux beauties gaya nina Amalia Fuentes, Susan Roces, Helen Gamboa, Gina Pareno at Hilda Koronel.
  • Jul. 25, 1970 ang initial telecast ng The Sensations sa ABS CBN 3. naging top rate rang nasabing program na nakasama nina Vilma at Edgar ang mga young stars na sina Perla Adea, Romy Mallari, Rhodora Silva, Darius Razon, Baby de Jesus at Tony Santos, Jr. Ginawa pa itong pelikula ng TIIP dahil sa kasikatan nito. Nanatili ito sa ere hanggang ideklara ang Martial law noong Sept 1972.
  • Tumayong maid of Honor si ate Vi sa kasal nina Tony Ferrer at Alice Crisostomo noong 1970 at kian Aurora Salve at Romy Ongpauco noong 1974.
  • Si Ben Farrales rin ang gumawa ng terno ni ate Vi bilang Miss Asian Basketball Confederation of 1973.
  • May magazine na puro Vilma ang news at articles. Ito ay ang Movie Queen magazine.
  • Oleg Casini ang brand ng bikini na suot ni ate Vi sa beach scene ng pelikulang Susan Kelly, Edad 20. Kinunan ang naturang beach scene sa Villamar Beach resort sa Cavite.
  • Hango sa pelikulang The Exorcist ni Linda Blair ang initial telecast ng Dulambuhay ni Rosa Vilma sa BBC2. naging top rater ang naturang programa at nagbigay kay ate Vi ng nomination sa PATAS awards bilang Best TV Actress of 1974.
  • May gagawin sanang pelikula si ate Vi with Lolita Rodriguez (Tigang na Lupa) at Rita Gomez (Mother and Daughter) sa TIIP noong 1974, ngunit parehong hindi niya nagawa. Ang Mother and Daughter ay isinapelikula rin ngunit iba na ang casting. Sina Paraluman at Elizabeth Oropesa na ang gumanap rito.
  • 1974 ng nailathala ang mga nobelang isinulat umano ni ate Vi. Ito ay ang Saksi Ko Ang Diyos, Akoý Birhen (Movie Specials) at Paper Dolls (Kislap). Siya rin ang may akda ng istorya ng pelikulang Biktima na kanyang entry sa 1974 Manila Film Festival.
  • Sinagot ni ate Vi si Edgar Mortiz noong Apr 7, 1971 at nag break sila noong Apr 28, 1974. Si Edgar ang una niyang boyfriend.
  • Nakapag-produce ang VS Films ng limang pelikula. Ito ay ang mgs ss.: Mga Rosas sa Putikan; Pagputi ng Uwak, Pag-itim ng Tagak; Halik sa Paa, Halik sa Kamay, Apoy sa Ilalim, Apoy sa Ibabaw at Coed.
  • Naging judge si Ate Vi sa Miss RP 1976, kung saan nanalo ang nag-artista rin na si Suzanne Gonzales at runner up ang naging super model Anna Bayle. Naging judge rin siya sa Bb. Pilipinas noong 1987.
  • Nagkaroon ng concert si ate Vi sa Folk Arts Theatre noong 1977. Nakasama niya sina Rico J. Puno, Nino Muhlach, Didith Reyes and the late Yolly Samson.
  • Naging official entry ang Masarap, Masakit, ang Umibig (My Brother’s Wife) sa 23rd Asian Film Festival sa Bangkok, Thailand noong 1977.
  • Sa Long Beach Resort, sa Nalinac, La Union nag-celebrate si ate Vi ng kanyang ika 24th birthday. Samantalang sa Paris, France naman nung kanyng ika 26th birthday.
  • Sia te Vi ay ang 1978 Miss Presto at 1980 Miss Crispa sa PBA.
  • Napanalunan lahat ng Burlesk Queen ang mga awards sa 1977 Metro Manila Film Festival maliban sa dalawa (Best Cinematography and Best Production design). Ito rin ang Top Grosser.
  • Super lakas ng pelikulang Miss X. It grossed more than P600,000.00 in its first day of showing just 27 theatres, when normally a P100,000.00 first day gross in the 1980s is already considered a blockbuster. Ito ang unang pelikulang pinagsamahan nina ate Vi at director Gil Portes. The movie was filmed in Amsterdam.

