“Salubong” – “Forgive us for quoting a YA novel, but it seems pretty apt: “Art [isn’t] supposed to look nice; [it’s] supposed to make you feel something,” said Park in Rainbow Rowell’s Eleanor & Park. As if to prove that, many artists have gone from producing aesthetically pleasing works to creating art that triggers strong emotions, positive or not. Creations often become disputable when they go against the accepted norms. Let’s take a look at 10 works by Filipino artists that drew criticism, controversy, or outrage for exploring themes which were described as shocking, weird, or offensive. Read at your own risk…Dante Hipolito’s oil painting, “Salubong,” was intended to be a welcome gift for Pope Francis when he visited the Philippines in January 2015. It went from being viral to controversial as the painting that was supposed to depict everyday Filipinos instead featured celebrities and politicians like Gov. Vilma Santos, Gary Valenciano, Marian Rivera, Dingdong Dantes, Coco Martin, Sen. Grace Poe, and Kris Aquino dressed up as farmers surrounding the Pope. “The painting contradicts the concept of realism as it shows nothing about the submerged reality of the nation’s agricultural workers,” said Michael Beltran, chair of Kabataang Artista para sa Tunay na Kalayaan (KARATULA), in a statement. Hipolito, however, explained that the painting was also a gift for his wife, who was a fan of celebrities. “Mundo ko ito, e. Ito, nag-e-exist ito sa utak ko lang na inilabas ko…Kaso, na-misinterpret ng tao…” – Dante Hipolito, The Most Shocking Works by Filipino Artists, SPOT.ph, 16 May 2020 (READ MORE)

Spotlight on Vi – “Philippine Movie Press Club photographers, amateurs and professionals alike, trekked to Majayjay, Laguna two Sundays ago to take pictures of Vilma Santos, the first model in the club’s ongoing photo-journalism contest. Result of the said contest will be announced before July, when PMPC current president Ronald Constantino’s (first) term ends. Other models in the photo contest are Alona Alegre, Alma Moreno, Nora Aunor, Dolphy and Fernando Poe, Jr.” – Mod Magazine Vol X. No. 340, 24 February 1978 (READ MORE)

“Bold is the order of the day and even the “sweetest” of our stars are slowly being drawn into it. Vilma Santos, for one is doing a movie with Merle Fernandez, something with the suggestive title Mga Rosas sa Putikan. Editor-in-chief Ernie Evora Sicco serves you the piece, still piping hot, along with the juiciest bits concerning local filmdom in her Starliners.” – Mod Magazine Vol X. No. 340, 24 February 1978 (READ MORE)
Oh My Love – The romantic comedy drama show, “Oh My Love,” highlights two popular love teams of Pepito Rodriguez and Liza Lorena and Edgar Mortiz and Vilma Santos, with added star support of Ben David and Betty Mendez. Directed by Tony Santos, Sr., it is televised every Wednesday evening on Channel 2 from 7 to 8 o’clock. (READ MORE)

Kampus Star – “…The biggest fear of Borlaza was when Agrix Films’ “Kampus?” was booked one week after the opening of VS Films’ Pagputi ng Uwak, pag-itim ng Tagak. The Celso Ad. Castillo film was an artistic triumph, and Borlaza felt following it up with another Vilma-Bembol starrer would put them at a great disadvantage. The Vilma-Bembol fans might still be raving over Pagputi… instead of discussing Kampus. As it turned out, people let Pagputi pass and waited for Kampus judging from the comparative gate receipts of the two movies. What makes Maning Borlaza’s movies tick? We chanced on Maning during the shooting of VS Films’ current production, Coed. “Sabi ni Mama Santos, ako daw ang pumatay sa kanilang Pagputi…, eto ang parusa ko, bigyan ko daw sila ng isang Kampus? so I’m making for them Coed. You see, when I was working on Kampus? at the UP Los Baños, I has the opportunity to chat with some students, and I realized their problems and lifestyle can be source of even 10 movie materials. At kapag student force pala and nag-patronize sa Tagalog movie, and laki ng audience!” Borlaza revealed…Is star value the main thing in selling a movie? “In the case of Kampus?, yes, because Vilma Santos was my main star and she’s the curernt box office queen…” – Manny B. Fernandez, Expressweek, November 9, 1978, Posted by Pelikula Atbp (READ MORE)

