Vilma Santos-Recto is a popular multi-awarded actress and politician in the Republic of the Philippines. *** She is known as "Queen of Philippine Movies," "Queenstar," "Grand Slam Queen," "Box Office Queen," and "Star for All Seasons." *** This website is mostly about her iconic film career.
I must admit that it is an honor for me to be counted among the millions of loyal Vilmanians. When I begun chatting with other fans of Ate Vi, it was just to pass some of my time. However, as days and weeks and months, passed by, I begun to feel that chatting in this group is now a part of my vocation.
I believe that there is more to chatting, there is more in sharing stories and news about the STAR OF ALL SEASONS AND REASONS. This is the reason why I am sharing with you my thoughts about VILMA. Vilma Santos, the longest reigning QUEEN of the PHILIPPINE MOVIES, should be admired not only for exceptional talents but for the good examples that she has shown us and continue to show us throughout the years. Ate Vi does not only entertain us through her works in movies and television but she has shown us how to touch other people’s lives through her life in public service.
Ate Vi, the Mayor of Lipa, has deeply touched the lives of the people of that city and beyond. She shows us how to use her God-given talents and resources for the benefit and good of others. She once said: “If I depend on my salary as a mayor, it is not enough to help the people who come to my office and ask for financial help.” In other words, Ate Vi truly acknowledges that her blessings are truly a gift from ABOVE and that is why she shares this with others especially among the most unfortunate ones.
My dear Vilmanians, as we continue to follow the latest happenings with our idol, may we also imitate the good things she has been doing. Let us reach out to others, Vilmanians and non-Vilmanians alike, especially the less fortunate among us. Let us continue to share our resources with them because through our acts of charity that they will see God’s love. Let us be instruments of God’s peace and generosity with others.
As a servant of God, please be assured of my continuous prayers for you and your loved ones. May the Good Lord continue to bless us all especially our dear Ate Vi. Let us continue to make a difference in this world by what we say, think and do. Long Live, Vilma Santos, our QUEENSTAR! – Father J (READ MORE)
When all is said and done, the best actress race contest for 2004 is between forever arch rivals, in alphabetical order, Nora Aunor (Naglalayag) and Vilma Santos (Mano Po III-My Love). Junior actress Judy Ann Santos was a surprise spoiler when she beats the veteran actresses at the 2nd. EnPress awards for best dramatic actress. She won for Sabel. At the 2004 Manila Film Festival where Sabel was an entry versus Naglalayag. Judy Ann lost to Nora Aunor for best actress. It was a sweet double victory for Judy Ann, beating the two fierce rivals, but more of a vengeance for her versus Nora, than Vilma, for clobbering the superstar at Enpress for the same movies they appeared in the 2004 MFF. This is Judy Ann’s first best actress win. She is also expected to win at the FAMAS where Nora and Vilma, both Hall of Famers, are not in the running. But because of Judy Ann’s double nominations, Sabel and Aishite for best actress, she might just be eclipsed by dark horse Claudine Barreto for her more internalized and powerful performance in Milan.
So far, Nora, minus the YCC, where she almost won as best performer, has garnered these awards for Naglalayag: Manila Film Festival, Brussels Intl. Film Fest, First YHC (Young Hearts Club), First BALATCA, Tanglaw (tie with Vilma Santos), PASADO. Vilma Santos has won the following so far for Mano Po III: Metro Manila Film Festival, First Gawad Suri, Tanglaw (tie with Nora Aunor), PMPC Star. Based on the above trend, Nora and Vilma have the lion’s share of awards. With the FAP and the Urian (Both Judy Ann will win this last two – RV) waiting in the wings to crown their choices, it looks like there is no potential grand slam winner. Vilma holds the most number of grand slams, four in all to Nora’s one. Technically even if Nora wins in the FAP and Urian, Vilma still holds the record of the actress with the most acting trophies won ever since she won as best a child actress at the FAMAS in 1963. But Nora will have an uphill climb at the FAP and Urian as Vilma’s riveting and intense performance in MPIII matches if not eclipses her marvelous performance in Naglalayag.
It also doesn’t help that she was arrested at the LA airport for shabu and glass pipe possession which may turn off FAP voters. As in the Oscars where “peer to peer” endearments factor helps win votes, that “dark episode” in Nora’s troubled life may turn in her favor, because of sympathy votes. You know how Filipinos are suckers for sob stories. As far as the Urian is concerned, which is looked up to in the industry as the most credible award-giving body, my prediction is that it is a toss up, or a tie, as the group is notorious for having the most “tie” wins in award-giving business. But if Urian should know better, Vilma Santos should win solo as she has given a better performance than Nora. Not only does she hold the movie together but is given more situations to show her range as an actress, From Nestor Torre’s review: “We liked the way Vilma Santos’ character was written, as a former activist who became a crusader against crime and corruption. It was also good that the movie’s central conflict revolved around her, so Vilma was given every opportunity to display her acting prowess.” That said, I predict a FAP and Urian sweep for Vilma Santos, not because I am a Vilmanian, but because Ms. Santos – performance is the best last year. – Mar Garces, V Magazine, April – May 2005 (READ MORE)
Nakausap ko kanina si Bb. Irene Zamora na nagtatrabaho sa U.P. College of Mass Comm. Hiniling kong makuha ang pangalan ng institusyon at ang taong nag-nominate kay Mayor sa Plaridel upang mapasalamatan sila kahit na papaano. I gathered that the person responsible for this glorious moment is none other than: Mrs. Namnette de la Pena of: Concerned Parents International Foundation. Sa aking panayam kay Irene, nagkuwento siya ng mga pangyayari leading to the awarding ceremony na idinaos kahapon. Eto ang mga samut-sari:
Pito ang mga original na na-nominate hanggang sa naging tatlo. Dumayo raw ang ilang mga maka-Nora sa naturang kolehiyo para maggprotesta nang hindi mapasama ang idolo nila sa natitirang tatlo ngunit umuwi silang luhaan. Nangako raw silang babalik.