I hope you enjoyed reading this trivia. Addition lang to the info mentioned, November 1962 ng unang mag shooting si ate Vi for Trudis Liit, kaya it’s her 45th Showbiz anniversary. – Eric Nadurata,  December  2007,  V magazine (READ MORE)

  • The only actress who won three consecutive years as best actress in the Urian awards (the country’s film critics) for her movies, Relasyon (1982), Broken Marriage (1983), and Sister Stella L. (1984).
  • She has never won a single best actress award from her movies directed by an ace director, the late Lino Brocka.
  • The first actress in Philippine movies to score a grand slam in 1983 as best actress for her performance in Relasyon (1982) from Catholic Mass Media, Urian, Film Academy and FAMAS award giving bodies.
  • Her mother is Mila Tuazon Santos.
  • Mother of Luis Manzano.
  • Currently serving as mayor of Lipa City in the Philippines. Her husband, Ralph Recto, is an incumbent Philippine Senator.
  • Children (Edu Manzano) and Ryan Christian (with Ralph Recto).
  • Siblings: Emelyn and Sonny.
  • Her Girl Friday Aida Fandialan is girlfriend of her brother Sonny.
  • She is the winner of the most Gawad URIANs (from the country’s top film critics), tallying 8 wins, 5 additional nominations (all for Best Actress) and 2 special awards for being the best actress of the ’80s and the ’90s.
  • She is also currently the most awarded actress in the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences Awards (FAMAS Awards) with 6 wins (5 Best Actress, 1 Child Actress), a Hall of Fame Award, two Circles of Excellence awards (the highest award of the FAMAS), a Lifetime Achievement Award and 9 other nominations (1 Best Supporting Actress, 8 Best Actress). She also holds the record of having the longest string of consecutive FAMAS nominations for performers; she had 12 consecutive nominations from 1977-1989.
  • She is also the most awarded actress in the Film Academy Awards (along with Nora Aunor) with 4 wins for Best Actress, 8 other nominations and 1 Lifetime Achievement Award.
  • The other half of the very controversial FAMAS Best Actress tie in 1972. She shared the Best Actress honors with Boots Anson-Roa. It is the first tie in Philippine movie awards history.
  • The only actress in the history of the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences to have won back-to-back acting awards twice (1981 and 1982, 1987 and 1988).
  • The only actress to have scored 4 grand slams in Philippine movie history (Caveat: a Grand Slam means that the actor/actress has won the Philippines’ FAMAS Awards, Gawad URIAN, Film Academy Awards and Star Awards). She scored grand slams in Relasyon (1982), Dahil mahal kita (1993), Bata bata paano ka ginawa? (1998) and Dekada ’70 (2002).
  • An advocate-endorser of a nationwide milk education campaign called “Laki Sa Gatas,” in partnership with Bear Brand, the Philippines’ leading milk brand by sales. The campaign aims to promote, primarily among mothers, the nutritional importance of milk in light of declining milk consumption in the Philippines.
  • Elder sister of Winnie Santos.
  • At the Cinema One Originals Film Festival 2009, she received the Cinema One Legend Award. – telebisyon.net (READ MORE)

Related Readings:

Ang Pinakamahirap na Pelikula ni Vilma!

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Sa paggawa ng pelikula, kung maringgan man ng pagdaing si Vilma Santos ay bihirang-bihira. Nangyayari lang ito kung ipagpalagay nating siya’y may dinaramdam, hapong-hapo at talagang hindi na makaya ng katawang humarap sa kamera kahit ibigin niya. Gayon man, kung nagkataong napakahalaga ng eksena at kinakailangang gawin niya, kahit anong sama ng pakiramdam niya’y humaharap siya sa kamera. At sa pagtungo niya sa set o location, lagi siyang nasa oras. Kung maatraso ma’y saglit lang. Ganyan ka-professional si Vilma Santos. Ngunit sa Lipad, Darna, Lipad ay dumaraing siya. Hindi sa hindi siya enjoy gawin ito. Ang tutoo’y sa pelikulang ito lang siya na-involved. Ibig na niyang matapos na ito’t makita ang pinagpaguran niya. Talaga palang mahirap gumawa ng costume picture. Lalo pa’t kung tulad nito! Una, ang naging suliranin namin ay ang Darna Costume ko. Kasi, kinakailangang maging maliksi ang kilos ko bilang Darna, kaya kailangang alisin na ang padding. Kaso nga, lilitaw naman ang malaking bahagi ng aking katawan. Mabuti na lang at sumang-ayon ang aking fans.