Kasalukuyang Maligaya – “…Seryoso si Vi sa kanyang buhay. Anuman ang dumarating sa kanya, tinatanggap niya ng maluwag sa kanyang dibdib at pilit pa rin siyang nagpapakaligaya. Paulit-ulit nga niyang siansabi: “Si Lucky ang inspirasyon ko. Lahat ng ginagawa ko ngayon ay para sa kanya. Kung wala man kami ni Edu ngayon, gaya ng mga sinasabi nila, natatanggap ko na rin. Sanay na ako. Siguro, isa nga ako sa biktima ng mga sinasabing relasyong showbiz. Sa umpisa, maganda, pero sa bandang huli, nababalewala kahit gaano katatag, dahil na rin sa differences namin at intri-intriga!” Dugtong pa ni Vi, “Anuman ang mga nagaganap ngayon, wala akong pinagsisisihan. Kahit anupang intriga ang naririnig ko tungkol sa relasyon namin ni Edu, hindi ko iniintindi. Kung hindi man kasing tamis ng una ang relasyon namin ngayon, maligaya pa rin ako dahil sa sarili ko, wala akong ginagawang mali. Naniniwala akong hindi namin kagustuhan ang nangyari, kundi panahon ang may likha nun!” Kung minsan, inaamin ni Vi, nasasaktan na rin siya sa mga sabi-sabing kung sinu-sino ang dahilan nang hindi nila pagkakaunawaan ni Edu. Gaya nung magsama lang sila madalas ni Danny Zialcita sa pelikula natsitsismis na may relasyon na raw silang dalawa. Nung mili silang magtambal ni Romeo Vasquez, umusok naman ang balitan nagbalik ang datil nilang relasyon, na wala namang katotohanana. Dahil diyan, ito lang raw ang hulign masasabi ni Vi: “Alam ko, bahagi ng kapalaran ko bilang babae, bilang asawa, bilang ina at bilang artista ang lahat ng nangyayari sa akin. Pinagtitiisan ko, pero pinaglalabana ko rin. Kung sa mga sinasabi ko, hindi sila naniniwala, wala na akong magagawa. Basta bukod sa aking anak, ang higit kong inaasikaso, lolo akong pang pag-igihan ang pagaartista ko dahil matagal pa bago ako umalis dito. If ever na aalis na ako, gusto ko, matagumpay lahat ng nagawa ko. At ayokong aalis ng umiiyak, maski, anong mangyari, kailangan, maging maligaya ako, tulad ng kasalukuyan!” – Michelle Duenas, Movie Flash Magazine, 07 April1983, Posted by Pelikula Atbp (READ MORE)

Rich “Kumot” Queen – “…At 26, Vi still feels confident. “Kahit na sabihin nilang old maid na ako. I’d rather marry when I’m sure. ‘Yang kasal naman hindi mo alam kung kailan darating.” For the time being, Vi is paying full attention to her carer. “Iknow naman where my money goes. Mama takes care of that.” Contrary to what has been said by detractors, Mama Santos has invested Vilma’s earning well. To date, Vi has a big house in Magallanes Village, one in Tahanan where Vi will transfer to when she gets back from Amsterdam, and one in Los Angeles where she will run to when the pressure gets to be a bit unbearable. She’s worth about five million and half in assets which also include VS Films, seven and a half hectares of fruit bearing trees in Tanay and other investments in real estate. That, plus her jewelries and a personal savings account (sabi sa tsismis, almost a million in cold cash) indeed make Vilma Santos a very rich woman. Vi is the only actress whose films get patronized whether they’re meant for adult viewing or for general patronage. “People thought that came by accident, but Mama planned it that way. For every film I make that is meant for people above 18 Mama accepts one that is intended for general viewing. Tingnan mo, hindi ba’t after “Magkaribal,” there was “Rock, Baby, Rock?” Ang next month, after “Halik sa Paa, Halik sa Kamay” is shown, susundan naman ito ng “Buhay Artista Ngayon.” That, I guess is the secret of my success.” Another factor for Vilma’s consistency in the box office is the fact that she may be daring but so far she hasn’t gone so bold. “Hanggang takip lang ako ng kumot,” Vi said. “So far I still have to do a real bold wet look scene, but I don’t think I ever will.” Unlike most sex symbols, Vi has a sense of peace, self-esteem and contentment. She is not just acclaimed for her looks, she is also admired for her work…” – Douglas C. Quijano, Expressweek, September 20, 1979, Posted by Pelikula Atbp (READ MORE)

