Film Review: Edgar Loves Vilma (1970)

FILMS - Edgar Loves Vilma 3

Relesed: September 27, 1970

The Plot: – Daughter of a nightclub singer, Vilma met Edgar whose father, like Vilma’s mother is also single parent. While dating, their parent also fell in love. Some twists of events happened, like the sudden break-up of their parent due to Edgar’s grandmother’s disapproval of her son’s relationship to Vi’s mother who is a night club singer, which was a societal taboo for the upper class during those days (the 60s-70s). Another twist was the kidnapping of Vilma. But all we’re ironed out in the end, just in time for the final musical production number, showing the whole gang dancing and singing to Vilma’s hit song, “Do Re Mi Fa Sol La Love You!”

The Reviews: – “Edgar Loves Vilma” (1970) started with suitor Oscar (Jess Lapid Jr.) calling Vilma about a party they’re attending, he’s trying to make sure Vilma will be his dance partner. The following scene, Edgar is also talking over the phone, and his girlfriend was also trying to assure herself that Edgar will be her dance partner. A premonitions? The two attended the party, both did their usual singing number and both ended up in the dance floor leaving their partners. As Vi and Bot became lovers so is their parents, both single and lonely. Vilma’s mother who is a nightclub singer (Perla Bautista) falls for Edgar’s rich father. Edgar’s grandmother who lives with them discovered his son’s new affair and visited Vilma’s mother.  She insulted her, being a “nightclub singer!” and asked her to leave his already engaged son alone. Vilma’s mother followed the old witch’s request.  At the same time, she had an argument with her daughter, resulting with Vilma to run away. Missing for two days, Edgar helped to find Vilma while his father ironed out his own affair with Vilma’s mother, who is now sick.  Edgar found Vilma asked her to go back home.  She agreed.  Vi and her mother reconcile and we thought this is the end but Vilma’s suitor Oscar kidnapped her. Thankfully, Edgar rescued her after the usual fight scenes. The film ended in the typical musical production number. Vilma singing her recorded hit song, “Do Re Mi Fa Sol La Love You.” Rico Bello Omagap’s story and screenplay was poor and so is Leonardo L. Garcia’s direction. There were so many unnecessary scenes particularly Edgar Mortiz’s several singing segments in his house back yard garden, while being watch by his two young siblings.  Another one was Ben David’s character despite the attempt to add some comedy.  At times Perla Bautista was convincing but some scenes can be edited shorter. After watching Edgar Loves Vilma, you will not feel the love. – RV

Edgar “Bobot” Mortiz (born September 8, 1954) is a Filipino movie/TV actor and director. Mortiz is married to Millette Santos (born 1960; sister of Charo Santos-Concio) on April 3, 1977, with 4 children: Edgar Francis “Frasco” (born 1978), Edgar Albert “Badjie” (born 1980), Ma. Carmela Catalin “Calin” (born 1981) and Ma. Frances Camille (born 1983). Frasco, Badji and Camille are now married giving Edgar five cute grandchildren named Joaquin Edgar, Julien Alva, Edgar Carlos, Jayla Sophia and Francis Marcus. – Wikipedia (READ MORE)

Vilma Santos and Edgar Mortiz (Photos)

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Edgar “Bobot” Mortiz (born September 8, 1954) is a Filipino movie/TV actor and director. Mortiz is married to Millette Santos (born 1960; sister of Charo Santos-Concio) on April 3, 1977, with 4 children: Edgar Francis “Frasco” (born 1978), Edgar Albert “Badjie” (born 1980), Ma. Carmela Catalin “Calin” (born 1981) and Ma. Frances Camille (born 1983). Frasco, Badji and Camille are now married giving Edgar five cute grandchildren named Joaquin Edgar, Julien Alva, Edgar Carlos, Jayla Sophia and Francis Marcus. – Wikipedia (READ MORE)

FILMS – ITO ANG PILIPINO (1967)

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Basic Information: Directed: Cesar Gallardo; Story: Augusto Buenaventura; Screenplay: Augusto Buenaventura; Cast: Joseph Estrada, Mario Montenegro, Barbara Perez, Eddie Garcia, Gloria Sevilla, Johnny Monteiro, Vic Silayan, Yolanda Guevarra, Eddie Infante, Elsa Boufard, Jose Vergara, Ely Ramos Jr., Jose Garcia, Rafael Jimenez, Romy Diaz, Jose Padilla Jr., Anita Linda, Lou Salvador Jr., Angelo Ventura, Jay Ilagan, Vilma Santos, Rene Rueda, Avel Morado, Ben Datu, Lou Salvador; Executive producer: Joseph Estrada; Original Music: Ariston Avelino; Cinematography: Felipe Sacdalan; Release Date: Disyembre 30, 1966 – Enero 9, 1967; Production Co.: Emar Productions; Film Poster: Video 48

Plot Description: Story of Tomas Ronquillo (Joseph Estrada) before the Spanish revolt of 1896. His struggle to fight for his family and the oppressive Spaniards.