“Pangalawa, nag-aalala ako sa mga eksenang bakbakan namin nina Gloria Romero, Celia Rodriguez, Liza Lorena. Kasi, baka masaktan ko sila nang di sinasadya. “Ang pangatlo ay ang likas na pagkatakot ko…sa mga ahas. Kasi, may bahagi roong tungkol sa Babaing Ahas, si Valentina. Dito, laging kinakailangan ang ahas sa mga eksena. Mga sari-saring ahas. Maliliit at malalaki. At makamandag! “Ang pinakamahirap sa lahat ay ang pagsu-shooting. Kailangan naming tapusin ito anuman ang mangyari. Kaya nasasagap ko ang lamig ng gabi at init ng araw. At ang suot ko nga’y labas ang malaking bahagi ng katawa! At alam n’yo namang kailan lang ay na-ospital ako dahil sa respiratory defects! Ito ang mga daing ni Vilma Santos sa pinakamahirap niyang pelikula, ang Lipad, Darna, Lipad. Ngunit mahihinuha naman ninyo na ang pagdaing niya’y parang palalambing lang. Dinaraan pa nga niyang lahat sa biro. Pagka’t ang tutoo, mahal na mahal niya ang pelikulang ito. Dahil ito nga ang pinaka-mahirap. At sa isang artista, kung alin ang pinakamahirap ay siya namang pinakamasarap! – Cleo Cruz, Love Story Illustrated Weekly Magazine, No. 78, 23 Mar 1973

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

Body Talk with Vilma Santos

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If you want to spoil Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos’ day, enumerate to her the symptoms of an illness, any illness, and she’ll feel sick the whole day. Yes, she’s hypochondriac. Once, Perla Bautista (another hypochondriac) related to Vilma how her (Perla’s) friend suffered from an ailment and guess what Vilma did the next day – yes, she called in sick.

But discuss showbiz and politics with her and she perks up. Graduating from being Lipa City with a sterling record as the province’s governor, Vilma is now rumored to be the probable running mate of MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando in the 2010 presidential race. Asked if she discussed that “possibility” when Fernando recently paid her a visit at the Batangas provincial capitol, Vilma insisted that he did not. “He just met with the department heads,” she said, adding, “but we didn’t talk about 2010. Hindi sa ayaw kong magsilbi sa iba but I know when I’m prepared.”

What she’s prepared for is her yet untitled movie (to be directed by Olivia Lamasan) for Star Cinema with John Lloyd Cruz for which they’re going to New York in November to start shooting (to catch the first snowfall). John Lloyd plays the lover of Vilma’s son (her own son, Luis/Lucky Manzano, is being eyed for the role but he might not be “ready” for love/kissing scenes with another guy). “My son in the movie will die at kami ni John Lloyd ang mag-i-enkuwentro,” she said. Gov. Vilma stands five-foot-flat, weighs 105 lbs., and wears medium/large shirts and size-6 shoes (her feet grew bigger after she gave birth to Ryan Christian).

You used to be insomniac, weren’t you?
“Yes. It was terrible! Hindi ako inaantok hangga’t hindi ako makakita ng araw, kahit konting liwanag lang. But while it was dark, I was awake.”

How long did you suffer from insomnia?
“It lasted while I was busy doing movies. Nag-iba lang ang body clock ko when I became a mayor. But before that, bago nabago ang sistema ng katawan ko, I was hospitalized for three weeks. My doctor said that my body had to adjust to my new schedule.”

So you sleep well now?
“When I go home from work, as early as 11:30 p.m., I go to bed na and then I wake up at 5 a.m. Six hours of sleep are good enough for me. More than that, I feel sluggish, para akong nilalagnat.”