Image Blockage -“…Alona Alegre was busy hustling fron one TV show after another, first in her brother, Leroy Salvador’s Showbiz with the Salvadors then in Nora Aunor’s Superstar and at the late hour in JQ’s Seeing Stars, all in one day. Actually, she could have just sat back and counted the terrific box office receipts, but like the new Alona that she is now, she would never leave anything to chance. At the last report, she was the top grosser with her Ishmael Bernal’s Isang Gabi Sa Iyo Isang Gabi sa Akin during last weekend, but a Romeo Vasquez fan spoke up, “That was because she had Bobby and Mat Ranillo III in the picture. Bobby especially because that guy is “buenas” no mater what you hear of him. Remember how Vilma Santos was a superstar since her teens, but it was not until her team-up with Bobby that she managed to hurdle her “image blockade.” After the Vi-Bobby team-up, she was accepted as a mature star, ready and convincing in any role she plays, as far as her audience was concerned!” This is just one man’s opinion, and a lot of Elizabeth Oropeza fans would surely have an opinion too!…” – Super Star-liners, MOD Magazine, 07 July 1978 (READ MORE)

Harmony on the Set – “The last time movie scribes were on Vilma Santos’ set of “Pagputi ng Uwak, Pag-itim ng Tagak” in Majayjay they notice the most cordial atmosphere on the set. Someone even naughtily noted that Vi and her leading man, Bembol Roco seem to that “close” to each other. But both stars insist that they have become the best of friends since they were thrown together by their common interests, and their common respect for their career. Remember that one of the first “hassles” of this picture was reportedly Bembol’s having shaved his head for his role in another movie? This director Celso Ad Castillo did it too, shaved his head clean, that is, but Bembol has nothing to do with it. Remember that he is currently filming “Dalaga” with Rio Locsin in the tile role and himself, CAC, as the leading man. A picture of many “firsts,” this is filmed in black and white and is considered by the director as his personal baby, to prove that he is a starmaker indeed, and a best picture producer to boot. CAC plays the role a mentally retarded character in love with his leading lady. During the scribes’ visit, everyone was impressed by the harmony on the VS set. Vi said that they have four more days to go…to complete the picture. Then the “never” can be “now” showing in due time. She’s slated to to finish three more movies before leaving for abroad to make a picture with Atty. Espiridion Laxa as producer and Christopher as her leading man…” – Super Star-liners, MOD Magazine, 04 April 1978 (READ MORE)

Another Best Actress – “Actress for All Seasons Ms. Vilma Santos won another Best Actress trophy at the 5th Makati Cinemanila International Film Festival Awards Night held Aug. 21 at Onstage, Greenbelt, Makati. She earned the award for her performance in Star Cinema’s “Dekada ’70,” directed by Chito Roño and which received the Special Jury Award. We asked Mayor Vi how she felt and she said “I’m so happy Ate Cris, at least hanggang ngayon humahataw pa ang “Dekada ’70,” I did not expect to win yet another best actress trophy.” So how many has she amassed to date? “I don’t know, marami na. Including the citations and plaques of appreciations, di ko na mabilang.” Vi was evidently delighted by her latest award and at first she didn’t know what to say. But she went on to thank Star Cinema, her director Chito Roño, her co-star Christopher de Leon, her children in the movie (Piolo Pascual, Carlos Agassi, Marvin Agustin, Danilo Barrios and John Wayne Sace), her family and loved ones, her constituents in Lipa “for their love and support and for their understanding…” – Crispina Martinez-Belen, Manila Bulletin, August 2003