Film Achievement: The 15th Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences Awards Night was held 1n 1967 for the Outstanding Achievements for the year 1966. – Best Picture – Ito ang Pilipino — Emar Pictures; Best Actor – Joseph Estrada; Best Supporting Actor – Eddie Garcia; Best Story – Augusto Buenaventura; Best Cinematography – Felipe Sacdalan; Best Director Nomination – Cesar Gallardo; Best Actress Nomination – Barbara Perez; Best Supporting Actress Nomination – Gloria Sevilla — Ito ang Pilipino

Film Reviews: – “…In 1966, Estrada was “just” an actor portraying a bandit fighting the Spaniards, led by Eddie Garcia. Directed by Cesar “Chat” Gallardo, an important scene in the film featured the late Vic Silayan telling the young Estrada that he would be the country’s next president-to which, Estrada’s character answered in disbelief, saying it was impossible, because he could neither read nor write! Prophetically, the historical film presaged the actor’s political career. Who would have known that he’d become the 13th president of the Philippines?! At the screening, Estrada’s leading lady, Barbara Perez, who was first seen in 195’6′s “Chabacano,” was in the audience to watch the “lost” film revived by the Society of Filipino Archivists for Film (SOFIA). The actress shares: “Back then, I kept getting in and out show biz, especially when I had to give birth!…” – Rica Arevalo (READ MORE)

“…Director-scriptwriter Totoy Buenaventura, one of President Joseph Estrada’s favorite filmmakers, is this year’s lifetime achievement awardee of the Manila Film Festival. A Manileño, Buenaventura was born on Feb. 2, 1933 in Tondo, Manila, where he also finished elementary (Magat Salamat Elementary School) and high school (Torres High School). He took up bachelor of arts at Far Eastern University in downtown Manila. Buenaventura wrote scripts and directed films set in Manila, many of which starred Joseph Estrada. The Manila Film Festival honored him with a best director award in 1971 for “Ang Uliran.” Buenaventura’s writing and directorial credits include “Geron Busabos,” “Ito ang Pilipino,” “Erap Is My Guy,” “Bakya Mo Neneng,” “Kumander Alibasbas,” “Diligin Mo ng Hamog ang Uhaw na Lupa,” and “Sa mga Kuko ng Agila,” all starring Josesph Estrada…” – Sol Jose Vanzi, June 5, 1999 (READ MORE)

Ang Giting ng Pilipino – “Ang katutubong giting ng mga Pilipino ang pinapaksa ng pelikulant Ito Ang Pilipino ng Emar Pictures. Ang pakikipaglaban ng magigiting na bayani upang matamo ang kalayaan ay siyang nagpapagalaw sa pelikulang ito na tinatampukan nina Joseph Estrada at Barbara Perez. Kasama rin dito sina Mario Montenegro, Johnny Monteiro at Elsa Bouffard. Sa iba’t ibang yugto ng panahon mula kay Lapulapu, nagpamalas ang lahing kayumanggi ng kagulat-gulat na giting at tapang sa mga bansang nang-alipin sa ating kapuluan. Sa panahon ng pananakop ng mga kastila, hindi mabilang na pagbabangon ang nakatala sa kasaysayan upang malagot ang gapon ng pagkakaalipin. Sa kabila ng pagiging maliit at mahinang bansa, ang Pilipinas ay hindi nawawalan ng mga anak na hindi natakot magbuwis ng buhay sa maraming mararwal na larangan alang-alang sa kalayaan, maging noong lumunsad ang mga Amerikano at nitong huli ay nang pataksil na manalasa ang mga Hapones. Napapanahon madin ang pelikulang katulad ng Ito Ang Pilipino upang maipakilala ang katutubong kabayanihan ng mga Pilipino.” – Tagumpay Magazine, 21 December 1966 (READ MORE)

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Special Film: Edgar Loves Vilma (1970)