What’s your favorite sleep wear?
“Loose shorts with a pajama top. The aircon has to be turned on full blast because I want to wrap myself in a thick blanket.”

What about Ralph?
“Naku, mahilig din sa very cold temperature, pati anak namin (Ryan Christian).”

Do you snore?
“According to Ralph, yes. When I’m tired daw, heavy ang breathing ko, may sound.”

Do you talk in your sleep?
“I don’t think so. I hope not! But when I’m too tired, kapag kinakausap daw ako habang natutulog, sagot ako nang sagot. They would ask me daw about my schedule the next day at tama naman daw ang sagot ko.”

Do you sleepwalk?
“No, I don’t.”

How many pillows do you sleep with?
“I’m fine with two pillows. Ganoon din si Luis (Lucky). One under my head and the other I hug.”

What about Ralph? Don’t you hug him?
“Ay, mahilig sa maraming unan, like Ryan. Unan ang yakap-yakap ni Ralph when he sleeps.”

Which side of the bed do you sleep on?
“Left side. I’m comfortable sa left side. Nasa right side si Ralph.”

Do you and Ralph talk about politics in bed?
“Yes. At least we can discuss a topic close to our hearts.”

Do you bring work to the bedroom?
“As much as possible, I don’t. I see to it that I finish the paper work in my office even if it means staying up late, so that when I go home all I have to do is read and relax with my family.”

What’s the last thing that you do before you go to sleep?
“I drink a glass of water and then I pray. But for me to fall asleep easily, kailangan i-massage ang paa ko, gentle lang. Basta gusto ko lang kina-caress ang mga paa ko.”

Who does the massaging, Ralph?
“No. ‘Yung maid namin.”

First thing that you do when you wake up?
“I make the Sign of the Cross and then derecho ligo if it’s a working day. Kapag rest day, I take my time and read the newspapers and then I exercise.”

What kind of exercise do you do?
“I do taebo, I do the treadmill, and I dance. I do it at least one hour every day. I do it in a room with the aircon turned off para pawisan ako. And then nagsa-sauna ako.”

Aside from exercising, how else do you unwind?
“I just stay home, make kuwento with my children and watch TV, and eat the food that I like. That is, after exercising. Aside from the gentle massage every night, I have hard massage twice a week.”

What part of your body is most vulnerable?
“My stomach. Sakit ‘yan ng mga Scorpio. When I’m tense, sumasakit kaagad ang sikmura ko.”

How’s your sex life?
“Ay, highly-satisfactory. Hahahaha! Mas magana kami ni Ralph when we are abroad. No pressure. We take our time. Heaven!”

You used to be a hypochondriac, right?
“Up to now! Matapang ako, pero pagdating sa sakit duwag ako. That’s why I don’t want to go to hospitals because the moment nalaman ko ‘yung symptoms, parang nararamdaman kong mayroon ako.”

How often do you see your doctor?
“Ay, very rarely. The last check-up I had was two years ago. But I advise women to undergo a mammogram once a year. Ang daming may breast cancer ngayon, di ba?”

How’s your diet?
“I eat five to six small meals every day, but never busog na busog. I eat anything in moderation. I eat mostly fish and vegetables. But my favorite is Japanese food. My favorite fruit is banana, the latondan variety.”

Are you really a milk drinker?
“Oh yes, ever since I was young. Ask my mom. Palagi kong baon ay pandesal with cheese and milk or Choco Vim. I’ve been drinking Bear Brand from way, way back.”

How much water do you take per day?
“I should take eight glasses of water per day but the most I take is six glasses. But I also take lots of green tea. After eating, I take a glass of hot water or hot tea for digestion.”

How do you take care of your skin? (She used to endorse Eskinol.)
“Wala akong masyadong beauty regimen. All I do is take off my make-up with cream. Before I sleep, I wash my face with warm water. And before I put on my make-up, I wash my face with cold water. Unless I appear on TV, hindi ako naglalagay ng makapal na make-up. Exercise helps. You sweat a lot and it’s good for the skin.”

Name three women you think have nice, healthy bodies.
“Dawn Zulueta. Charlene Gonzalez. Lorna Tolentino. Mga mothers na pero marunong mag-alaga ng katawan.”