Ina ni Dophy, Vilmanian – “First shooting day ni Vilma Santos sa “Buhay Artista Ngayon” na ginanap sa Bohol Avenue, Quezon City, kasalukuyang kinukunan ang isang malaking tagpo sa pelikulang ito ng RVQ Productions, nang biglang dumating ang kanilang service jeep. Bumaba ang isang matandang babae, na agad sinalubong ni Georgie Quizon at humalik ng kama sa matanda. Tamang-tama na nakauupo ang matandang babae, nang matapos ang ekesena ng dalawa. Agad na lumapit si Dolphy sa matanda, at hinalikan sa noo. Kasunod pala si Vilma na niyakap ng matanda nang makalapit ito. Tatawa-tawang lumapit si Dolphy dito, “Ang nanay ko talaga, kahit na nahihirapan ay nagpunta pa rito sa set, makita lamang si Vilma. Kahit noon pa ay tagahanga na ‘yan ni Vilma, kaya’t tuwang-tuwa ng malamang gagawa ito sa RVQ Productions.” Ang mahal na ina ng pangunahing komedyante natin ay may 76 taong gulang. Siya’y si Ginang Salud Quizon, kung saan hinango ang pangalan ni Sahlee Quizon. Dati-rati’y bihirang makita sa set ng pelikula ni Dolphy si Ginang Quizon. Pero buhat ng gawin ng RVQ Productions ang “Buhay Artista Ngayon” ay naging madalas na ang pagdalaw sa set ng matanda, lalo na kung naroon at nagsisiyuting si Vilma. Kung minsan ay inaabot ng mahabang oras doon ang matanda, at buong kasiyahan pinanonood ang bawat eksenang gawin nina Dolphy at Vilma. Minsan pa nga any inaabot ng antok ang matanda sa set, at kapag pinakiusapan siya ni Dolphy na umuwi na ay tumatanggi at parang bulang nawawala ang kangyang antok. Sa ngayon kay Dolphy, laging ibinibilin ng kanyang ina na sa tuwing si Vilma ang kukunan ng eksena ay sunduin siya sa bahay. Kaya noong minsang hindi nasabihan at malaman na may siyuting si Vilma ay bigla na lamang dumarating ito na nakataksi, at napapailing na lamang si Dolphy. Si Vilma naman kapag nakita na ang matanda ay lumalapit agad, at niyayakap, Kaya tuloy, lalo siyang napapamahal sa mahal na ina ni Dolphy. At buhat nang magsimulang magsiyuting si Vilma sa nasabing pelikula, maka-apat na ulit na dumalaw sa set ng pelikulang ito si Ginang Quizon.” – Berting Paz, Unnamed magazine, 22 September 1978

Stoned float at Festival Parade – “…The crowd started to gather along the route as early as 9 a.m. yesterday, some of them coming from as far sa Batangas in the sourth, and Tarlac in the north. The biggest response was given to Nora Aunor and Tirso Cruz III. Wearing pink and black kimonos, the two superstars threw sampaguita flowers along the way as their fans, yelling friendship, waved their pinted thumbs wildly. The floar to the two superstars was also surrounded by 20 Manila policemen and 15 blue-uniformed private security guards. At one point at the Luneta, an old woman, between 60 and 70 years old, was hoisted by policemen to reach up to Nora, who gave the old woman a big hug in return. Nora and Tirso are appearing in “Winter Holiday,” a production of Sampaguita-VP Pictures filmed in Tokyo. The other float witht he wildest applause was that carrying Vilma Santos and Edgar Mortiz, who will appear in “Remembrance,” a Tagalog-Ilang-Ilang presentation. However, the float was stoned twice and it left the parade before it reached the Jones Bridge.” – Philippines Sunday Express, 18 June 1972