Edgar Loves Vilma (1970) – Daughter of a nightclub singer, Vilma met Edgar whose father, like Vilma’s mother is also single parent.  While dating, their parent also fell in love. Some twists of events happened, like the sudden break-up of their parent due to Edgar’s grandmother’s disapproval of her son’s relationship to Vi’s mother who is a night club singer, which was a societal taboo for the upper class during those days (the 60s-70s).  Another twist was the kidnapping of Vilma. But all we’re ironed out in the end, just in time for the final musical production number, showing the whole gang dancing and singing to Vilma’s hit song, “Do Re Mi Fa Sol La Love You!” – RV (READ MORE)

Source: gobitz69

Edgar “Bobot” Mortiz (born September 8, 1954) is a Filipino movie/TV actor and director. Mortiz is married to Millette Santos (born 1960; sister of Charo Santos-Concio) on April 3, 1977, with 4 children: Edgar Francis “Frasco” (born 1978), Edgar Albert “Badjie” (born 1980), Ma. Carmela Catalin “Calin” (born 1981) and Ma. Frances Camille (born 1983). Frasco, Badji and Camille are now married giving Edgar five cute grandchildren named Joaquin Edgar, Julien Alva, Edgar Carlos, Jayla Sophia and Francis Marcus. – Wikipedia (READ MORE)

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)

Kung Talagang Siya Ang Kapalaran Ko

Pinasyalan namin si Vilma Santos sa set ng isang pelikula niyang ginagawa. Noo’y nilalagyan ng make-up si Bobot, Kaya nakapag-usap kaming mabuti ni Vi. Nang tawagin sa set si Bot, lumapit ito kay Vi para itanong kung tama na ang suot niya. Medyo hindi gusto ni Vi ang ayos ni Bot kaya pinapalitan niya. Agad namang pinalitan ni Bot. “Ang sweet talaga!” Tukso namin kay Vi. “Nagtatanong siya, siyempre, sasabihin ko ang nasasaloob ko, hindi ba tama?” Ani Vi na kumindat pa. “Tumpak!” Sagot naming may himig panunukso pa rin. Playback ni Bobot ang kukunang eksena. The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face ang awiting kanyang kakantahin sa eksenang iyon. Nang magsimulang gumiling huminto si Vi sa pakikipagusap sa amin. Masusi niyang pinagmasdan ang bawat kilos ni bobot. “Malaki na yata ang ipinangayayat ni Bobot!” Puna namin. “Talagang malaki na,” aniyang parang nagmamalaki pa. “Kailangang mamayat siya…napakatagal na siyang nagre-reduce.” “Pero may balita kami, Vi…na kung ikaw ang masusunod ay ayaw mo raw mag-reduce si Bot.” “Naku, hindi tutoo yan!” aniya, “Sabi ko, ang mukha niya, hindi na dapat i-reducepa. Pero ang kanyang katawan, lalo na ang kanyang tiyan, e dapat pang mabawasan.

Bakit daw naman kaya babawalan ko siyang mag-reduce?” “Kasi raw, kung payat na si Bot, magkakaroon siya ng appeal sa ibang babae. Natatakot ka raw na dumating ang sandaling ‘yon.” “Ay, naku, bakit ako matatakot? Di Ba lalong mabuti sa may magkagusto sa kanyang ibang babae, para naman magkaroon siya ng pagkakatong makapamili? Sa gayon, mapatutunayan niya kung talagang ako nga ang love niya?” Pinagmasdan namin si Vi. Binabakas namin sa kanyang anyo ang kataimtiman ng kanyang sinabi. “Hindi ba kayo naniniwala sa aking sinabi?” Tanong niya sa amin. Ngunit kami, “Gusto mo bang maniwala kami na hindi ka selosa?” Hindi ko maaaring sabihin na hindi ako selosa…natural lang ‘yon, lalo na sa isang babae, pero hindi naman nangangahulugan na lubusan ko nang puputulin ang pagkakataon ni Bot na makatagpo ng ibang babae dahil lamang sa pagseselos ko. Aba, selfishness na ‘yan. At hindi ako ganyan.ka-selfish.” “Naniniwala ako,” patuloy ni Vi, “Na kung kami’y talagang magkapalad…ihalo man siya sa isang grupo ng puro babe ay sa akin pa rin siya mauuwi.” Napansin namin, tuwing matatapos ang take ni Bot ay pangiti itong sumusulyap kay Vi, na ginagantihan naman nito ng higit na matinding ngiti. Talagang lagi silang sweet sa isa’t isa…maisipan pa nga kaya naman ni Bot na palitan siya? – Irene Diaz Castillo, Love Story Illustrated Weekly Magazine, No. 71, 02 Feb 1973