And three men…
“Piolo Pascual. Ralph is fatherly sexy. And, of course, ang anak ko, si Luis.” – Ricardo F. Lo, The Philippine Star, Aug 29 2008 (READ MORE)

Vilma Santos: The Big Girl With a Big Heart!

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She was not to thrive on controversies. ‘Yan si Vilma Santos. Dala ito marahil ng kanyang napakaagang pagkakapasok sa paga-artista. Gayon pa man she has not been spared with some. Near-clashes with issues affecting her standing in the field of entertainment ay dumarating din sa kanya. Sa paminsan-minsang pagkanti sa kanyang enviable na katayuan bilang artista, unconclusive para sabihin nating she does it with tact…sa dahilang di na niya kailangan. She does not have to crade issues for reasons na wala naman siyang dapat ipaliwanang sa ibang mga puna sa kanya. Having maintained her “sweet image” personality sa kanyang mga followers and foes alike, isang napakalaking achievement ito para sa isang artistang naging katungali sa larangan ng popularidad ang isang kinikilalang very formidable showbiz supergirl. Much too busy before the camera, tutoong napakahirap magkaroon ng pagkakataong makapanayam siya within ultimate gusto. But we have always been broadminded about such perchance happenings. Kahit na between “breaks,” ni hindi namin siya ginambala. Knowing fully well the gruelling eksena na katatapos lang niyang harapin, its but fair na kinakailangan niya ang magpahinga, though momentarily.

However we came upon a beautiful idea kahit na di namin siya masyadong nakakuwentuhan. Her showbiz life was an open book. Di kailangan ang manaliksik. Appraisal was well at hand, Gayunman, we sidetracked to dwell on mere heresays. Facts ang maing pinagbabasihan, mostly emanating from people close to her al gayon din sa mga taong naging asiwa sa kanyang pagiging that popular. It is an accepted tenet na kapag ang isang tao ay naging successful sa kanyang hanapbuhay, the natural trend ay ang pagiging usual target ng mga puna…nakasisira ang otherwise. In her little more than a decade of involvement with showbiz, isang bagay ang naging very obvious sa kanya. Ang vigorous growth niya sa pagiging artista didn’t flourish through controversy. However, she has had near-clashes with some. To mention some of those ‘drop-in-the-bucket’ napag-uusapan, napagtapunan namin ng pansin ang kanyang closeness sa kanyang reel and real ka-loveteam na si Edgar Mortiz. Ang dalawa raw are more than just mag-ka-loveteam. That they have been married daw in some off-Philippine shore. Ang nasabing rumor however died a natural death. On its own, din na kailangan pang ikaila ito by either Vi or Bot kung totoo which it is not.

They look it as just one of those laughing matters among showbiz people. Now the talk has taken its own course, to oblivion. Action speaks louder than words, at naipakita nina Vilma na with a slight dash of denial, they have proved themselves capable of being burdened with the untruth. Time justified it for them. At kamakailan lamang ay nagkaroon ng issue ang kanyang pagsusuot ng very “unsweet” attire sa kanyang latest vehicle na “Lipad, Darna, Lipad.” Nagkaroon ng divided concern ang iba’t ibang panig na nakapaligid kay Vilma. Dapat daw ba niyang tanggapin itong role na ito? Ang if so, kailangan daw ba niyang magsuot ng tights o hindi? Trifling matter possibly, but definitely, ikinabahala ng marami. However, this issue has been resolved upon. Sinusulat namin ito’y nasa finishing touches na ang “Lipad…” Realism has been injected sa kapasiyahan na rin Vilma. She didn’t wear tights nor body-fits. Naging acceptable na rin sa kanyang mga fans ang inaakala nilang taamang desisyon ng kanilang idol. Vilma on the other hand is one girl na di man lang namin nakitang unsmiling. She had a ready smile for everyone. Winsome in everyway, very enjoyable to talk with ang young actress na ito.