Ang mga nag-cast ng vote sa natitirang tatlo ay mga guro na lamang ng Dept. of Film Institute. Alam natin na wagi si Mayor sa huli.
Oo. Vilmanian nga daw si Mrs. Nanette de la Pena and most of her colleagues.
Punong-puno ang Cine Adarna at lahat ay nakapasok. Aside from friends, family and followers of the Mayor, ibat-ibang delegasyon ng mga mag-aaral galing sa Metro Manila at Batangas ang dumating.
Inaantabayanan daw ng mga mass comm employees ang threat ng mga maka-Nora ngunit walang dumating.
Walang halong pulitika daw ang ceremonya. Si Sen. Ralph Recto lamang ang politiko sa mga dumalo.
Tumagal ng 45 minutos ang lecture ni Mayor with matching audio/visuals.
Pagkatapos ng ceremony, nagbigay ng salusalo ang butihing presidente ng U.P. at ng ilang opisyales in VS’ honor sa Executive-House sa campus din. – Agra Amaury (READ MORE)
For crafting and creating her varied cinematic roles with consummate artistry, making us empathize with whatever character she is portraying by delineating for us the characters history, problems, and aspirations, in dynamic interaction with the films ensemble of of other characters.
For bravely using her popularity as an actor to choose roles which brings to the public attention an astounding range of female experiences as well as an array of problems confronting women of different classes and sectors in contemporary Filipino society, even if these experiences or problems would not only not enhance but could even detract from her mass appeal.
For bringing to life on screen characters whose stories have the effect of raising or transforming the consciousness of women, leading them a few steps closer to a deeper understanding of their situation vis-à-vis the patriarchy and to the ability to control their own lives and make choices of their own.
For courageously playing maverick characters which dared to speak the truth in a period of intense political repression and reprisal, thereby showing a concern not for her own self but for a Filipino society fighting for basic human rights under a dictatorial regime.
For building a brilliant career which saw her grow from popular icon to professional actor through selfdiscipline and tireless honing of her craft, thereby challenging writers, directors, and producers to come up with films that would be worthy of her enormous artistic resources and repaying their efforts with some of the most unforgettable performances in Filipino cinema.
For showing that the movie star can place the stamp of her own individuality and talent on the films she choose to make, thereby proving that the star can be regarded as an auteur in her own right.
For excellence, integrity, and social responsibility which have distinguished her major performances, and for being a model of professionalism to other actors and technicians engaged in the creation of a Filipino national cinema.
The U.P. Gawad Plaridel 2005 is given to Rosa Vilma Santos on the 4th day of July 2005 by the U.P. College of Mass Communication at the Cine Adarna, U.P. Film Institute, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City. – Emerlinda R. Roman, Ph.D.President, University of the Philippines; Sergio S. Cao, Ph.D.Chancellor, U.P. Diliman; Nicanor G. Tiongson, Ph.D.Dean, U.P. College of Mass Communication. (READ MORE)
The Second U.P. Gawad Plaridel (2005, Film) For 2005, the award is given to an outstanding film practitioner. The U.P. CMC received nine nominations from various media organizations and academic institutions on April 8, 2005, the deadline for nominations. The nine nominees were Nora Aunor, Celso Ad. Castillo, Ricky Lee, Mike de Leon, Lily Monteverde, Eddie Romero and Vilma Santos.
The first round of deliberations was held on April 19, 2005. The screening committee was composed of the following : Dr. Nicanor G. Tiongson (Dean, U.P. CMC), Dr. Rolando B. Tolentino (Acting Director and Professor, U.P. Film Institute), Dr. Grace J. Alfonso (Professor, U.P. Film Institute), Ms. Eliza Cornejo (Instructor, U.P. Film Institute), Prof. Anne Marie G. de Guzman (Assistant Professor, U.P. Film Institute), Prof. Roehl J. Jamon (Assistant Professor, U.P. Film Institute), Prof. Eduardo J. Lejano (Assistant Professor, U.P. Film Institute), Prof. Eduardo J. Piano (Assistant Professor, U.P. Film Institute), Prof. Arminda V. Santiago (Assistant Professor, U.P. Film Institute). This committee recommended three nominees, Mike de Leon, Eddie Romero and Vilma Santos as finalists for the awards.