Box Office King and Queen of 1983 – “Pormal na namang iginawad kay Dolphy ang titulong Box-Office King at Kay Vilma Santos ang Box Office Queen sa isang maranyang seremonyang idinaos sa Celebrity Sports Plaza noong Marso 30 na kung saan ay sinaksihan ng maraming tagapagtaguyod ng Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Scholarship Foundation, Inc. sa pamamahala ni Gng. Corazon Samaniego. Ang may dalawang oras na seremonya na tinampukan din ng mga awitin at sayawan ay isinatelebisyon ng BBC-2 sa direksyon ni Bernardo Bernardo na siya ring tumayong emcee kasama si Malou Maglutac. Itinampok din ang mga natatanging businessmen and businesswomen ng Bulacan na kung saan ay naging panauhingn pandangal si Minister Jesus Hipolito ng Publick Works and Highways, na recipient din ng recognition award for government services, together with Mayor Joseph Estrada an ang umabot ng plaque ay ang kanyang panganay na si Jinggoy Ejercito.” – Anonymous, 30 March 1984

Our Cover – “Before the camera is Vilma Santos, one of the better known young singers in the country today. In fact, in point of popularity, Vilma is considered among the top. She has branched out from recording to moviemaking and indications are she is making good in both. Cover photo is by E. F. Nievera.” – The Sunday Times Magazine, 03 December 1971

Billboard’s Manila Updates – “…Film artist Walter Navarro (Vicor) will have his first LP, “King of Balladeers,” this month. He is a contract star of Lea Productions and principal mainstay of the El Bodegon Club. Navarro is doing a film musical with Vilma Santos (Wilear’s) with Mirick Productions…the film musical “Winter Holiday,” which stars Nora Aunor (Alpha) and Tirso Cruz III (Vicor), was second top grosser in the recently concluded Manila Film Festival. The team’s movie musical “Guy and Pip” was the top grosser last year…”Remembrance,” another film musical was chosen “Best Musical” in the Manila Film Festival. The film stars Vilma Santos (Wilear’s) and Edgar Mortiz (Wilear’s). The film also won in the categories of best film editing, best sound and best script…Vicor artist Victor Laurel will do a film with Lea Productions opposite Hilda Koronel.” – Oskar Salazar, Billboard, 29 July 1972 (READ MORE)

Star For All Seasons – “When she first appeared on the big screen in Trudis Liit, the fans already knew she was destined to be famous. The studio bigwigs knew they has a potential superstar in their hands, so they molded her to become a teeny-bopper, moving and grooving with the likes of 70s shakers Edgar Mortiz, Espie Fabon and Darius Razon. Before she hit 21, she won her first major acting award – as twins (one good, one evil) in the classic melodrama Dama de Noche. Soon, she became the most in-demand actress in the silver age of cinema; her projects ranging from action camp (Lipad, Darna, Lipad) to romance fantasy (Kampanerang Kuba) to sex drama (Burlesk Queen). Versatility was the name of the game, and Vilma Santos shone with a brightness never before seen in show business. More quality movies followed: Rubia Servios. Karma. Pagputi ng Uwak…Pag-itim ng Tagak, Relasyon, Broken Marriage, Bata Bata Paano Ka Ginawa. Throughout the eighties, she reigned as the Box-Office Queen. She was also the first Grand-Slam Actress in R.P. film history. She also had her share of controversies, but “Ate Vi” rose above them all. Last year, she gave an unforgetable performance as a housewife in both political and personal turnmoils in Dekada ’70. Today, as the incumbent mayor of Lipa City in Batangas, Vilma Santos-Recto continues to share her talents and her gifts with the public who can’t seem to get enough of her…” – J.R. Mercado, Woman Magazine 20th Anniversary Special Issue, 30 April 2003