Recently, nagkaroon siya ng kaunting problems with a certain press release. However it has been threshed out even before it has magnified itself into harmful proportions. Nuong huli namin siyang nakaharap sa shooting ng “Lipad…” sa mismong El Dorado Subdivision sa Antipolo, kapuna-puna ang kasipagan ni Vilma. And she can take risks too. Immeasurable ang kanyang industry at dedikasyon sa kanyang propesyon. Di niya alintana ang pagod. Sa kabila ng matinding pagod sa panayang shooting, she finds time to smilingly greet her many well-wishers who flocks daily to the set. We wonder not. Kung naipaparis man si Vilma kay Susan Roces sa ngayon. Vilma can well be placed as having started her career at an earlieer age while Susan had started hers at a blooming age. However, the comparison ends there. Susan had maintained her sweet stature as Vilma had up to now. Vilma definitely has a long, long way to travel sa kanyang career. Marami pang trivalities ang kanyang harapin. At kailangang maging handa siya. Knowing Vi, we are sure she can pass at with flying colors. For one Vilma never has panicked sa harap ng mga problema. Hindi niya kailanman maging ugali na takasan ang ano mang problema. She faces them squarely. – Tito Nards, Kislap, No. 273, 22 Mar 1973

Tito Nards is a Filipino movie reporter, writer, columnist who were part of Vilma Santos’ circle of movie supporter in the early part of her film career. Although he was not identified fully with Vilma Santos, he regularly reports about the latest Vilma Santos news. His weekly colum and articles, mostly written in Tagalog were published by Mars Ravelo magazine, an illustrated comics-magazine. – RV

Vilma Santos – Child Actress (Videos)

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“Nakihalo lang ako doon sa mga nag-a-audition sa Trudis Liit [1963],” pagbabalik-tanaw ng aktres kung paano siya napasok sa showbiz at naging bida nga kaagad sa nabanggit niyang proyektong iyon. Hindi ako dapat talaga doon [sa audition na iyon]. Nakipila lang ako. Pagpila ko, tinatawag ako ng mommy ko na, ‘Hindi ka diyan! Sabi ko, ‘Andito na, e!’ Makulit na ako no’ng time na ‘yon! So, anyway, tinawag ako ni Doc Perez [of Sampaguita Pictures] at that time. Pinaarte ako. Nag-adlib-adlib pa ako. Nakuha naman ako. So, when I started, dalawa kaagad ang pelikula ko—Trudis Liit at Anak, Ang Iyong Ina [1963]. Ang naaalala ko lang tungkol sa maaga kong pagpasok sa pag-aartista, parang laro lang sa akin iyon. Parang naglalaro lang ako noon kaya hindi trabaho sa akin iyon, e. So, very-very memorable sa akin iyon. At saka no’ng Trudis Liit, every lunch, lagi akong may apple. Lagi akong may chicken. Every lunch talaga ‘yon. Parang… Siguro bata, so ibibigay nila ‘yong gano’ng ano sa ‘yo. Parang may prize ka, gano’n. So, memorable sa akin iyon.” – Vilma Santos (READ MORE)

YEAR FILMS
1963 Anak, ang Iyong Ina
1963 Aninong Bakal
1963 Duelo sa Sapang Bato
1963 King & Queen for a Day
1963 Trudis Liit
1964 Ging
1964 Larawan ng Pag-ibig
1964 Naligaw na Anghel
1964 Sa Bawat Pintig ng Puso
1965 Iginuhit ng Tadhana
1965 Kay Tagal ng Umaga
1965 Maria Cecilia
1965 Morena Martir
1965 Sa Baril Magtutuos
1966 Batang Iwahig
1966 Hampaslupang Maton
1966 Hindi Nahahati ang Langit
1966 Ito ang Dahilan
1967 Ito ang Pilipino
1967 Longest Hundred Miles
1968 De Colores
1968 Eagle Commandos
1968 Kasalanan Kaya?
1968 Sino ang may Karapatan?

Related Readings:
Vilma Santos- the Child star
IMDB: Trudis liit (1963)
Trudis Liit From Wikipedia
DEKADA 60: Si Ate Vi, Si GING
Favorite Penpal (Repost)
DEKADA 60: Si Ate Vi, Si GING (Repost)
FAMAS Recognitions
Vilma Santos in Mars Ravelo’s “Ging” komiks Serial and Movie Adaptation
Film Scenes – Child Star (Video)