The second screening with the representatives of the three departments of the U.P. CMC took place on May 11, 2005. The body, known as the U.P. CMC Gawad Plaridel Faculty Committee, was composed of the following: Dr. Nicanor G. Tiongson (Dean, U.P. CMC and Chair, CMC Faculty Committee), Dr. Lourdes M. Portus (College Secretary, U.P. CMC), Dr. Rolando B. Tolentino (Acting Director and Professor, U.P. Film Institute), Prof. Eduardo J. Lejano (Assistant Professor, U.P. Film Institute), Prof. Victor C. Avecilla (OIC, Dept. of Broadcast Communication), Mr. Fernando A. Austria (Instructor, Dept. of Broadcast Communication), Prof. Ma. Cristina I. Rara (Assistant Professor and Chair, Dept. of Journalism), Prof. Luis V. Teodoro, Jr. (Professor, Dept, of Journalism), Dr. Aleli A. Quirante (Associate Professor, Dept. of Communication Research), Ms. Alexandra More M. San Joaquin (Instructor, Dept. of Communication Research), Prof. Elizabeth L. Enriquez (Assistant Professor, Dept. of Graduate Studies).
After deliberating on the credentials of the three finalists, the committee chose Ms. Rosa Vilma Santos as the recipient of the U.P. Gawad Plaridel for 2005. She is scheduled to receive the U.P. Gawad Plaridel trophy and deliver the Second Plaridel Lecture on July 4, 2005 at the Cine Adarna of the U.P. Film Institute. – Eric A. Nadurata, 31 May 2005 (READ MORE)
Dalagang-dalaga na si Vi. Dyan. Maging sa kilos ay hindi na sugar n spice in everythin’ nice. Deliciously adult na. Ngunit, seems na hindi niya completely ma-shake-off ang teenage kakuwanan niya. Kahit anong pilit niya, they always come back. Kaya’t sa kanila, madalas ay napapakamot na lang ng ulo ang mga kasambahay niya. For instance, kung minsa’y magigising si Vi ng ala-5 ng umaga (What an unholy hour!). Ang gagawin pupunta sa kusina at maghahanap na kung ano ang puwede niyang lutuin. (Yup, luvs, yes read right.) O kundin man magluluto, basta’t mag-iimbento siya ng putahe. Tulad ng minsan, Mommy, kabukas-bukas ko ng refrigerator, I saw mga naging mansanas, papaya, avocado. Sabi ko kay Marie (Balbacui) na ilabas lahat. Maya-maya, hiniwa-hiwa na namin ang fruits. ‘Tapos pinakuha ko ang mayonaise, leche condensada. Siya. Pinaghalo-halo ko na! Then ibinalik ko sa refrigerator. After one hour, sabi ko’y tamang-tama nang kainin. Tinikman ko, aba’y may nalasa ba naman akong mapait-pait. Alam mo bang ano iyon? ‘Yun pala, hindi natalupan ang avocado! Patay! Speaking of the refrigerator, kahit na si Vi ang nagbukas nito, pagdating niya mula sa trabaho, bago siya matulog at basta nasa bahay siya every now and then ay ginagawa niya ito. Wala namang purpose. Basta’t sisilip lang sa loob!
At si Vi basta’t kumakain lalo na kung naka-kamay, panay ang back sa mga daliri niya. Para bang ang lahat ng kinakai’y licking’ good. At sa pagdila niya sa mga daliri, laging kalingkingan ang inuuna. It is always that way. At si Vi, basta’t ganado sa kinakain, kausapin mo nang kausapin, no pansin ka. Para bang ang concentration niya’y nasa pagkaing lahat. Lalo na’t kung butong pagkuwan. Nakakaubos siya nito ng isang supot. Kulay suka na ang labi, arya pa rin ng kukot ng butong pakuwan. Let’s say naman na mula 10 piyem hanggang alas-3 ng umaga’y nakatulog na si Vi. Babangon iyan, magso-shorts at skipper at lalabas ng bahay, maglalakad na sa paligid-ligid ng kanilang bahay. After one hour, uwi siya uli, suot uli ng pajama at bagsak uli sa kama. Maya-maya, tulog na. Parang walang anumang ginawa. May gabi pa si Vi na laging inaabangan ng mga kasama sa bahay na gawin niya. At kung hindi gawin nito, dissapointed sila. Iyon bang bago umalis, lahat ng salamin ay daraanan at sisilip doon. Hindi para manalamin lang. Basta’t naging habit na niya iyon. Oh yes, luvs. Palagay nating sinumpong si Vi na magluto (o mag-concot ng anumang makakain…niya), at magma-manjong o magbibinggo o anuman ang ilang kasambahay niya, ipatatanong kung gusto ng mga itong matikman ang kanyang lulutuin. At pag hindi pinansin ang pagtatanong niya ay siya…pag nakaluto na siya at saka the group voice their desire na sampolin ang niluto ni Vi…sorry na lang. Hindi na sila patitikman. Iirapan pa niya ang grupo. Dalaga na nga si Vi. Ngunit, hindi pa rin niya maiwawaksi ang ilang teenage kakuwanan niya. Maybe, that’s why she looks as young as always. – Cleo Cruz, Bulaklak, No. 164, 21 Aug 1974