Edgar “Bobot” Mortiz (born September 8, 1954) is a Filipino movie/TV actor and director. Mortiz is married to Millette Santos (born 1960; sister of Charo Santos-Concio) on April 3, 1977, with 4 children: Edgar Francis “Frasco” (born 1978), Edgar Albert “Badjie” (born 1980), Ma. Carmela Catalin “Calin” (born 1981) and Ma. Frances Camille (born 1983). Frasco, Badji and Camille are now married giving Edgar five cute grandchildren named Joaquin Edgar, Julien Alva, Edgar Carlos, Jayla Sophia and Francis Marcus. – Wikipedia (READ MORE)

30th Year Anniversary of Broken Marriage 2/2 (Videos)

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Release Date: 2 September 1983 (Philippines)

Credits: Directed: Ishmael Bernal; Story: Bing Caballero, Jose Carreon; Screenplay: Ishmael Bernal, Bing Caballero, Jose Carreon; Cast:Vilma Santos, Christopher De Leon, Orestes Ojeda, Lito Pimentel, Tessie Tomas, Richard Arellano, Cesar Montano, Len Santos, Ray Ventura, Harlene Bautista; Executive producer: Lily Monteverde; Original Music: Max V. Jocson; Cinematography: Manolo Abaya; Film Editing: Jess Navarro; Production Design: Len Santos; Sound: Rudy Baldovino; Production Co: Regal Films – IMDB

Plot Description: – Trapped in a world of hectic schedules, pressure and little time for each other, Ellen (Vilma Santos) and Rene (Christopher de Leon) decided to have a temporary separation. One of the things that is against traditional Filipino culture is a marriage break-up. And that is what they went through as their maariage reaches one of its lowes points. Saddled by their two children, Ellen tried her best to live a normal life as possible, eventually finding a prospective lover (Orestes Ojeda). But something is missing from her life that not even a new flame could fill. A self-discovery both for Ellen and Rene, one great film that will surely make you realize the value of marriage. – Regal Films

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Isang Produksiyon ni Manny de Leon

Nakasalamuha namin si Manny de Leon habang simple siyang nagdiriwang nd kanyang aarawan kamakailan. Hindi pa rin nagbabago. Siya pa rin ang kanyang usual self na lovable galawgaw, mapagbiro, witty. At kung nagkaroon man siya ng pagbabago, ayon sa among obsrbasyon at natukasan, nakagagalak na ibalitang ang tungkol dito ay may malaking conscious at serious si Manny tungo sa ikasusulong ng kanyang career. Sa ibang salit, nagkaroon siya ng higit na matured outlook sa kanyang buhay. Halimbawa’y ang pahayag niya na kung mabibigyan rin siyang makapagsulat sa mga babasahin o masubukan kaya ang kanyang babasahin sa larangan ng pagsusulat sa iba’t ibang medium. Bukod dito, ang napakagandang plano pa rin ang naipagtapt niya. Gumagawa siya ng kaukulang negosasyon upang makapag-produce ng sariling pelikula na magkakasama-sama sinla nina Tirso Cruz III, Edgar Mortiz, at Eddie Peregrina. “Nilalakad ko ngang magkasama-sama kami nina Pop, Bot at Edong sa isna pelikula” pahayag ni Manny. “Wala naman silang tutol nang makausap ko sila tungkol dito. O course, hindi pa final ang iba pang plano, pero palagay ko’y malaki ang posibilidad na magkaroon ng ng katuparan. Kung sakali’y magiging maganda and resulta ng pelikulang ito. Matutuwa nga ang mga fans pagkat lalo silang makatitiyak na nagkakaisa-isa kami nina Bobot, Eddie at Pip. Na wala sa amin iyang jealousy o ang kung ano mang patalbugan.

Sa palagay ko’y hindi magiging problema sa amin ang billing. As far as I am concerned, magpapaubaya ako. Anu’t anuman, mapag-uusapan nang maganda ang tungkol dito. I have already a story in mind. Tentatively, may pamagat itong “Mga Batang Pinoy” (a Pilipino). Lalabas kami bilang mga magkakapatid. Maaring kapatid ko si Pip at sina Edgar at Eddie nmana ang siya namang magkapatid, or the other way around. “May magandang mensahe ang kasaysayan…of course, masasangkapan ito ng drama, musical, action at comdy. Titingnan ko kung magagawa ito sa pamamagitan ng Zodiac Films. Kundi man, sisikapin ko pa rin mai-push thru ito. At kung tuloy na tuloy na nga ito, hihingi kami ng suggestions mula sa mga fanst at iba pang mga kanauukulan kung sino-sino naman ang binabalak nilang itambal sa amin bilang leading ladies. I hope I’m not being too ambitous. Pero, kung maari ga rin sana’y ako ang makapag-direct nito. I’ve got to think big for the future, di ba? At sana’y huwag kaming pababayaan ng fans namin nina Pip, Bobot, at Eddie. At sa pagtuntong ko ngayon sa aking ika-21 taon, sana’y maging greatest gift sa akin na ma-tuloy at magtagumpay ang pelikulang ito.” – Teen Weekly Magazine, 09 September 1973