REAL Wedding: Vi and Ralph

Wedding of the Decade – Wala na ngang makakahadlang sa pagpapakasal nina Vilma Santos at Ralph Recto. Isa si Fanny sa punong-abala sa gaganapin kasalan kaya minabuti na rin naming hingan ng opinyon si Fanny Serrano hingil sa nabanggit na espesyal na bahagi ng buhay ni Vilma. “Tama yung prediction nila na magiging wedding of the decade ang kasal nina Vilma at Ralph!” unang pahayag ni Fanny. “I can say na mas bongga ito kesa sa wedding nina Rudy at Lorna. Ang ikina-bongga lang naman ng kina Rudy-Lorna, sa tagal nilang nagsasama at kasal na, hindi ini-expect ng mga tao na magtsa-church wedding pa sila. “Tapos, nakapag-create pa sila ng motif ng wedding na Filipiniana at hindi showbiz na showbiz ang dating ng simbahan at pati sa reception. “After that wedding, marming nangarap na makasal din tulad ng Rudy-Lorna style. Actually maraming kumuha sa akin na ganun’ nga ang ginawa, minus lang ‘yung pagsakay ni Lorna sa karuaje. “Ngayon, itong kay Vilma, iba ‘to, magkasama kasi ang showbiz at saka politics. Sa nakita kong line-up ng kanyang mga bisita, talagang grabe. “Piling-pili rin ang mga artista at governement officials na naimbitihan. “Sa ninong na lang e, talagang bogga na. Pagsama-samahin ba naman si President Ramos, Cojuangco, naroon pa si Bong-bong Marcos e, wala, na talaga akong masabi sa kasalang ito!” Kasama si Fanny sa committee na namamahala ng kasalang pinakahihintay ng lahat. Anu-ano nga ba ang kanilang paghahanda? “Kasama namin sa committee si Danny Dolor, Super Morales, Danilo Franco, Marizette Recto at isa pang hindi ko na matandaan ang pangalan. “Four months kaming nagmimeeting, tapos inaabot kami ng alas dose hanggang ala-una, samantalang nagsisimula na kami ng 7 pm. Pinag-aralan talaga naming mabuti ang lahat. “And then, ‘yung preparation ng wedding na gagawin sa Lipa, that is something? “Saan ka naman nakakita ng church na may video wall sa labas na ipinapakita kung ano ang nangyayari sa loob. Iyon ang regalo nina Ralph at Vi para sa mga taga-Lipa. “Kaya sa Lipa gagawin dahil imposible namang dalhin pa sa Manila ang mga taga-Lipa to attend the wedding. Hindi lang naman tagaroon, pati na ‘yung kalapit bayan, tiyak na dadalo. “Close door ang pagdarausang simbahan dahil ayaw ng paring magkakasal na maging magulo na parang palengke ang paligid kaya ‘yung may stub lang ang makakapasok. “After that, magpa-parade na sila patungong Manila Hotel. Siguradong mauuna ako sa reception. I’ll be the one riding the helicopter para i-prepare na ang mga gamit ni Vilma sa presidential suite. “Gusto kasi ni Vilma na mauna na ako roon. Baka raw kasi matraffic pa ako, paano naman ang re-touch ng make-up niya at another set-up ng damit para sa reception. “Ang masarap kay Vilma, nati-tense siya sa maaring mangyari, anthough taga-remind na lang siya dahil may humahawak naman.” kuwento pa ni Fanny. Bilang fashion designer, ano ang masasabi niya sa dalwang gown na isusuot ni Vilma? “Maganda!” may diin niyang sabi. “Danilo Franco is always Danila Franco. Bow ako at talagang hats off sa kanya. Eight pieces ‘yung pinagpilian namin although ang final yes na kay Vilma. “Magtu-two months na niyang ginagawa ‘yun at ang materials, hand made ‘yun na pinasadya pa ni Danilo. Talagang impressive, wala talaga akong masasabi!” – Ron Romulo, Unnamed magazine, 23 December 1992