Cleo Cruz was Vilma Santos’ publicist in the early part of her movie career. Vi normally calls her, “Mommy” or Mommy Cleo. Now retired from entertainment journalism, Cleo Cruz is reportedly now living in the United States. She referred Vi’s followers in many of her columns and articles as “Luvs.” – RV
Naku, Mommy! Totoong nakakapagod! Pero happy naman ako. Iyan ang sabi ni Vi nang minsang magcomment ako tungkol sa sitwasyon nila ngayon ni sa bahay na nilipatan sa Bel Air, Makati. Buhat nang malipat kasi sila roon, araw-araw ay lagi silang may bisita. Parang laging may party roon, bagama’t wala ng usual trappings ng isang party. Its just that the house never seems to sleep. Ano’t nagkagayon ngayon kina Vi? -Well, baka sabi nila’y free to accept visitors na ako, -biro ni Vi. Biro lang sa ganang kay Vi. But many are saying that, that is the reason nga. Wala na silang inaalala ngayon. Light-hearted na silang nakakapasyal doon. Ang mga bumibisita ngayon kay Vi ay mga kaibigan nito. Ilan na’y sina Manny de Leon, Zaldy Zshornack, Ike Lozada, Divina Valencia, Annabelle Rama at marami pang colleagues niya sa showbiz. Siyempre, may ilan ding chess ang pakay. Tulad ni Jojit Paredes at ni Les McCoy. Ang dalawang ito’y higit na malimit ang pagdalaw kay Vi. Ang Americano, basta’t may pagkakataon, kahit sa Clark Field siya magmumula, ay hindi sagabal at dadalaw kay Vi. Marami na ring movie press people na dumalaw kay Vi. And boy! Always fun sila basta’t naruon. Nagi-stay in pa. Nagsu-swimming, nakikupagkuwntuhan, etc. And they are always weelcomed.
Tulad nang nasabi ni Vi, happy naman siya’t pinapasyalan siya ng kayang friends. Kahit pagod sa trabaho, very accomodating siya. Love ko ang mga tao. Lalo na’t mga kaibigan ko. Anumang pagod ko’y nawawala kung makapiling ko sila. Of course, hula rin nami’y ang ibang nagpapasyal doon, bukod sa pagdalaw kay Vi, ay para magusyoso rin ang bahay na nilipatan nito. Ang always, hanga sila sa bahay. Ganda kasi, malaki pa. At mababait ang mga taong nakatira roon. Very hospitable. Ganyang talaga ang Santos family saan man sila mapadako. But kung alive man lagi ang Santos household doon, hindi naman madalas. Happy vibrations lang ang mapupuna. Laging bright ang atmosphere. Lalo na’t kung naroon sina Vi at Mama Santos. Natutuwa naman ako’t nakikita kong masaya ngayon si Vi. Di mo ba napapansing lagi siyang lively ngayon? Parang wala nang problema. Madalas ko ngang tinutukan ng: Aba, kumare! Nagagalak nga ako’t nasisiyahan sila sa pagdalaw sa amin. At sa ganang akin, they always welcome here. Mga kaibigan namin sila. Yep, luvs! Halos araw-araw nga’y may bisita sina Vi sa Bel Air. Kasi, it is a happy place. It is not a house, it is a home. – Cleo Cruz, Bulaklak, No. 164, 21 Aug 1974
Cleo Cruz was Vilma Santos’ publicist in the early part of her movie career. Vi normally calls her, “Mommy” or Mommy Cleo. Now retired from entertainment journalism, Cleo Cruz is reportedly now living in the United States. She referred Vi’s followers in many of her columns and articles as “Luvs.” – RV
Dramatic Actor – “…One of the greatest dramatic actors of Philippine cinema, he starred in such classics directed by Gregorio Fernandez as Kundiman ng Lahi, Luksang Tagumpay and Malvarosa with Charito Solis, Rebecca del Rio and Vic Silayan for LVN Pictures, Inc…His real name was Luis Enriquez from Zamboanga City (FAP). Eddie Rodriguez who was once played father to Vilma Santos in Vilma’s child star years later became her leading man in smash hits Nakakahiya and the sequel Hindi Nakakahiya. Total Number of films with Vilma Santos: 10 (Nakakahiya, Hindi Nakakahiya, Simula ng Walang Katapusan, Halik sa Paa Halik sa Kamay, Hiwalay, Mga Mata ni Angelita, Kay Tagal ng Umaga, Hindi Nahahati ang Langit, Kasalanan Kaya?, Sino ang may Karapatan?)…” – RV (READ MORE)
The Director – “…Luis Enriquez aka Eddie Rodriguez first directed a young Vilma Santos in 1968 Kasalanan Kaya, another love triangle genre starring the dramatic trio of Marlene Dauden, Eddie Rodriguez and Lolita Rodriguez. Vilma received an early acting recognitions from this film by receiving a FAMAS Nomination for Best Supporting Actress. When Enriquez directed Vilma again, it was a calculated risk that allowed a still young Vilma into a bikini-clad lead role opposite his director himself, Eddie Rodriguez. The film, Nakakahiya, a may-december affair between an older man and a young woman was an entry to 1975 Bacolod City Film Festival. Aside from making the the film a smash hit, Vilma received the festival’s Best Actress. Enriquez will direct Vilma in five more films, the last one was ExWife in 1981 where surprisingly Luis used in film credits his screen name, Eddie Rodriguez…” – RV (READ MORE)