30th Year Anniversary of Broken Marriage 1/2

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Release Date: 2 September 1983 (Philippines)

Credits: Directed: Ishmael Bernal; Story: Bing Caballero, Jose Carreon; Screenplay: Ishmael Bernal, Bing Caballero, Jose Carreon; Cast:Vilma Santos, Christopher De Leon, Orestes Ojeda, Lito Pimentel, Tessie Tomas, Richard Arellano, Cesar Montano, Len Santos, Ray Ventura, Harlene Bautista; Executive producer: Lily Monteverde; Original Music: Max V. Jocson; Cinematography: Manolo Abaya; Film Editing: Jess Navarro; Production Design: Len Santos; Sound: Rudy Baldovino; Production Co: Regal Films – IMDB

Plot Description: – Trapped in a world of hectic schedules, pressure and little time for each other, Ellen (Vilma Santos) and Rene (Christopher de Leon) decided to have a temporary separation. One of the things that is against traditional Filipino culture is a marriage break-up. And that is what they went through as their maariage reaches one of its lowes points. Saddled by their two children, Ellen tried her best to live a normal life as possible, eventually finding a prospective lover (Orestes Ojeda). But something is missing from her life that not even a new flame could fill. A self-discovery both for Ellen and Rene, one great film that will surely make you realize the value of marriage. – Regal Films

Review – “…Ang Broken Marriage ni Ishmael Bernal ay isang masusing pagsusuri sa lumabnaw na pagtitinginan ng isang young married couple; ang problema ng mag-asawa sa kani-kanilang trabaho, ang mga suliranin ng isang working mother, ang iba’t ibang uri ng relationship between spouses and friends, at ang unti-unti’y muling pagkakalapit ng naghiwalay na mag-asawa. Maraming nagrereklamo sa happy ending ng pelikula na para bang masama ang loob nila’t lumigayang muli ang mag-asawa. Pero sa amin, talagang napaghandaan ang masayang eksena sa beach ng buong pamilya dahil sa simula pa lamang ay inuungot na ng mga anak ang pagpunta roon. So, sa wakas, nakapunta rin sila sa beach and it’s a fitting end indeed……Now that we have discussed this year’s better films and the directors who made them, tunghayan natin ang listahan ng best screen performances…Susunod sa aming listahan ay sina Christopher de Leon, ang batambatang amang may problema sa kanyang pamilya sa Broken Marriage…Then there’s Vilma Santos as the working mother who does a tough balancing act in her dedication to her career and to her family in Broken Marriage… ” – Mario E. Bautista, Movie Flash Magazine, 05 January 1984 (READ MORE REVIEWS)

Film Achievement:

1983 Gawad Urian Awards

    • Best Picture – Regal Films
    • Best Actress – Vilma Santos
    • Best Director – Ishmael Bernal
    • Best Editing – Jess Navarro
    • Best Screenplay – Jose Carreon, Bing Caballero, Bernal
    • Best Sound – Rudy Baldovino
    • Best Actor Nomination – Christopher De Leon
    • Best Cinematography Nomination – Manolo Abaya
    • Best Music Nomination – Max V. Jocson
    • Best Production Nomination – Len Santos
    • Best Supporting Actor Nomination – Len Santos
    • Best Supporting Actor Nomination – Ray Ventura

Source: MPP

1983 FAMAS Awards

    • Best Actor Nomination – Christopher De Leon
    • Best Actress Nomination – Vilma Santos
    • 1983 Best Child Actress Nomination – Harlene Bautista

Source: Wikipedia

International Screenings

Source: Justino Dormiendo, Movie Flash Magazine, April 26, 1984

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This Time…Vilma Meets Michael Jackson!

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

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

Vi with Michael Jackson

Vi with Michael Jackson

Mayor Vi at Lipa Cathedral’s 400th

ARTICLES - Lipa Cathedral

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

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

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

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

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