Voloptuos Vi – “At 50, ibang-iba na siyempre ang itsura ni Baby Vi. Puwedeng makipagkumpitensiya na siya sa itsura ng favorite showbiz mother namaing si Milagros Santos. Voloptuos na. Tipong mga babae sa painting nina Raphael at da Vinci at Goya. Siyempre, sa edad na ‘yan, hndi niya pinangarap na makita pa rin ang sarili sa showbiz. Panahon na ang pagbawi ‘yan sa mga normal na bagay na hindi niya natikman. Nasa kanya na siyempre ang lahat ng panahon para gawin ang gusto niya…Tinatanong ko namang lagi noon si Baby Vi kung paano niya nakikita ang kangyang sarili sa edad na ganyan. Say naman niyang lagi, isang normal na buhay na walang syuting at call slip at interbyu. Inimdadyin din kaya niya ang pagiging stage mother din? Halimbawa’y magartista’t maging super-sikat din ang Lucky niya? Eh, lalaki naman daw ang anak n’ya. Basta’t ang gusto lang naman daw niya kay Lucky ay makatapos ng pag-aaral (obsesyon kasi ito ni Baby Vi at ang hindi niya nakamtam ay gusto niyang maabot ng kaisa-isang niyang anak) at pagkatapos ay bahala na siya? Vilma at 50? Ayokong mag-Carmen Rosales siyang drama_na pa-Greta Garbo. Gusto ko’y maging original siya. – Gil Villasana, Moviestar, 10 September 1986

Win some, Lose some – “Recent Famas best actress winner Vilma Santos looks like she is on her way to being elevated to the award giving body’s Hall of Fame. If that happens, she’ll be joining fellow artits Josephe Estrada, Fernando Poe Jr., Charito Solis and Eddie Garcia (the last one was elevated to Famas’ best supporting actor Hall of Fame). Vilma has scored four Famas trophies in a span of 15 years. Out of four Famas awards she got, Vilma if we look at it objectively, deserves only two of her trophies. Her first Famas statuette (for “Dama de Noche”) which she got in 1973 at the age of 20 should never have been given to her because lets face it, she still did not know how to act that time. She was also underserving of her second Famas trophy for “Pakawalan Mo Ako,” a mushy melodrama release in 1981. Gina Alajar should have won the Famas that time for her role in “Salome.” But there is no question about Vilma winning the Famas statuette the following year for playing the part of a sympathetic mistress in “Relastyon.” She was wonderful in that movie. All the award giving bodies that time agreed that she was that year’s best actress winner. Remember her grand-slam that time? She won the Famas, the Urian, the First Film Academy of the Philippines best actress trophy, the Catholic Mass Media Award and even in Arminda Siguion-Reyna’s “Let’s Talk Movies” which honored for its anniversary presentation some of the outstanding achievements in film that year. Vilma’s most recent Famas trophy (for “Tagos ng Dugo”) is also well-deserved, even if it was not a bad idea had the statuette gone instead to either Lorna Toletino (for “Maging Akin Ka Lamang”) or Susan Roces (for “Paano Kong Wala Ka Na?”). But looking at it fairly, and studying all the angles of her performances in “Tagos ng Dugo,” Vilma deserves her latest Famas best actress trophy. Vilma may have been undeserving of two of her four famas statuettes but at the same time, she was also robbed of two other Famas trophies. 1983 was a bad year for Tagalog movies. There were very few good film products that year. As a result, there were only a handful of outstanding performances among the actors and the actresses. Among the leading ladies we can only cite Loran Tolentino (for “Init sa Magdamag”), Cecille Castillo (for “Karnal”) and Vilma (for “Broken Marriage”). Lorna that time was still what we consider “hilaw” when it comes to acting. She was already improving as an actress that time, pero kulang pa. The same thing can be said of Cecille who has dissappeared since. Vilma should have won the Famas that year with her portrayal of a career woman temporarily separated from her husband (Christopher de Leon). But it was Charito Solis who won in the Famas that year for “Don’t Cry for Me Papa” which was ignored by the other award giving bodies. The following year, Vilma failed to bag the Famas prize for her masterful performance in Sister Stella L.” The Famas people did not think she deserved the award. Why? Because she was in the United States during the awards season and could not maek it to the Famas Night.” – Joone C. Reyes, Unnamed tabloid, circa 1989