Mr. and Miss R.P. Movies “…Hit na hit sa takilya at Patok ang Mr. and Miss R.P. Movies na sina Eddie Rodriguez at Vilma Santos, ang nagkamit ng award bilang “Pinakamahusay na actor at actress sa Bacolod Film Festival para sa pelikulang “Nakakahiya.” At hindi lamang iyan. Nakamit din ng pelikulang ito ang mga sumusunod: Best Picture, best screenplay, best director, best sound, at best film editing awards. Isang bagay lamang ang ikinalulungkot ng mga taga-Bacolod. Hindi nakarating sina Eddie at Vilma upang tanggapin ang kanilang awards. At ang pinakahuling karangalang tinanggap ng dalawang sikat na tambalang ito ay ang pagkakapili sa kanilang dalawa bilang Mr. and Miss R. P. Movies ng taong ito. Isang karangalan ang mapiling Mr. and Miss R. P. Movies. Iisa lamang ang kahulugan nito ang mataas na pagpapahalaga sa kanilang dalawa ng pelikulang Tagalog bilang mga pangunahing alagad ng sining. At hindi naman alangan ang pagkakahirang kina Eddie at Vilma sapagkat kapwa sila dedicated sa kanilang propesyon. Si Eddie, bukod sa isang mahusay na actor, director at prodyuser ay isa pa ring mahusay na scriptwriter. At hindi lamang sa pelikula nagdi-direct si Eddie Rodriguez. Maging sa kanyang weekly tv show, ang “Sanyugto” ay siya rin ang director. – …” – Ely L. Jovez (READ MORE)
Eddie Rodriguez aka Luis Enriquez Born Luis Clemente Enriquez on August 23, 1932 in Zamboanga City, Philippines. Famous for his dramatic films with Marlene Dauden and Lolita Rodriguez in the 60s. He wrote, produced and directed films using his birth name Luis Enriquez. On September 12, 2001, Eddie Rodriguez died at the young age of age 69. FAP: One of the greatest dramatic actors of Philippine cinema, he starred in such classics directed by Gregorio Fernandez as Kundiman ng Lahi, Luksang Tagumpay and Malvarosa with Charito Solis, Rebecca del Rio and Vic Silayan for LVN Pictures, Inc. He won a best actor FAMAS trophy for his performance in Sapagkat Kami’y Tao Lamang where he co-starred with Lolita Rodriguez and Marlene Dauden (who won as best supporting actress) under the direction of Armando de Guzman for Hollywood Far East Productions. He tried his hands in secret agent films like Paolo Staccato and Perro Gancho. He formed Virgo Productions with wife Liza Moreno, an actress-writer who wrote stories which Eddie acted in and directed. These films included Babae, Ikaw ang Dahilan, Kasalanan Mo, Ang Pagsintang Labis, Kapag Pusoy Sinugatan, Iginuhit sa Buhangin, Alaala mo, Daigdig ko, Bakit Ako Pa?, and Ikaw. Dubbed as the country’s drama king, he also directed Kung Kailangan Mo Ako (with Sharon Cuneta and Rudy Fernandez), Maging Sino Ka Man and Di Na Natuto (with Sharon Cuneta and Robin Padilla) Minsan Pa and Kahit Konting Pagtingin (with Fernando Poe Jr. and Sharon Cuneta). His real name was Luis Enriquez from Zamboanga City. – RV (READ MORE)
Eddie Rodriguez and Vilma Santos
Numbers of films Together: 10 – As Vilma’s leading man – 5: (Nakakahiya, Hindi Nakakahiya, Simula ng Walang Hanggan, Halik sa Paa Halik sa Kamay, Hiwalay); Vilma Santos as child star: 4 (Hindi Nahahati ang Langit , Kay Tagal ng Umaga, Kasalanan Kaya? Sino Ang May Karapatan?); Eddie Rodriguez as director: 6 (Nakakahiya, Hindi Nakakahiya, Simula ng Walang Hanggan, Halik sa Paa Halik sa Kamay, Kasalanan Kaya, Ikaw Lamang)
Hiwalay (1981) – “…Dagdag pa ni Vilma, “Pero isa rin sa pinakapaborito ko is Dindo Fernando. Si Dindo, na yumao noong 1987, ay nakapareha ni Vilma sa mga pelikulang gaya ng Langis at Tubig (1980), Hiwalay (1981), T-Bird At Ako (1982), Gaano Kadalas Ang Minsan (1982), Baby Tsina (1984), at Muling Buksan Ang Puso (1985)…” – Rico Jr (READ MORE)
Halik sa paa, halik sa kamay (1979) – “…Directed by Luis Enriquez…Halik sa Paa Halik sa Kamay earned Vilma Santos a best actress nomination from 1979 FAMAS Awards….” – RV (READ MORE)
Simula ng walang katapusan (1978) – “…She had the likes of Eddie Mesa, Tony Ferrer and, of course, real-life love Eddie Rodriguez, as leading men on the big screen. With Eddie, two movies stand out in Carmen’s memory: “Malayo Man, Malapit Din” and “Simula ng Walang Katapusan” (the latter co-starred Vilma Santos). The way Carmen remembers it, her own love story with Eddie could rival the best silver screen romances. “We first got together when I was 16. It was just puppy love. My mom adored him, but I thought he was boring, stiff and too formal.” Two decades after that initial encounter, their paths crossed again. “We starred in a film on the life of Gen. Jose Rancudo. We were both separated [from our spouses] then.” That time around, it was a relationship of equals, she says. “We were both successful in our careers and both mature.” Eventually, they also separated…” – Bayani San Diego Jr., Philippine Daily Inquirer 10/09/2008 (READ MORE)
Hindi nakakahiya, Part II (1976) – “…Starring Eddie Rodriguez who was married to Barbara Perez who was the best friend of Gloria Romero whose daughter (again!) Vilma Santos fell in love with Mr. Rodriguez, Vilma’s first of May-December flicks. Oh, what a shame and a scandal in the family. A Morality play? You betcha. It’s the 70’s and the times they were changin’. Nakakahiya? Vilma donned a bikini for the first time and the public did not mind. Vilma and Eddie were so good that they triumphed at the Bacolod City Film Festival. Best Picture. Best Director. Best Actress. Best Actor. Beating the likes of Nora Aunor and Gerry De Leon. Ms. Romero and Ms. Perez did not mind second billings. It’s the role that mattered most…” – Mario Garces (READ MORE)
Nakakahiya 1 (1975) – “…Starring Eddie Rodriguez who was married to Barbara Perez who was the best friend of Gloria Romero whose daughter (again!) Vilma Santos fell in love with Mr. Rodriguez, Vilma’s first of May-December flicks. Oh, what a shame and a scandal in the family. A Morality play? You betcha. It’s the 70′s and the times they were changin’. Nakakahiya? Vilma donned a bikini for the first time and the public did not mind. Vilma and Eddie were so good that they triumphed at the Bacolod City Film Festival. Best Picture. Best Director. Best Actress. Best Actor. Beating the likes of Nora Aunor and Gerry De Leon. Ms. Romero and Ms. Perez did not mind second billings. It’s the role that mattered most…” – Mario Garces (READ MORE)
Kasalanan kaya? (1968) – “…Kung sa pagpupunyagi kong marating ang rurok ng tagumpay at makalimot sa mga mahal sa buhay,…kasalanan kaya?…..Kung ang aking pagmamahal at mga pagpapakasakit ang maging katumbas ay ang pagwawalang bahala at kapabayaan ng aking asawa at siya’y iniwan ko,…kasalanan kaya?…..Kung sa pakikiramay ko sa dalamhati ng iba at sa aking puso’y kusang kumatok ang tawag ng pag-ibig,…kasalanan kaya?…..” Ang award winning na pelikula ng Virgo Films na inilahok sa 3rd Manila Film Festival na Kasalanan Kaya? (June 16, 1968) ay pinangunahan nina Vi, Eddie Rodriguez, Lolita Rodriguez, Marlene Dauden, Roderick Paulate, Renato Robles at Nello Nayo na idinerek ni Luis Enriquez. Si Louise de Mesa ang gumawa ng kasaysayan samantalang si Tommy C. David ang gumawa ng iskrip. Ang pelikulang ito ay nagkamit ng walong parangal mula sa Manila Film Festival…..best drama picture, best actor (Eddie Rodriguez), best actress (Lolita Rodriguez, best director (Luis Enriquez), best child actor (Roderick Paulate), best story (Louise de Mesa), best music (Tony Maiquez) at best sound (Flaviano Villareal). Si Vi naman ang best supporting actress ng San Beda College. Si Louise de Mesa ay nanalo ng FAMAS best story…..” – Alfonso Valencia (READ MORE)
Sino ang may karapatan? (1968) – “…Ligaya sa unang pag-ibig, sa dibdib ay natanim, nguni’t nang magkalayo ibang puso ang umangkin…..sino ang may karapatan? una o pangalawang damdamin sa kaligayahang walang maliw?…..” Sino Ang May Karapatan? (November 16, 1968) ang pelikulang pinangunahan nina Vi, Lolita Rodriguez, Eddie Rodriguez, Marlene Dauden, Renato Robles, Patricia Mijares at Marifi na idinerek ni Ding de Jesus at iskrip ni Jose Flores Sibal…” – Alfonso Valencia (READ MORE)
Hindi nahahati ang langit (1966) – “…The greatest love story of all time is now a great motion picture…..” Hindi Nahahati Ang Langit (January 9, 1966) na pinangunahan nina Vi, Lolita Rodriguez, Marlene Dauden, Eddie Rodriguez, Carina Mujer, Ben Perez at Mary Walter. Inihandog ito ng Larry Santiago Productions sa direksiyon ni Lauro Pacheco. Si Jose Flores Sibal ang gumawa ng istorya….” – Alfonso Valencia (READ MORE)
Kay tagal ng umaga (1965) – “…The team that conquers the dramatic world…..nakakainip na paghihintay…..” Kay Tagal Ng Umaga (August 23, 1965) na pinangunahan nina Vi, Lolita Rodriguez, Marlene Dauden, Eddie Rodriguez at Vilma Valera. Ito ay napakinggan sa DZRH Radio sponsored by Darigold at prinudyos ng Larry Santiago Productions sa direksiyon ni Lauro Pacheco. Si Aning Bagabaldo ang gumawa ng istorya samantalang si Jose Flores Sibal ang sa iskrip…” – Alfonso Valencia (READ MORE)
Maria Cecilia (1965) – “…A DZXL Radio and Tagumpay Magazine serial sponsored by Procter & Gamble PMC na pinangunahan nina Vi, Van de Leon, Jose Mari, Alona Alegre, Tony Cruz Jr. at Marlene Dauden bilang Maria Cecilia (May 15, 1965) ay prinudyos ng Larry Santiago Productions. Ito ay sinulat ni Susana C. de Guzman.samantalang ang iskrip at direksiyon ay si Ding M. de Jesus…” – Alfonso Valencia (READ MORE)
The Actor – “…Ever since Lino Brocka stumbled upon Christopher de Leon in a gas station and heard the bells ringing in his head, his reputation as director began to be exceeded only by his reputation as star-builder, “actors, not stars,” Brocka want to say but the patina of showbiz glamor has always rubbed off on his discoveries whether they like it or not….The bells have chimed once again. And now Phillip Salvador. With or without his first solo pucture, “Jaguar,” Phillip is already a star. He does not like the imposition it makes on his lifestyle – on his choice of friends, of clothes, even of habits, of favorite wateing places. Yet he, more than any of Lino’s other protegees knows the value of the status he has now achieved. Afterall, unlike Boyet and Bembol who were unknows catapulted to overnight stardom, Phillip was around for seven long years, aching for a break, knowing in his bones that he had what it takes, pitying himself at times, but never giving up. He was not one of showman Lou Salvador Sr’s hundred or so children for nothing…” – Bibsy M. Carballo, TV Times, August 1979 (READ MORE)
In his Blood – “…Remember him as Celia Rodribuez’s oversexed, ex-basketball star husband in the four episode comedy Spagkat Kami’y Mga Misis Lamang, his biggest role before his bigger break? Not likely, rmember him in Lirio Vital’s barrio sweetheart in Anino ng Araw, or as Vilma Santos’ gangmate in Batya’t Palu-palo, or as Jun Aristorenas’ side-kick in Tatak ng Agila, or as the young rebel in Adios Mi Amor, the Susan Roces-Eddie Gutierrez re-team up where he had his screen debut in 1971? I bet you don’t. Inconsequential roles all, yes, that hardly left any imprint in the public memory. But he is a Salvador, you remind him, and he could have gotten a better deal. The name may help open doors, agrees this youngest boy (he’s 24) in brood of, would you believe, 102 offspring (count them) but once the doors are opened, you will hvae to stand on your own and if you have talent, it will get you there, don’t worry. Not that Philip didn’t have talent he just didn’t get the right vehicle. Because the acting fever is in his blood, Philip acted true to his nature. He quit school when he was in second year of commerce at the Jose Rizal College and joined FPJ Productions, determined to land the role while, on the side, he played with Ronnie Poe’s all-star basketball team. For seven years, he drifted along, never losing hope, never losing enthusiasm…Last year, while doing the Gom-Bur-Za episode of Lahing Pilipino, Lino needed an actor to play the leader of the squad that captured the three martyr priest. Film editor Augusto Salvador suggested Phillip. “Lino made me walk,” Phillip recalls. What kind of walk, he asked. “Just walk,” Lino told him, “a casual walk.” And so Phillip walked, steadfast like a soldier, his body as firm and graceful as a leopard’s and Lino said to himself, “Eureka!” What Phillip didn’t know was, at that time, Lino was scouting around for an actor who could play Stanley Kowalski in Flores. It was only on the last shooting day of Lahi did he break the good news to Phillip…” – Ricardo F. Lo (READ MORE)
Phillip “Ipe” Salvador (born Phillip Mikael Reyes Salvador on August 22, 1953) is a three-time FAMAS award-winning Filipino actor. – Wikipedia (READ MORE)
Philip Salvador and Vilma Santos
Adultery: Aida Macaraeg Case No. 7892 (1984) – “…Vilma Santos’ restrained acting in Adultery: Aida Macaraeg 7892 was due to Brocka’s expert direction. We wish he did the same thing to Tolentino and Bonneive in this film. But then, Maging Aking Ka Lamang is a big box-office success. Brocka probably feels that it’s high time he gives the masses what they want. And on this score, Brocka succeeds enormously…” – Luciano E. Soriano, Manila Standard, May 19 1987 (READ MORE)
Baby Tsina (1984) – “…You know, I did a movie before, Baby Tsina, but I wasn’t really Chinese there. In Mano Po 3, I play Lilia Chong-Yang, a socially conscious anti-crime crusader and I get to know more about Chinese culture. We were even taught how to speak Fookien Chinese by a private tutor. Sa dubbing, the coach was there to make sure we’re perfect with our pronunciation of all our Chinese lines…” – Mario E. Bautista (READ MORE)
Sinasamba Kita (1982) – “…Sobra pala ang lakas ng “Sinasamba Kita.” Tuwang tuwa sina Vic at Mina del Rosario. They started with 38 theatres, by the weekend, 41 theatres na ang nagpapalabas ng pelikula. After 6 days, kumita na ito ng P5,207,416.00. After a week’s time, almost P6 million na ito…” – Billy Balbastro (READ MORE)
Rubia Servios (1978) – “…Simplistiko ang materyal at lalong simplistiko ang pamamaraan ni O’Hara sa karakterisasyon. Nagmumukha tanga ang mga tauhan (si Rubia at si Norman) samantalang medical students at naturingang doktor pa naman sial. Tinatakot na sila’y hindi pa sila humingi ng proteksiyon sa pulis. Ginahasa na si Rubia ay nakipagtagpo pa sa sementeryong madilim nang nag-iisa at nagpaganda pa mandin siya nang husto. At ang asawa niya’y wala ring utak. Biro mong sinundan ang asawa sa sementeryo nang nag-iisa! Dapat nga palang magkaganito sila kung napakakitid ng kanilang utak. Sa direksiyon ni Brocka, lumitaw ang galing ni Vilma Santos, at nakontrol ang labis na pagpapagalaw ng kanyang labi. Mahusay din ang eksena ng gahasa. Si Philip Salvador naman ay tulad sa isang masunuring estudyante na sinusunod lahat ang direksiyon ng guro. Kitang-kita mo sa kanyang pagganap ang bawat tagubiling pinaghihirapan niyang masunod: kilos ng mata, buntong-hininga, galaw ng daliri, kislot ng kilay. Limitado ang kanyang kakayahan at makikia ito sa kanyang mukha (na limitado rin). Walang-wala rtio si Mat Ranillo III, na parang pinabayaan para lalong lumitaw ang papel at pag-arte ni Salvador. Samantala, ang kamera ni Conrado Salvador ay hindi gaanong nakalikha ng tension at suspense, bukod sa napakaliwanang ng disenyo ng produksiyon ang pagbabago ng mga tauhan sa loob ng pitong taon batay sa estilo ng damit at buhok…” – Justino M. Dormiendo, Sagisag, February 1979 (READ MORE)
Bato Sa Buhangin (1976) – “…I really felt very sad as he’s one of the kindest men I ever met. We’ve done three films together. The first one was when I was only 19-years-old, Batya’t Palo-Palo, a big hit. He was the one who taught me how to swim while we were shooting that movie. Before that, I did Dyesebel where I played a mermaid but I didn’t even know how to swim. This was followed by Bato sa Buhangin. Our last film together was Ikaw ang Mahal Ko, which I did after I gave birth to Ryan Christian. Kuya Ronnie is a gentleman in the strictest sense of the word. Talagang maasikaso siya sa lahat ng kasama niya sa shooting and he feeds everyone with great food all the time. He’s fun to work with kasi palabiro siya at masaya talaga kasama. The whole industry will miss him…” – Mario E. Bautista (READ MORE)
Batya’t Palu-Palo (1974) – “…Two newly-proclaimed box office champions of Philippine movies star in FPJ Productions’ upcoming 13th anniversary presentations, “Batya’t Palu Palo,” a situation comedy about a rich heiress who disguises as a lowly washerwoman in order to find out for herself the true meaning of love. Dilineating the lead roles are Fernando Poe Jr. and Vilma Santos who star for the first time together. Now being filmed among the lush greens of Hacienda Luisita in Tarlac, “Batya’t Palu Palo” hopes to make people forget the humdrum activities of this world. A wholesome family entertainment, the flick will have Ronnie step down from his throne as the country’s number one action star to the down-to-earth role of Berting, a haceinda hand who nevertheless, catches the attention of the young rich and quiete spolied Estella. Directed by ace meg man Pablo Santiago, “Batya’t Palu Palo” is scripted by Fred Navarro, base on a story by Ronwaldo Reyes…” – FPJ-Da King Blogspot (READ MORE)
Star For All Seasons 
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